What does LASIK eye surgery feel like ?

13 Dec 2016

First of all, let’s be clear: everyone (even big brave men who’ll never admit it to you!) is at the very least slightly nervous when the day of their laser eye surgery finally rolls around. It’s human nature – our eyes are one of the most valuable organs we possess so we are rightly highly protective of them!
 
But, (there’s always a but!), when it comes to laser eye surgery, whether it’s of the LASIK or PRK variety, we like to let the facts speak for themselves:
 
To date over 40 million people around the world have undergone laser eye surgery, and the risk of a serious complication arising is somewhere in the region of 0.1%.
 
So yes, there is a risk - as there is with any elective procedure - but with over 98% of patients achieving 20:20 vision or better (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery), the risk really is extremely minimal.
 
And now that we have (hopefully!) addressed the most common fear of risk and safety, the next big question we’d like to address is simply what does LASIK, the most common type of laser surgery, actually feel like?
 

The Lasik process from start to finish

 
By the time you present to us for your laser procedure, you will already have had your initial consultation with our Optometrist so your suitability to undergo Lasik will already have been confirmed.
 
So, upon arrival, you will be met by one of our very friendly and helpful clinic co-ordinators, whose job it is to make you feel right at home. You will also get a chance to meet your surgical team including your Opthalmic surgeon, nurses, and laser technician, to help put you at your ease by letting you know that you are in very safe hands!
 
Once admitted to the surgical suite then, the question of what the laser surgery procedure actually feels like is probably best answered by the following 5 step process:
 
Step 1
 
The first thing that happens is that anaesthetic drops are applied to your eyes, following which a small sheet of translucent plastic is taped over each eye, keeping your eye lashes out harm’s way and blurring everything out.
 
Step 2
 
Now that your eyes have been numbed, the laser procedure starts. Basically, a small flap is created on the surface of the cornea using blade-free Intralase technology. During this process you will feel a suction type pressure for approximately 10 seconds while your vision goes black - again, let us reassure you that this is not painful but it can nonetheless be slightly uncomfortable….for a whole 10 seconds!
 
Step 3
 
Next, the laser is applied to the underlying surface in order to reshape the cornea and in doing so, correct your prescription.

How does this part feel? Well, it has often been described to us as something of a ‘cleansing sensation’, as though water is being applied to your eye socket. Though it’s clearly a difficult sensation to explain (!), this is simply the laser at work and as per the other parts of the laser process, although it’s a little uncomfortable, it is not in any way painful!

Step 4

 
You’re all done! Your Ophthalmic Surgeon now just places the flap back down and your eyes can now very quickly begin to heal.
 
Step 5
 
With your surgery complete, you are transferred back to our (very nice!) recovery suite, where your surgeon will carry out a brief post-operative examination on your vision, just to double check that everything is perfect as far as your eyes are concerned.
 
At this stage, you will be given a full operative pack along with some helpful hints and tips, advising you what to do / not to do to aid your recovery.
 
And that’s it - approximately 2 hours after presenting for your surgery, you’re free to go home!
 


 
Fed up of wearing glasses and want to find out more about laser eye surgery with Ireland’s leading laser clinic?
 
Awesome! Simply contact us today to arrange a FREE consultation and start on your journey that leads to no more specs!

More to Explore

Laser Eye Surgery Options - Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know...

23 Oct 2020
Read more

Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase with Doug Howlett

06 Jun 2012
Read more

Trouble with your near vision? Reading Vision Correction - A simple and lasting solution is only a call away

02 Feb 2020
Read more

Four questions everyone has before booking in for Laser Eye Surgery

24 Jan 2020
Read more

Book a Free Consultation Today!

At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
World’s Leading Technology
Laser Eye Surgery Lifetime Care Guarantee
Laser Health Insurance Discount
World-Renowned Surgeons
20% Tax Relief
0% Interest Free Finance
99% Of Our Patients Recommend Us
No Waiting List Guaranteed

Patient Reviews

google
Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

google
Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

google
Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

google
Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

google
Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

google
PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

google
JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

google
Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

google
Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

google
Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

google
Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

google
Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

Lets Connect

Privacy CentrePolicy & Procedures
Flexible Payment with
humm
Book a Free Consultation
crossmenuchevron-left