Are You Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery?
The short answer is: yes and no. While you're awake and aware during the LASIK procedure, you're also given medication to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Let's break down the experience in more detail.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is an outpatient procedure designed to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The surgery involves two main steps:
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Creating the Corneal Flap: A sophisticated laser or a microkeratome (a small blade) creates a thin, hinged flap on the surface of your cornea. This flap is carefully folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
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Reshaping the Cornea: An excimer laser precisely reshapes the exposed corneal tissue to correct your refractive error. This laser uses pulses of ultraviolet light to remove microscopic amounts of tissue, altering the cornea's curvature to improve your vision.
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Replacing the Flap: Finally, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned and allowed to heal naturally. No stitches are required.
Why Am I Awake During the Procedure?
You remain awake during LASIK because you need to cooperate with the surgeon and remain still throughout the procedure. The surgeon needs to ensure your eye is properly positioned and stable to accurately correct your vision. While anesthesia is not required, most surgeons provide topical anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes, making the procedure painless.
What Kind of Sedation is Used During LASIK?
While general anesthesia isn't used, many surgeons offer options to help you relax. These may include:
- Oral Sedatives: These can be taken before the procedure to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Mild Sedatives: In some cases, a mild sedative may be administered intravenously to enhance relaxation during the procedure. However, this is not always necessary and is usually discussed based on patient preference and needs.
Despite being awake, you won't feel pain. The numbing eye drops will ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. You may experience some pressure sensations, but these are typically minor and short-lived.
What if I'm Afraid of the Procedure?
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about LASIK surgery. Many patients experience some level of apprehension before the procedure. Your ophthalmologist and their team will discuss your concerns and help address any fears you may have. Open communication and thorough pre-operative counseling play a vital role in ensuring a positive experience. In some cases, a pre-operative consultation with a counselor or therapist can be helpful.
Will I Remember the Procedure?
Most patients report having little to no memory of the laser portion of the procedure. The numbing drops and the focus required to keep still during the process tend to blur the recollection of the actual laser application. You will remember some aspects of the preparation and the post-operative stages of care.
Are There Alternatives to LASIK?
Yes, there are other refractive surgery options available, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). These procedures offer different approaches to vision correction and may be better suited for certain individuals. Consult your ophthalmologist to discuss the best option for your specific needs and eye health.
This information is for general knowledge and shouldn't be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to discuss LASIK and determine if it’s the right option for you.
