Does laser eye surgery hurt?

If you are thinking about laser eye surgery, you may have one big question: is it safe?

It is normal to have concerns about any procedure involving your eyes. Your vision is important, and you want to know that you are making the right choice.

Laser eye surgery is an established form of laser vision correction. It can reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses by changing the shape of the clear front part of the eye, called the cornea.

For many suitable patients, laser eye surgery is a safe and effective option. However, no surgery is completely risk-free. Your suitability, eye health and choice of treatment all play an important part in your results.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This helps light focus more clearly on the back of the eye, which can improve vision.

It can treat common vision problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. These conditions affect how clearly you see objects at different distances.

Laser eye surgery is also known as laser vision correction or laser eye correction surgery. There are different types of treatment, and the best option depends on your eyes, prescription and lifestyle.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, Newcastle, three main types of laser treatment may be considered.

LASIK

LASIK is a common type of laser eye surgery. The surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea and uses a laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath. The flap is then placed back into position.

Many people notice clearer vision within a short time after LASIK. However, recovery and results vary from person to person.

LASEK

LASEK is a surface-based treatment. The surgeon works on the outer layer of the cornea before using a laser to reshape the tissue beneath it.

The surface layer then heals over time. Recovery can take longer than it does after LASIK, and some people have discomfort while the eye heals.

TransPRK

TransPRK is another surface treatment. The laser removes the outer layer of the cornea and reshapes the tissue in the same procedure.

It does not involve creating a flap. Like LASEK, it can take longer for vision to settle than it does after LASIK.

Your surgeon will explain which option may be suitable for your eyes.

How safe is laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction has been used for many years and is supported by a large body of clinical research. Many people achieve clearer vision after treatment and are happy with their results.

However, safety does not mean that every patient will get perfect vision or be free from glasses forever. Results depend on factors such as your prescription, eye health, healing and the type of treatment used.

Serious complications are uncommon, but they can happen. Some people may have ongoing dry eye symptoms, problems with night vision or a result that does not fully correct their prescription.

A full eye assessment is an important step in reducing risk. It helps your surgeon decide whether treatment is suitable and which procedure may be best for you.

What are the risks of laser eye surgery?

Like any operation, laser eye surgery has possible side effects and risks. Knowing what these are can help you make an informed choice.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common side effect after laser eye surgery. You may notice a gritty feeling, soreness or a feeling that something is in your eye.

These symptoms often improve as your eyes heal, but they can last longer for some people. Eye drops may help manage the discomfort.

If you already have dry eyes, your surgeon will assess this before recommending treatment.

Glare and halos

Some people notice glare, halos around lights or trouble seeing clearly at night after surgery. These effects may improve as the eyes heal, but they can continue in some cases.

If you drive at night or work in low light, discuss this with your surgeon before deciding on treatment.

Under-correction or over-correction

Sometimes, the laser does not correct the full prescription as expected. Your vision may still need some help from glasses or contact lenses.

In some cases, a further procedure may be possible. This depends on your eye health, prescription and the amount of corneal tissue that remains.

Infection and other complications

Eye infections after laser eye surgery are uncommon, but they can be serious if they are not treated quickly. Following your aftercare instructions and using prescribed eye drops can help lower the risk.

Other complications can affect the cornea or the quality of your vision. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to your eyes before treatment.

Who may not be suitable for laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is not right for everyone. A detailed assessment helps your surgeon check whether the procedure is likely to be safe for you.

Thin corneas

The thickness and shape of your cornea are important when deciding whether laser eye surgery is suitable.

The laser removes or reshapes some corneal tissue. If you have thin corneas, there may not be enough tissue for a safe treatment with certain procedures.

Having thin corneas does not always mean that you cannot have laser eye surgery. Your surgeon will look at the full shape and health of your cornea before advising you.

Health conditions

Some health conditions can affect healing or make the results less predictable. Certain eye conditions, unstable prescriptions and some health conditions or medicines may affect whether surgery is suitable.

Your surgeon will ask about your medical history, medicines and eye health during your assessment. It is important to share this information so that your care team can make a safe decision.

You can learn more about suitability in our guide to who is not suitable for laser eye surgery.

How does My Eye Clinic help keep treatment safe?

A careful assessment is an important part of laser eye surgery. Before recommending treatment, your eye care team will check your prescription, corneal shape, corneal thickness and general eye health.

These checks help identify factors that could increase the risk of problems. They also help your surgeon decide which treatment, if any, may be suitable.

Your surgeon should explain the expected benefits, possible side effects, risks and other options before you make a decision.

If laser eye surgery is not suitable for you, another option may be more appropriate. It is important to choose treatment based on your eye health rather than simply choosing the procedure with the fastest recovery.

Is laser eye surgery worth considering?

For many suitable people, laser eye surgery can reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. It may make everyday tasks such as working, playing sport or travelling more convenient.

However, the results are not the same for everyone. Some people still need glasses for certain activities, and age-related changes in vision can occur later in life.

The best way to understand your options is to have your eyes assessed and discuss your goals with a qualified eye care professional.

Find out if laser eye surgery may be suitable for you

So, is laser eye surgery safe? For suitable patients, it is an established treatment with a good safety record. However, every procedure has risks, and the right choice depends on your individual eyes and health.

A full assessment can help you understand whether laser vision correction may be suitable and which treatment could meet your needs.

If you would like to take the first step, complete the My Eye Clinic vision correction suitability self-test. It is a simple way to learn more about your possible options before arranging an assessment.