Corrective Laser Eye Surgery?!
Question: I have been told by my eye doctor that I am a great candidate for laser eye surgery. I currently wear contacts, and my vision has been stable for over four years now. I am considering having it done this year. I want honest answers please. Does this hurt during the surgery? Do I feel anything? Will I be in pain after? I researched specialists in my area, so I am confident in the doctor, but I want to know if I will be in pain during and after surgery. How long does the surgery last too? Sorry for all the questions. I've never had any type of surgery before in my life.
Answers: I have been told by my eye doctor that I am a great candidate for laser eye surgery. I currently wear contacts, and my vision has been stable for over four years now. I am considering having it done this year. I want honest answers please. Does this hurt during the surgery? Do I feel anything? Will I be in pain after? I researched specialists in my area, so I am confident in the doctor, but I want to know if I will be in pain during and after surgery. How long does the surgery last too? Sorry for all the questions. I've never had any type of surgery before in my life.
Hi Michelle, Please be careful asking questions about something as important as eye surgery to a yahoo message board. There are different types of laser eye surgery so I will presume you are talking about Lasik. Be sure you are a perfect candidate for lasik and not a better candidate for PRK or other flapless surgeries, or that you are a candidate but have a higher risk of complications. You need to find a reputable surgeon to help you with this decision. Do not base your decision on an advertised price. Ask your family doctor, your optometrist or another trusted healthcare provider for a referral or recommendation. I prefer these sources rather than asking friends, neighbors or message boards.
The answers to your questions about lasik are: No the surgery doesn't "hurt". You do feel some things during surgery and at some point your eye will feel significant pressure. People usually do not say this hurts but it isn't really comfortable. It is common to have burning, stinging watering eyes for several hours after surgery. This can range from almost no pain to severe. Usually by the next morning the comfort is much better or normal. The surgery lasts 15-20 minutes and you will be at the surgery center for 60 to 90 minutes. Again, if you have confidence in your doctor, ask these questions when you go in for your consult. There is no such thing as a silly question. If you are seeing a reputable doc, you will have all of these questions and many more answered without having to ask at your consultation. Remember, this is elective surgery so you have to have all the facts before you decide if it is right for you.
No it doesn't hurt at all. a bit of pressure is being felt. No pain. about 15mins or lesser. it is very fast.