LASIK eye surgery promises clear vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Thousands of people worldwide trust this method for improved vision.
An extensive review of over 2,000 LASIK patients found that, on average, 95 out of 100 people were satisfied with the results. In different studies, satisfaction ranged from about 87% to 100%.
Despite this high number of positive results, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. One of the most common concerns of people undergoing LASIK is, “Are you awake during LASIK?”
It is true that you are awake during LASIK, but there are several reasons why the doctors do so. In this guide, we will explore the LASIK procedure to understand why it is important to keep you awake during the procedure.
Are You Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Yes, you are awake during the LASIK eye surgery. However, there is no need to be anxious or frightened because it is entirely normal.
The fact is that it is required to keep you awake during the surgery for your own safety and the success of the surgery. Here are the reasons why you are awake during LASIK.
- This is a quick procedure and takes only 15 minutes for each eye. Therefore, there is no need to make you unconscious or sleepy.
- Your eye surgeon needs your cooperation to achieve the most precise results. You will be asked to focus on a small light during the procedure. This allows the laser to align perfectly with your visual axis.
- It is a completely pain-free procedure. You just feel a little bearable pressure.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
Here is what you can expect before the procedure.
- If you have more than usual eye dryness, you will be instructed to use some drops to eliminate dryness before the surgery.
- Instead of anesthesia, numbing drops are used to soften your corneal tissues and minimise the sensations in them.
- Some people feel very anxious after hearing that they will be awake during the surgery. They can move their face and interrupt their treatment. For such people, sedative therapy is used to calm them during the surgery.
- You may feel a little pressure. Some people think it is just like placing their contact lenses on their eyes.
What Happens During LASIK While You Are Awake?
Here is the complete process of what happens during the surgery.
Step1: Preparation
You are instructed to sit comfortably in a reclining chair. After that, your doctor gives you sedative or numbing drops. A retainer is used to hold your eyes open.
Step 2: Flap Creation
After numbing and preparing, the doctor uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in your corneal surface.
Step 3: Reshaping of the Cornea
Now, a laser is used to remove a microscopic amount of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. This laser has tracking technology that monitors the movement of your eye 4000+ times per second.
Step 4: Completion
After the reshaping of the cornea, the flap is placed back without stitching. It heals naturally.
How to Address Common Concerns Like Blinking, Moving, or Sneezing
Various tools are used to keep you in your place and detect your movements. For example, a blinking retainer is used to hold your eyes open and prevent them from blinking. Laser has a tracking and monitoring system. If it detects a movement like sneezing or coughing, its function stops automatically.
This is not all. All the eye surgeons are trained in a way that they can calmly and professionally deal with unconscious movements to make your treatment successful
What If I Feel Nervous About Being Awake?
It is normal to feel nervous or anxious during the procedure. Being awake during the surgery and seeing tools coming towards your eye can be a little frightening. Therefore, there are various methods to keep you calm.
- Doctors use mild sedatives to relax the patients. These drugs create a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
- Doctors explain the complete procedure to their patients and talk to them. Talking to them about the treatment while they are comfortably sitting in a reclining chair makes the patients confident and calm.
- Most patients report that their fear disappears when surgery starts.
Why Staying Awake is Actually Safer
Staying awake during the surgery is safer due to various aspects. Firstly, anesthesia is not needed for this type of painless procedure. In fact, using anesthesia can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects such as breathing difficulties and slower recovery.
Patients who remain awake, cooperate with their surgeons, and give them feedback have more accurate surgery and better results. On the other hand, local anesthesia helps patients recover faster than other anaesthetics which can lead to complications.
What Happens After the Procedure
Once the procedure is complete, you will start to recover almost immediately. Here is what you can expect:
- Temporary symptoms like watery eyes, slight itchiness, or a gritty feeling
- Eye drops to prevent infection and support healing
- Protective shields to avoid rubbing while you sleep
- Vision begins to sharpen within hours, with most patients seeing 20/40 or better by the next day
Most people return to work and their daily routines within 24 to 48 hours. Follow-up visits help ensure your healing stays on track.
Final Thoughts
We can conclude our discussion about “Are you awake during LASIK work?” by saying yes, you are awake. But it’s not a thing to be frightened or anxious. Instead, staying awake helps you to cooperate with your surgeon, ensures a quick recovery, and eliminates the effects of anesthesia.
LASIK is a pain-free and short surgery (15 minutes for each eye). Your surgeon gives you a mild sedative and local anesthesia, like numbing drops. They also explain the complete procedure to help keep you confident and relaxed.
If you want top-quality LASIK eye treatment, Eye Lasik Austin is a great choice. We have been helping patients for over 25 years and have earned the trust of thousands by delivering excellent care.
