6 Questions About Laser Eye Surgery That Will Relax Any Anxieties

Greetings from My-iClinic in North London, UK! As a consultant and surgeon specialising in laser eye treatment for vision correction, I understand the myriad of concerns and anxieties individuals often bring to the table when considering this transformative procedure. Every day, I have the privilege of listening to patients express their worries about the surgery, post-operative care, and the consultation process leading up to it.

At My-iClinic, we recognise the importance of addressing these concerns head-on, providing not only exceptional medical care but also comprehensive support and reassurance throughout the entire journey (Free Online Laser Eye Test). With that in mind, I'm thrilled to present an insightful exploration of laser eye surgery through the lens of 6 fundamental questions. We aim to alleviate any apprehensions you may have and empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your vision health.

Join me as we delve into these questions, demystifying the process, and ultimately, offering a sense of calm and confidence in the transformative power of laser eye surgery. 

1. How Painful Is Laser Eye Surgery? 

Question from Sian Fletcher - Vision Correction Procedure 

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Neil, thank you for raising this important question. One of the most common misconceptions about laser eye surgery is that it's a painful procedure. Allow me to provide some reassurance based on facts and personal experience.

Firstly, during the surgery itself, patients typically experience minimal to no discomfort. We administer numbing eye drops to ensure you feel little sensation during the procedure. While you may feel slight pressure or experience a sensation of warmth, it's important to note that any discomfort is brief and manageable.

In the hours following the surgery, some patients report experiencing mild discomfort or irritation, akin to the sensation of having an eyelash in the eye. However, this discomfort typically subsides within a few hours as the eyes begin to heal.

It's essential to remember that every individual's pain tolerance and experience may vary. However, rest assured that we take every measure to prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout the entire process.

In a few words, while the idea of undergoing laser eye surgery may initially evoke concerns about pain, the reality is that it's a remarkably tolerable and efficient procedure”.

2. What Happens If You Blink During Laser Eye Surgery? 

Question from S Nellie - Lasik eye surgery

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Thank you for your question, which touches upon a common concern among individuals considering laser eye surgery. Let me provide clarity and reassurance regarding what happens if you blink during the procedure.

During laser eye surgery, particularly during the critical moments of reshaping the cornea, patients might worry about accidentally blinking and disrupting the process. However, rest assured that modern laser technology, combined with meticulous surgical techniques, has greatly minimised the impact of involuntary blinking.

To address this concern, we utilise advanced laser systems equipped with eye-tracking technology. These systems continuously monitor the position of your eye and adjust the laser accordingly, compensating for any slight movements such as blinking. This ensures precise and accurate treatment, even if you were to blink during the procedure.

Additionally, we take precautionary measures to minimise the likelihood of blinking. Before the surgery begins, we administer numbing eye drops to keep your eyes comfortably open. We also use a small instrument called a lid speculum to gently hold your eyelids open, reducing the urge to blink.

In the rare event that a patient does blink during the procedure, the laser automatically pauses, ensuring no harm or disruption to the treatment. Once the patient's eye is stable again, the procedure resumes seamlessly”.

3. Are You Awake For Laser Eye Surgery?

Question from Baya - Glaucoma procedure

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Thank you for your inquiry regarding the awareness level during laser eye surgery, particularly in the context of a glaucoma procedure. Allow me to provide you with the necessary information and reassurance regarding this matter.

During laser eye surgery, including procedures for glaucoma treatment, patients are indeed awake, but they are typically under the influence of local anaesthesia. This means that while you are conscious and aware of your surroundings, you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

The use of local anaesthesia ensures that your eye remains numb throughout the surgery, allowing our team to perform the necessary interventions safely and effectively. Additionally, we employ techniques to ensure your comfort and minimise any potential anxiety you may feel during the procedure.

Being awake during the surgery enables us to communicate with you and ensure your cooperation throughout the process. This allows for optimal positioning and alignment of the laser for precise treatment”.

4. Which Laser Eye Surgery Are You Awake?

Laser Eye Surgery Option	Description	Awake or Asleep During Procedure
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)	LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. It's the most common laser eye surgery.	Awake
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)	PRK reshapes the cornea by removing the outer layer of cells (epithelium) and then using a laser to reshape the corneal tissue. The epithelium grows back over time.	Awake
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)	SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) in the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision.	Awake
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)	LASEK is similar to PRK but involves loosening and preserving the epithelium before reshaping the cornea with a laser and then repositioning the epithelial layer.	Awake
ReLEx (Refractive Lenticule Extraction)	ReLEx, including SMILE as a subset, is a flapless procedure where a laser creates a lenticule in the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision to correct vision.	Awake

5. How Long Does Your Eyes Hurt After Laser Eye Surgery? 

Question from Ingrid Omerovic - Laser Eye Treatment & Assessment

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Thank you for your question regarding post-operative discomfort following laser eye surgery. It's a common concern among individuals considering this procedure, and I'm here to provide you with information and reassurance.

