Does Laser Vision Surgery Hurt?

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Video Transcript

Does laser vision surgery hurt?
Hi, I’m Dr Rylan Hayes, ophthalmologist and specialist refractive surgeon here on the Sunshine Coast. During LASIK and PRK, anaesthetic eye drops completely numb the surface of the eye before we begin, so you feel nothing. And during the procedure, most people only feel a little pressure or some cold fluid. Pain is not typical. The experience after surgery is where LASIK and PRK differ. With LASIK, most patients experience only mild discomfort, grittiness, and light sensitivity for the first few hours or a day, and mostly feel normal 24 hours later. With PRK, the recovery is more uncomfortable because the surface of the eye needs to regenerate like a graze on your arm. The first few days, sometimes up to five days, can involve some discomfort: burning, stinging, sensitivity to light. And this is the main reason PRK has a different postoperative experience to LASIK, even though the long-term outcomes between the procedures are equivalent. Prescribed painkillers, anti-inflammatory drops, and a special contact lens is used during the healing process to help manage this pain. So if you have any further questions about what to expect, please come to one of our free eligibility screenings, and we can discuss what’s right for you and what to expect.

Does Laser Vision Surgery Hurt?

Pain during and after laser vision correction is a common concern, and it’s worth distinguishing between the two procedures — LASIK and PRK — as their pain profiles are meaningfully different.

During the procedure (both LASIK and PRK)

Both procedures begin with topical anaesthetic eye drops that numb the surface of the eye. No injections are involved. Once the eye is adequately anaesthetised, the procedure commences.

During LASIK:

• The suction ring used to create the flap may cause a sensation of pressure and temporary dimming of vision for a few seconds — this is normal and passes quickly
• The laser treatment itself is brief and generally well-tolerated
• Pain is not expected during LASIK

During PRK:

• The removal of the epithelial layer is a surface-level step; anaesthetic drops are maintained throughout
• The laser treatment thereafter is the same as LASIK
• Pain is not expected during PRK

After LASIK

The post-LASIK experience is typically mild:

• In the first few hours: grittiness, tearing, light sensitivity, and a desire to keep the eyes closed
• By the next day: most patients are comfortable and noticing significantly improved vision
• A mild aching or tired eye feeling may persist for a few days

Lubricating drops and anti-inflammatory drops manage this discomfort effectively. Most patients do not require oral analgesia beyond paracetamol.

After PRK — a different experience

PRK has a meaningfully more uncomfortable post-operative course than LASIK. Because the epithelial surface must regenerate (typically over 3–5 days), this period involves:

• Burning and stinging sensation — most pronounced on first few days
• Significant light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Watery, irritated eyes
• Fluctuating, blurred vision during healing

A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface and improve comfort during epithelial regeneration. Prescribed drops, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medications are used throughout this phase.

By week 2, most PRK patients are substantially more comfortable, and vision continues to improve over the following weeks and months.

Why choose PRK if recovery is harder?

PRK is the preferred procedure in certain clinical situations — for example, in patients with thinner corneas, in those engaged in high￾contact activities, or where corneal anatomy is not ideal for flap creation. The end visual outcome is equivalent to LASIK. The harder recovery is accepted for the clinical advantages in the right patient and patients who proceed down this route understand this.

Key Takeaways

• Both LASIK and PRK use local anaesthetic eye drops — pain during the procedure is uncommon
• LASIK post-operative discomfort is mild and typically resolves within 24–48 hours
• PRK has a more significant post-operative discomfort phase (days 2–4) as the corneal surface regenerates — managed with medication and a bandage contact lens
• The long-term visual outcomes of both procedures are equivalent

Questions about the laser vision surgery experience?

Book your free eligibility screening with Dr Rylan Hayes at The Vision Surgeon, Maroochydore.

References

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery — Preferred Practice Pattern. aao.org
• Taneri S, et al. Surface ablation techniques. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2011.
• Moshirfar M, et al. LASIK vs PRK: a comparison. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017.