Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

Laser eye surgery, including popular treatments such as LASIK, has transformed the lives of millions of patients worldwide by reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.

 If you are considering the procedure, one of the most common questions is: “Is laser eye surgery painful?” 

The short answer is no – but like any medical treatment, there are important details to understand about the process, the science behind it, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Contact Laser Vision to find out about LASIK eye surgery, and ask about its safety and outcomes. Click here or call 0808 304 5174 today!

Understanding the Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

During LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon uses a specialised laser to reshape the cornea, improving how light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. 

This correction addresses common vision problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

The entire procedure is usually completed in under 30 minutes, and patients are awake the whole time. 

A numbing drop is applied to the eye, so while you may feel mild pressure, you should not feel pain. 

The advanced technology used in modern laser treatments allows for remarkable precision, making the process safe, effective, and minimally invasive.

Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?

Thanks to the numbing drops applied before the treatment, most patients report feeling no pain during the surgery itself.

 Some describe a sensation of pressure or slight discomfort for a few seconds when the corneal flap is created, but this is brief. 

After surgery, your eyes may feel a little dry, itchy, or watery for a few hours. 

These side effects are completely normal and usually settle within 24–48 hours.

Who Is Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?

Not every patient is the right candidate for laser vision correction. 

Generally, you may be suitable if you:

• Are over 18 and have had stable vision for at least 12 months
• Have a prescription within treatable ranges for LASIK or LASEK
• Do not have significant eye health conditions such as glaucoma or severe dry eye
• Are in good overall health

A thorough consultation, including scans and measurements of your eyes, is essential to determine whether this is the best treatment option for you.

 If your eye conditions are deemed suitable by our team during your appointment, our doctor can discuss laser eye surgery with you. 

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

Choosing laser eye surgery comes with a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improved vision – many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
• Quick recovery – most can return to normal activities within a day or two
• Long-lasting results – vision improvement is typically permanent
• Freedom from glasses and contact lenses – offering convenience in daily life and sports

Risks and Considerations

Like any medical procedure, laser vision correction carries potential risks.

 While complications are rare, it’s important for patients to be aware of them:

• Temporary side effects such as dry eyes, halos, or glare at night
• Risk of infection if aftercare instructions are not followed
• In sporadic cases, under- or over-correction requiring enhancement surgery

Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimise these risks and will discuss them with you in detail during your consultation. 

Don’t Be Afraid, Just Informed

So, is laser eye surgery painful?

For the vast majority of patients, the answer is no.

Thanks to advanced technology, skilled eye surgeons with extensive experience, and precise treatment processes, the surgery is quick, effective, and virtually painless. 

The key is to gather all the right information, weigh up the benefits and risks, and have an open discussion with your surgeon about your expectations and suitability. 

Thanks to the clarity and advice of laser surgery specialists, people can make an informed decision. 

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a clearer vision, book a consultation with Laser Vision today and discover how safe, simple, and life-changing laser eye surgery can be. 

Contact us by clicking here or calling 0808 304 5174 to see if we can help improve your vision, in a safe, painless way, one eye at a time!