Are You Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery?

Unlike many other surgeries, it is not necessary to have general anesthesia (be put to sleep) for LASIK eye surgery, and in fact, it is necessary that you are awake for the procedure. There are several reasons why you are awake during LASIK eye surgery:

• The procedure is very fast! You’re typically in the laser suite for only about 10 minutes total for both eyes! The actual LASIK procedure itself only takes one to two minutes per eye.
• The surgeon needs your cooperation for the procedure to be performed with the greatest accuracy.
• “Being put to sleep” is typical for invasive procedures so that the patient does not feel pain. LASIK surgery has minimal discomfort. Numbing drops are instilled in your eyes prior to surgery, which blocks pain and takes away the urge to blink.
• General anesthesia comes with its own risks, and is only used in invasive procedures, where it is absolutely necessary. Since LASIK eye surgery creates little to no pain thanks to numbing drops and a mild sedative, there is no need to add this risk to your procedure.
• Your surgeon, Dr. Mozayeni or Dr. Nunnery, will need to check in with you periodically throughout your LASIK surgery to ensure you are reacting properly to everything. This can only happen if you are awake during your LASIK eye surgery.

I’m Feeling Nervous About Being Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery. How Can I Stay Calm?

Here at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we recognize all patients are nervous at some level, which is perfectly normal. Please know our team will never leave your side and we will always be communicating with you so that you are comfortable with the process and remain calm during your LASIK procedure. Upon arrival on the day of your surgery, we will provide you with a mild sedative that will take the edge off and help you relax.

What Happens If I Blink While Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery?

Blinking during LASIK eye surgery is not something you need to worry about, as the numbing eye drops we use before the surgery will reduce your natural urge to blink. Additionally, we will use a very small instrument to hold your eyelids open to prevent you from accidentally blinking and interfering with the procedure. Remember that each eye is only kept open for one to two minutes, so you should not feel much, if any, discomfort at all.

What have we heard from our patients who have been awake during LASIK eye surgery? “Wow, that was easier than I expected!” and “I wish I had done it sooner.”

Now that you know why you stay awake during LASIK eye surgery and how we will help you stay calm throughout the entire process, it’s time to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation LASIK consultation! Contact us today. Our team looks forward to meeting you and will be happy to answer any questions you have about LASIK.