Laser eye surgery has become a preeminent choice for many people seeking to attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But the prospect of undergoing any kind of eye surgery can be daunting. One of the most common concerns patients have is whether they’ll be aware of what’s happening during the procedure. Are you awake during laser eye surgery? This simplified article will address this concern and provide a comprehensive overview of laser eye surgery, including its types, benefits, and what to expect during the process.
Remaining Awake During Laser Surgery
The short answer is yes; you will typically be awake during most laser eye surgeries. Unlike traditional surgical procedures that require general anaesthesia to put you to sleep, every laser refractive surgery relies on local sedation using anaesthetic drops.
Why Stay Awake During A Laser Eye Surgical Procedure?
Enhanced Accuracy And Precision
LASIK surgery and other similar treatments rely on the precise application of an advanced laser beam to reshape the cornea and correct vision. Unlike traditional surgical procedures with larger incisions, even minor movements during laser eye surgeries can significantly impact the outcome. By staying awake, you can actively participate in the process.
Reduced Risk Of Complications
Patient movement during surgery can increase the risk of complications. Remaining awake allows for clear communication with your ophthalmic surgeons. They can provide instructions and reassurance throughout the procedure, helping you stay calm and focused.
This minimises the risk of involuntary movements and allows the surgeon to identify and address any potential issues immediately.
Comfort And Anxiety Management
The prospect of any eye surgery can understandably cause anxiety. Being awake while undergoing surgery allows you to be aware of your surroundings and participate in the process.
This can be a calming factor for the vast majority of patients, compared to the complete unconsciousness associated with general anaesthesia. The short duration of the procedure, typically just a few minutes per eye, further contributes to a less anxiety-provoking experience.
Open Communication And Real-Time Feedback
Staying awake facilitates clear communication between you and your surgical team. The surgeon can explain each step of the procedure and answer any questions you may have in real time.
You can also provide feedback about any discomfort you might experience, allowing the surgeon to adjust their approach accordingly. This open communication fosters trust and a sense of control, contributing to a more positive surgical experience.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Scary Or Painful? Addressing Common Concerns
The concept of being awake during laser eye surgery can understandably cause apprehension for some patients.
However, modern advancements in laser technology, anaesthetic approaches, and surgical techniques have significantly minimised any discomfort or anxiety associated with the procedure.
Here’s a breakdown to alleviate these common concerns:
Pre-Operative Consultation
During this consultation, your eye specialist will discuss the procedure in detail, including the specific steps involved, the technology used, and the expected outcomes. This detailed explanation will familiarise you with the process and reduce your fear of the unknown.
Additionally, your surgeon will proactively address your concerns, answering your questions openly and honestly.
By understanding what to expect, you can feel more prepared and in control on the day of surgery.
Topical Anaesthesia
Modern laser eye surgery procedures are performed using topical anaesthetic eye drops. These drops effectively numb the surface of the eye, eliminating much pain during the laser treatment.
You might feel some pressure or a slight tugging sensation as the surgeon manipulates the eyelids or positions the eye during the procedure. However, these sensations are generally mild and well-tolerated by most patients.
Your surgeon will communicate with you throughout the procedure, explaining what you might feel and reassuring you that any discomfort is temporary.
Mild Sedative
In some cases, depending on your individual needs, your doctor may recommend a mild sedative medication before the procedure. This medication won’t put you to sleep, but it can help you relax and feel calmer during the surgery.
Different Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery offers a variety of vision correction procedures, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here’s a closer look at three of the most common types:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most widely performed laser vision correction surgery. During LASIK, an excimer laser creates a thin flap in the cornea’s outer layer (the clear dome at the front of the eye). The surgeon then folds back this flap to access the underlying corneal tissue.
A femtosecond laser is then used to reshape the cornea with extreme precision, correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is gently repositioned and heals naturally, adhering to the underlying tissue. LASIK offers a relatively quick recovery time with minimal discomfort.
SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE® is a more advanced laser vision correction technique than LASIK. Like LASIK, SMILE® uses a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule, a tiny disc of corneal tissue, within the cornea. However, unlike LASIK, SMILE® doesn’t require creating a corneal flap.
Instead, the femtosecond laser also creates a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon uses specialised instruments to remove the lenticule, reshape the cornea, and correct vision through this incision.
SMILE® offers several potential advantages over LASIK, including less corneal weakening, faster visual recovery, and a potentially lower risk of dry eye. However, SMILE® is a newer technique that may not suit everyone.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is the older laser vision correction procedure. Unlike LASIK and SMILE®, PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to directly ablate (remove) the surface layer of the corneal tissue to reshape it and correct vision.
After the laser operation, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to reinforce healing. The recovery time for PRK is typically longer than that for LASIK, and patients may experience more temporary discomfort following the procedure.
However, PRK can be a good option for patients with thin corneas who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
Navigating The Day Of Your Procedure
The day of your laser eye surgery can be a mix of excitement and nervousness. To ensure a smooth and positive experience, here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect:
Pre-Operative Preparations
In the days before your surgery, you’ll need to avoid wearing contact lenses and follow specific instructions regarding eye makeup and medications.
The Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be positioned comfortably in a reclining chair. Numbing eye drops will be administered, and a device will keep your eyelids open. The eye specialist will then use the laser (excimer and femtosecond) to reshape your cornea according to your specific needs.
Post-Operative Care
Following the procedure, you’ll likely experience some temporary blurriness. Your eye surgeon will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, including using medicated eye drops and wearing protective eye shields while sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is everyone a great candidate for laser eye surgery?
Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. During your initial consultation, your eye specialist will assess your eye health, corneal thickness, and other factors to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Can I blink or move my eyes during surgery?
While staying still is important, modern laser eye surgery technology is very advanced. The lasers used in these procedures track eye movements thousands of times per second. This means that even if you make a small, involuntary blink, the laser will automatically adjust and continue treatment precisely.
What is the recovery time for laser eye surgery?
Most patients experience some blurriness for a few days following surgery. However, vision improves rapidly, and most people achieve clear vision within a week. The complete healing process can take several weeks, and follow-up visits with your surgeon are crucial to monitor progress.
A Brighter Future With Laser Vision Correction: A Final Note
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, a consultation with an ophthalmologist will enable you to know your candidature and learn more about this vision correction option.
Contact Dr Edward Roufail, Melbourne, VIC, at (03) 9071 0180 to enjoy a relaxing experience with your eye laser procedures!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
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Kidd, B., et al. “Screening for Psychiatric Distress and Low Self-esteem in Patients Presenting for Excimer Laser Surgery for Myopia.” Journal of Refractive Surgery, vol. 13, no. 1, Jan. 1997, pp. 40–98. https://doi.org/10.3928/1081-597x-19970101-11.
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“What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?” U.S. Food And Drug Administration, 11 July 2018, www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery.
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Yetman, Daniel. “Does Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK) Hurt?” Healthline, 4 Feb. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/does-laser-eye-surgery-hurt.
