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Does LASIK Hurt: Know The Side Effects

Does LASIK Hurt? Get the facts on what to expect during and after the procedure, including common side effects and pain management options.

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Laser eye surgery plays a significant role in modifying the surfaces to improve vision. The cases in which LASIK is standard include nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. In a study, A doctor performed PRK, a laser surgery of an eye, in 1987. From there, the LASIK started in every hospital. The complete form of LASIK is Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Usually, people are confused about Does LASIK Hurt. Many people reported this surgery as painful and more effective in their vision. An expert performs this procedure after the comprehensive inspection. In this blog, I will describe how LASIK is not painful and its importance.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery LASIK is a surgery performed by an experienced specialist under laser refractive surgery.  LASIK surgery precisely cuts the corneal flap or changes the shape of clear, dome-shaped tissue called the cornea. To focus on the retina, the cornea typically curves or refracts light in a normal eye, but this process is disrupted in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Does LASIK Hurt Or Does LASIK Eye surgery hurt?

LASIK is not painful, even though you will need no pressure in your eyes. In this surgery, your anesthesia will provide drops that numb the nerves around the eyes.  The procedure may frighten you, but I assure you there will not be a pain in your eyes. They take a flap in the outer layer of the cornea. They reshape the cornea. You may feel a burning sensation or itchiness and something in your eyes after the procedure.  So, the answer to Does LASIK Hurt? I will also add that You may experience discomfort or mild pain after your surgery because the effect of anesthesia diminishes in some time. 

What are the conditions that LASIK treats? 

I will explain different abnormal conditions that LASIK treats are: 

Nearsightedness -

It is common for a near object to appear clear; however, different things look blurry.  This is because of the shape of the eyes or the abnormal refraction of light through the cornea to the retina. Symptoms of Nearsightedness:

Farsightedness - 

Farsightedness is when a near object appears blurry while a distant object seems clear.  The degree of the condition depends upon the focus ability. It may also get worse over time. Symptoms may include :
  • The near-blurry objects 
  • Squint 
  • Eyestrain 
  • Headache 
  • Lack of focus 

Astigmatism -

Astigmatism is commonly treated for the imperfection in the curvature that causes blurred vision.  Astigmatism occurs when the anterior surface of the lens is mismatched with the curves of the eyeball. Symptoms may include :
  • Blurred vision 
  • Eyestrain 
  • Headache 
  • Difficulty in vision 
  • Squinting 

What if you have severe pain because of LASIK?

severe pain because of LASIK LASIK or any surgery has some complications. Suppose you are experiencing severe pain in your eyes. This denotes some difficulties. It could be an infection or corneal flap displacement. Therefore, it causes severe pain in the eyes though it is rare.  You should consult an eye specialist immediately if you have any issues that indicate complications.  Another point is never to rub your eyes. Nevertheless, it will cause severe communication. 

What are the best practices for eye care after LASIK? 

There are some points that you need to understand. I have listed down a complete guide that helps you avoid complications, and all the steps allow you to recover your eyes thoroughly. 
  • Wear a protective eye shield 
  • Take eye drops on time 
  • Get rest as much as possible 
  • Wear safety goggles 
  • Wear sunglasses 
  • Protect your eyes from sunlight or bright light
  • Save the emergency number in your phone 
  • Regular follow-ups are essential to track your healing process. 

What are things you should avoid? 

There are a few things that you need to consider just after the surgery.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes 
  • Don't drive at night 
  • Avoid using lotion, creams, and makeup after the surgery 
  • Do not enter the bathtub, especially when you undergo a procedure 
  • Avoid smoking rooms 
  • Avoid UV radiation and laser lights 
  • Do not put an old contact lens in your eyes 
  • Do not play sports game 
  • Avoid intensive workouts 

The potential side effects of LASIK -

There are many things that you need to be conscious of. Otherwise, it may worsen your condition.  Severe pain is not normal. It may be linked to communications or adverse responses after the surgeries.  Contact the doctor immediately.  I have listed some side effects that 85 to 98% of people experience after LASIK surgery. 
  • Change in vision 
  • The sand of Sahara syndrome 
  • Corneal flap 
  • Corneal ectasia 
  • Infection 
  • Dry eyes 
  • Halos 
  • Reduced contrast sensitivity 
  • Damage to the retina nerves 
  • New astigmatism 
  • Overcorrection or under-correction 
  • Regression
Rare side effects of LASIK occur in 1/1000 people. 
  • Ischemic optic neuropathy 
  • Retinal detachment 
  • Vitreous hemorrhage 
  • Posterior vitreous detachment 
  • Vision loss 

What are technological improvements in LASIK?

As we can see, robotics perform surgeries better than human hands. It is one of the most effective surgeries, reducing pain and complications.  Epi-LASIK has been potent for one of the most effective eye surgeries. You cannot avoid pain after the surgery. However, it is not like you cannot tolerate it.  You need to know that everyone is not fit for LASIK. If your doctor advises you for another surgery, consider it. Many factors decide whether LASIK works for you.  Also Read: How Long Does LASIK Last?

FAQs  -

Read Also: 6 Common Lasik Surgery Complications

Outlook -

The above article explain how LASIK hurts. I have answered the above. That means if you are thinking of going for LASIK surgery. Remember to consult with a doctor.  They will advise you on the best possibilities for you. I have explained the different conditions, side effects, and dos and don'ts, which you need to be conscious about.  Are you planning to visit a doctor but need clarification about which doctor you can see? Consult with the Credihealth team, which provides the best services for booking an appointment. If you delay today, your eyes delay your vision! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it hurt after the LASIK?

During the surgery, you will not feel pain. However, after the effect of anesthesia, you might have mild pain. The doctor advises you to take painkillers to help you reduce the pain. The result of these painkillers lasts 2 to 4 hours and will take 3 to 4 days.

Can I blink during LASIK?

Blinking and sneezing will not affect the surgery. Therefore, it will hardly affect the procedure. However, it should be avoided.

What does LASIK feel like?

LASIK may give you a burning sensation, itchiness, and something in your eyes. After some time, you may feel the pain. But it will be a mild one.

Do doctors stick needles in our eyes during LASIK?

Injections and needles are not used in LASIK. Instead, anesthetic drops are used for various laser surgeries. Patients stay awake during surgery.

Does LASIK last forever?

Many patients gave good feedback and, through the follow-up, showed effective lifetime results. The success rate is relatively high, so people love to go for LASIK surgery.

What are the risks of LASIK?

The risk of LASIK are: Dry eyes Blurry vision Flap problems Overcorrectness

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