Thanks to advancements in medical technology, PRK and LASIK surgeries aren’t typically painful procedures. Here are a few things to expect regarding pain and laser eye surgery.
HOW LONG WILL SURGERY TAKE?
PRK and LASIK are usually done in an outpatient setting, which means you will have treatment and be able to go home the same day. The procedure only takes a few minutes for each eye, and most patients are done with surgery within about 15 minutes.
Even though surgery is fast, you will need to plan a couple hours of time at our clinic. We will ask you to arrive early so you can fill out necessary paperwork, and we will also do the pre-surgical examination and talk with you about what to expect during surgery.
Once eye surgery is complete, you will be moved into a recovery room where you can rest for a little while before the ophthalmologist looks at your eyes again. After the eye treatment and examination are complete, your eye doctor will allow you to go home under the care of a friend or family member who can drive you home after the appointment.
YOUR COMFORT IS OUR PRIORITY
We want to make sure that you are comfortable before, during, and after PRK or LASIK surgery, and we will do everything possible to make sure the process is seamless. Most of the time, we will have you take a mild oral sedative just before surgery to help you relax.
When it’s time to start surgery, eye drops are administered as a topical anesthetic for the eyes, which is an effective way to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients report feeling pressure on their eyes, but don’t experience any pain while surgery is being performed.
RECOVERING FROM PRK AND LASIK SURGERY
Healing time after PRK or LASIK surgery is very fast, and many patients notice an improvement in their eyesight as soon as 24 to 48 hours after surgery is complete. There may be a bit of discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours, and some patients report feelings of itching. However, you shouldn’t expect any pain during this time. Your eye doctor will provide you with medicated drops to care for your eyes to speed up the healing process and lower the risk for infection.
Are you interested in having PRK or LASIK surgery? Call Silverstein Eye Centers today to make an appointment for an eye exam.