LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common surgical procedure that corrects vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Many considering LASIK wonder about the anesthesia and their awareness during the procedure. This article clarifies the anesthetic approach, patient experience, and immediate post-surgery sensations.
Anesthesia for LASIK
Patients undergoing LASIK surgery do not receive general anesthesia, meaning they are not “put to sleep.” Instead, topical anesthetic eye drops are applied directly to the eye’s surface. These drops effectively block pain signals from the ocular nerve, ensuring the procedure is virtually painless.
Patients remain awake and aware throughout the 15 to 30-minute procedure. A mild oral sedative may be offered to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This sedative helps patients remain calm without inducing sleep, as patient cooperation, such as focusing on a light, is important for precise results.
Patient Experience During LASIK
During LASIK, patients are awake and perceive various sensations, though without pain due to the anesthetic drops. They often see bright lights, sometimes green or red, which the surgeon may ask them to focus on to stabilize the eye. Vision may dim or blur briefly during certain stages, particularly when a suction ring is applied to prepare for flap creation.
Patients might also feel pressure on or around the eye, rather than sharp pain, during corneal flap creation. The laser’s clicking or buzzing sound is audible. Despite these perceptions, the anesthetic drops ensure the actual laser treatment, which reshapes the cornea, is not felt.
Immediate Post-Procedure Sensations
Immediately after LASIK surgery, as the topical anesthetic wears off, patients experience temporary sensations. Vision is often hazy or blurry, likened to looking through fog or underwater. Other common sensations include a gritty, sandy, or foreign object feeling in the eyes, which can be accompanied by mild itching or burning.
The eyes may also become watery and sensitive to light in the initial hours following the procedure. These are normal, temporary responses as the eyes begin the healing process, and subside within a few hours to a day. Patients are usually advised to rest with their eyes closed for a few hours after returning home and to avoid rubbing their eyes to ensure proper healing of the corneal flap.