Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2019
Across our Canfield, Alliance, and North Canton offices, we perform numerous laser eye procedures on an annual basis. Having performed laser surgery for several years, we are well aware of the fact that many patients are unsettled by the idea of having a procedure done, even if improved vision will be the result. Of particular concern is the matter of being awake during laser eye surgery and how that may make the procedure painful.
Laser eye surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The procedures that are commonly performed today, including LASIK, PRK, and cataract removal, are some of the safest and most common in the world. Choosing an experienced ophthalmologist for your procedure can increase your peace of mind and improve your overall experience. If you have questions about a procedure that has been recommended for you, we are happy to discuss them.
What is Actually Involved in Laser Eye Surgery?
The steps to laser surgery are determined by the intended correction. Here, we outline some of the common procedures:
Before any laser eye procedure, anesthetic eye drops are administered. This is all it takes to numb the eye for surgery. Some patients may be given a mild sedative to help them undergo their procedure more comfortably.
LASIK
- While the patient lies flat on a surgical table, a thin flap is made on the surface of the cornea at the front of the eye using a femtosecond laser. The energy of the laser may be felt as warmth or pressure, but is not painful.
- Through the flap, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The new shape allows light to pass through the eye more consistently.
- The corneal flap is replaced and a patch may be placed over the eye.
PRK
When LASIK is not an optimal choice (it usually is), patients may choose to correct vision with PRK, or Photorefractive keratectomy.
- While the patient lies flat on the surgical table, a portion of the surface of the cornea is removed.
- The cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser.
- A special contact lens is inserted to bandage the cornea. This will stay in place for approximately 5 days to protect the cornea as the eye heals.
Laser devices used for eye surgery, such as the excimer laser, are actually cold lasers. The energy used to manipulate tissue does not create heat, so laser eye surgery will not burn the eyes.
Misconceptions about laser eye surgery can keep you from having the vision you want. Learn more about the lasers used at Roholt Vision Institute. Contact an office near you for information.
Posted in: Laser Eye Surgery