written or reviewed by
L. Dean Flanders, M.D.

Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?

LASIK eye surgery is a widely popular procedure designed to correct refractive vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. One of the most common concerns individuals have when considering LASIK is whether the surgery is painful. The good news is that the vast majority of patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, and the short answer to the question “Does LASIK hurt?” is no.

During LASIK surgery, the eye is numbed using topical anesthetic eye drops, which means you shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery itself. Some people may experience a sensation of pressure or slight discomfort for a few seconds, but it is generally not described as painful. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes per eye, making it relatively quick and well-tolerated.  There is no need for anesthesia during LASIK surgery, but a sedative is often given by mouth to calm your nerves.

Does LASIK hurt after surgery?

After LASIK surgery, it’s common to experience some minor discomfort, such as dryness, a gritty sensation, or light sensitivity, but these symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a day. In those first hours home, it may help to keep your eyes closed and get some rest. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a day or two after LASIK, and any residual discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or eye drops. Learn more about LASIK recovery.

The vast majority of individuals who undergo LASIK find the procedure to be a relatively quick and painless way to achieve improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Now that you know LASIK isn’t painful, schedule a free consultation with our LASIK specialists to learn more about this life changing procedure.