 |
|
| Pain is rare with Lasik, but some discomfort may be expected. |
|
| |
|
Potential Discomfort
Some refractive surgery
techniques are associated with more pain than others, but the single
greatest source of discomfort from any refractive surgery technique
will probably be the anxiety and stress of anticipating eye surgery.
Before all types of refractive surgery, an anesthetic is applied to
the eye. You are awake and aware, but you should feel nothing of the
surgery.
Lasik & Pain
Lasik probably wins
the comfort race, as it has the lowest incident of postoperative discomfort,
however pain, itching, an foreign body sensation may occur. Bladeless
Lasik is just behind Lasik with a slightly higher incidence of edema
and associated discomfort. Epi-Lasik and LASEK attempt to limit the
pain that is normally associated with PRK by saving the epithelium.
While discomfort may be less with Epi-Lasik and LASEK than with PRK,
there probably will be some discomfort. PRK is at the bottom of the
list with probably temporary discomfort that is limited by medications.
Personal Response
P-IOL and RLE are lens-based
surgeries that require an incision at the edge of the cornea and manipulation
of the interior of the eye. This is more traditional surgery and is
more associated with discomfort, which is limited by medications.
The healing response
is greatly variable from one patient to another. Some will have PRK
and have absolutely no problems at all. Some will have Lasik and be
miserable for days. What is represented here is a very gross generality.
Complications will dramatically change the level of discomfort one will
experience.
Any postoperative pain
- even expected levels of pain - should be immediately reported to the
doctor. Sometimes pain is an indication of a complication that needs
immediate response.
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
Personalized Answers
If this article did not fully answer your questions, use our
free Ask Lasik Expert patient forum.
