Are you asleep during laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a popular and effective way to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Many people wonder if they will be awake or asleep during the procedure. This article will discuss what to expect during laser eye surgery and whether you will be awake or asleep.

The short answer is: you will not be asleep during laser eye surgery. Most procedures are performed with the patient awake and alert.

The risks of being asleep during laser eye surgery

Using general anaesthesia (where you are put to sleep) carries more risks than benefits in this context. These risks include breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and longer recovery times. Since laser eye surgery is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure, general anaesthesia is not necessary.

Instead, the surgeon will use anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes, so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

¹Blum, M. et al. (2016a) Five-year results of small incision lenticule extraction (Relex Smile), British Journal of Ophthalmology. You will be awake and alert throughout the surgery, and you will be able to hear and speak to the surgeon and staff. Many patients describe the experience as strange but not painful.

What happens during your laser procedure

Understanding the process can help ease nerves, especially if you worry about blinking or moving your eyes.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable bed, and your surgical team will use a device to hold your eyelids open.
2. You may feel a slight pressure on your eyes, but thanks to anaesthetic drops, you won’t feel any pain.²Blum, M. et al. (2016a) Five-year results of small incision lenticule extraction (Relex Smile), British Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. The surgeon will then use a laser to reshape your cornea, which is the clear front part of your eye, to correct your vision.

During procedures like LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.

It’s important to remember that laser eye surgery is a very safe procedure

⁴Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes. JCRS, 2016. Sandoval, Solomon, Tremblay, Donnenfeld, Lindstrom, Potvin, Kohnen, and complications are rare. Your surgeon will walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have. They will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes after the surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, the actual laser treatment typically lasts less than a minute per eye

⁵Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015 (if you choose SMILE pro, the treatment can be as short as 10 seconds per eye, with an added minute for the lenticule removal).

After the procedure

The whole appointment – including preparation, treatment, and short recovery time – usually takes under an hour.

Your eye surgeon and surgical team will guide you through recovery and ensure everything heals properly. After the procedure, you’ll be given protective eyewear and post-operative instructions. Most people go home the same day and rest with their eyes closed for a few hours. It’s normal to feel some mild irritation or blurry vision at first, but your clinic will advise you on what to expect and how to care for your eyes as they heal.mfn]Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015[/mfn]

Why being awake is part of the process

Being awake during laser eye surgery isn’t something to fear, it’s actually part of what makes the procedure so effective.

It allows:

• The technology is designed to work with your natural eye movements, and your surgical team will talk you through everything.
• Better communication with your surgeon
• Faster recovery

If you feel nervous or anxious, you can discuss this with your surgeon beforehand. In some cases, a mild sedative may be offered to help you relax.

Of course, everyone’s experience is different, and your surgeon will provide you with a more accurate timeline based on your specific needs. But in general, laser eye surgery is a fast and efficient way to improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.

⁶Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302. https://journals.lww.com/apjoo/FullText/2016/11000/

Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective way to correct vision problems, and you will be awake during the procedure.

If you are considering laser eye surgery, your ideal first step is to find out if you’re suitable. Get started by taking our 1-minute self-test, and get your results confirmed at a free initial assessment.