Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common and quick procedure designed to correct refractive errors. Many patients worry about being “put to sleep” with general anesthesia. The straightforward answer is no; LASIK is not performed under general anesthesia, which induces a state of controlled unconsciousness. Instead, the procedure uses a localized approach, ensuring the patient remains awake and responsive throughout the brief treatment.
Topical Numbing and Mild Sedation
The primary method for pain management during LASIK is the use of topical anesthetic eye drops. These drops, which commonly contain agents such as proparacaine, are administered directly to the surface of the eye. These agents completely numb the cornea, effectively blocking pain signals from the eye’s nerve endings and making the surgery painless.
This localized anesthesia is efficient and avoids the systemic risks associated with general anesthesia. The numbing effect is fast-acting and lasts long enough to cover the surgery, which is typically only a few minutes per eye. For patients who experience anxiety, a mild oral sedative is often offered beforehand. This anti-anxiety medication, such as Valium, promotes relaxation without causing the patient to lose consciousness.
The Need for Patient Cooperation
The necessity of the patient remaining conscious is a procedural requirement linked to the precision of the laser treatment. The surgery requires the patient to fixate their gaze on a target light within the laser machine. Maintaining this steady visual focus is essential for the surgeon to accurately position the eye and apply the laser energy to the cornea.
The advanced laser systems used in LASIK are equipped with sophisticated eye-tracking technology. This system constantly monitors minute eye movements, making real-time adjustments to ensure the laser remains centered on the treatment area. This technology works best when the patient is cooperative and can follow instructions, a requirement general anesthesia would make impossible. General anesthesia is also associated with a greater risk of complications and is unnecessary for this short, minimally invasive procedure.
Sensory Experience During LASIK
While the numbing drops eliminate pain, the patient will still perceive various physical sensations during the procedure. One distinct sensation is pressure, which occurs when a suction ring is applied to the eye to stabilize it for corneal flap creation. This pressure can cause a temporary dimming or blackout of vision in the treated eye.
The patient will also hear the sound of the excimer laser as it reshapes the corneal tissue. This sound is often described as a rapid clicking or buzzing noise. Some patients report a faint odor during the laser application, which is the smell of the corneal tissue being vaporized. Despite these sensations, the entire process is completed quickly, and the numbing drops ensure there is no pain.