Is laser eye surgery painful?

In one of our latest articles below, esteemed consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Sundeep Kheterpal, details how exactly laser eye surgery works, and outlines what results patients can expect after undergoing laser eye surgery.

How does laser eye surgery work, and how does it improve sight?

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye in order to correct various vision-related problems, such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The most common type of laser eye surgery is called LASIK.

During a typical LASIK procedure, a laser is used to create a small flap in the patient’s cornea, and then a second laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue. This reshaping of the cornea helps to redirect the light entering the eye, which improves the patient's overall vision.

What makes a person suitable, or not suitable, for laser eye surgery?

Factors that can make a person suitable for laser eye surgery include being over 18 years of age, having a stable eye prescription for at least a year, and having healthy eyes that are known to be free from diseases or injuries. People who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases may not be suitable for laser eye surgery.

Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding may also be advised to wait before undergoing the procedure. Additionally, people with very high prescriptions or very thin corneas may not be suitable for the procedure.

Is laser eye surgery painful?

Most people do not find laser eye surgery to be painful. Having said that though, some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience some dryness, itchiness, or mild discomfort in the eyes, but thankfully, these symptoms typically resolve fairly quickly.

Is laser eye surgery safe?

It is a very safe procedure and one that has been performed on millions of patients worldwide. As with any surgical procedure, though, there are some risks involved, such as infection, inflammation, and dry eye.

How long do the effects of laser eye surgery last for?

The effects of laser eye surgery can be long-lasting, but they may not be permanent. Some patients may experience a gradual decline in vision over time, which may require a touch-up procedure or the use of glasses or contacts. However, most patients will notice a significant improvement in their vision after undergoing laser eye surgery.

If you are considering undergoing laser eye surgery, make sure to contact Mr Sundeep Kheterpal today. You can do so via his Top Doctors profile.