Laser Vision

Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

Laser Vision Case Studies

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!

 

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Colin D. profile picture
Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward profile picture
Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp profile picture
Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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