In the days following laser eye surgery, it's normal to experience some degree of discomfort or irritation in your eyes. However, the severity and duration of this discomfort can vary from person to person.

For most patients, any discomfort typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and gradually subsides thereafter. You may experience sensations such as mild burning, itching, or a feeling of dryness in your eyes during this time.

To manage post-operative discomfort, we typically recommend the use of prescribed eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. Additionally, applying cold compresses or wearing protective eyewear as advised can help alleviate any symptoms of irritation.

It's essential to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon diligently. This includes attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you may have.

While discomfort is common in the immediate aftermath of laser eye surgery, it's important to note that significant pain or prolonged discomfort beyond the first few days should be promptly reported to your surgeon.

Overall, the majority of patients find that any discomfort they experience after laser eye surgery is manageable and temporary. The long-term benefits of improved vision far outweigh the short-term discomfort experienced during the recovery period”.

6. Will My Eyes Get Worse After Laser Eye Surgery? 

Question from Tayo Delano - Free Screening For Laser Correction 

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Thank you for bringing up this important question about the long-term outcomes of laser eye surgery. It's understandable to have concerns about the possibility of your eyes worsening after undergoing such a procedure. Allow me to address this concern and provide you with reassurance based on my expertise and experience.

The primary goal of laser eye surgery is to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, ultimately improving your vision and reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While the vast majority of patients experience significant and lasting improvements in their vision following laser eye surgery, it's essential to understand that individual outcomes can vary.

In some cases, particularly if you have underlying conditions such as progressive myopia or presbyopia, your vision may continue to change naturally over time, independent of the surgery. This means that while laser eye surgery can effectively address your current refractive error, it may not prevent future changes in your vision that are unrelated to the surgery itself.

To maximise the longevity of your results and minimise the risk of vision changes in the future, it's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently and attend regular follow-up appointments. This allows your surgeon to monitor your eye health and address any potential issues promptly”.

Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery? 

Question from Richard Tarrant - Laser Eye Consultation

Response from Bola Odufuwa-Bolger:

"Thank you for raising this crucial question about the suitability of laser eye surgery for certain individuals. It's essential to understand that while laser eye surgery is a safe and effective option for many people, it may not be suitable for everyone. Allow me to provide you with some guidance on who should avoid laser eye surgery based on my expertise and experience.

Generally, individuals who are not considered suitable candidates for laser eye surgery include:

1. Those with unstable vision

If your prescription has changed significantly in the past year or if you have a history of rapidly changing vision, you may not be a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Stability in your vision prescription is essential to ensure optimal outcomes from the procedure.

2. Pregnant or nursing women

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the stability of your vision, making it unsuitable to undergo laser eye surgery during this time. It's advisable to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to consider the procedure.

3. Those with certain medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, severe dry eye syndrome, or uncontrolled diabetes, may increase the risk of complications during and after laser eye surgery. It's important to discuss your medical history with your surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

4. Individuals with thin or irregular corneas

Laser eye surgery involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. If you have thin or irregular corneas, you may not be a suitable candidate for certain types of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK. However, alternative procedures such as PRK or implantable lenses may be options for you.

5. Those with unrealistic expectations

It's essential for individuals considering laser eye surgery to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While laser eye surgery can significantly improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it may not achieve perfect vision for everyone. It's important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon and understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo laser eye surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your individual circumstances and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. 

Next Steps

Suppose you've been considering laser eye surgery to solve your vision correction needs. In that case, I invite you to take the first step towards clearer vision by scheduling a consultation at My-iClinic in North London.

At My-iClinic, we specialise in providing personalised care and cutting-edge treatments for a wide range of vision correction problems. Whether you're struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or other refractive errors, our team of experts is here to help you achieve the clear vision you deserve.

During your consultation, we'll take the time to thoroughly assess your eyes and discuss your unique needs and goals. We'll explain the available treatment options, including laser eye surgery, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your vision care.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a compassionate and experienced team dedicated to your comfort and well-being. From your initial consultation to your post-operative care, we'll be with you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care and support.