Are You Awake During LASIK?

You are awake during LASIK surgery, but your eyes are numbed with anaesthetic drops so you won’t feel pain. Being conscious allows you to follow instructions like focusing on a light, which helps guide the laser accurately. The procedure is quick, lasting under 30 minutes, and is highly safe and controlled¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 .

The Full Answer

If you’ve been thinking about laser eye surgery, you might have wondered: “Am I awake the whole time?” It’s one of the most common questions people ask when they first start looking into LASIK and it’s completely understandable.

The idea of being awake while something is done to your eye can sound a little unsettling at first. But in reality, the experience is much more comfortable and controlled than many expect.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what it means to be awake during LASIK, what you’ll see and feel, and how the technology and techniques used today are designed to keep you comfortable and safe throughout the process. If you’re nervous about blinking or moving in surgery or simply want to understand what to expect, this guide will help clear things up. To find out more about LASIK eye surgery, take a look at our article How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?

If you’re looking for LASIK in Adelaide, contact us at IVISION LASER to arrange a consultation to determine your suitability for LASIK and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.

Are you fully awake during LASIK surgery?

Yes. During LASIK surgery, you are awake, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel everything or be uncomfortable. In this context, awake simply means conscious and able to respond to simple instructions, like focusing on a light or keeping your eyes still.

The role of local anaesthetic eye drops

Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to prevent any discomfort² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555970/#article-35813.s9 . Because the eye is anaesthetised, although you might still feel some pressure or slight movement, there should be no sharp pain.

These anaesthetic drops allow you to stay completely comfortable while remaining awake and alert enough to follow instructions, which helps the procedure go smoothly.

Why general anaesthesia isn’t used for LASIK

General anaesthesia isn’t used for LASIK because:

• The procedure is very quick – typically under 30 minutes in total³https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11110473/#:~:text=described%2C%20emphasizing%20its%20unique%20advantages,making
• Being conscious helps you keep your eye in the right position
• The risks of general anaesthesia outweigh the benefits for a short, non-invasive procedure
• Most people manage well with numbing drops and reassurance

Some clinics may offer mild sedation if you’re especially anxious, but this is uncommon⁴https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751#:~:text=Younger%20people%20with%20high%20degrees,routine%20option%20for%20most%20people . For most people, local anaesthetic and a calm, supportive environment are all that’s needed.

Why do you have to be awake for LASIK (and other eye surgeries)?

Being awake during LASIK might sound unusual at first, but it’s actually one of the reasons the procedure is so safe and precise. Your cooperation – simply focusing on a light and keeping your eye steady – plays a role in the success of the surgery⁵ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774.

Safety and precision: Why cooperation helps

LASIK relies on advanced laser systems that reshape the cornea with extreme accuracy. These systems track even the slightest eye movements in real time. When you're awake and able to focus where directed, it allows the laser to stay precisely aligned with your eye – helping to ensure the best possible results.

The benefits of staying conscious during laser eye surgery

Staying awake makes the process more efficient. It avoids the added risks and recovery time of general anaesthesia, and it allows you to give immediate feedback if needed. You'll be guided through each step, and the team will let you know exactly what to do – often it’s as simple as looking at a light for a few seconds at a time.

Even with advanced laser tracking, your surgeon may give you small instructions during the procedure – like focusing on a light or keeping your eye steady. Being awake and responsive helps ensure the laser is applied exactly where it’s needed, contributing to both safety and accuracy.

Why general anaesthesia isn’t used

LASIK doesn’t involve deep surgical cuts or sharp instruments inside the eye. With modern numbing drops and tracking technology, the experience is usually straightforward and studies report high patient satisfaction, with some showing rates over 99%. However, individual experiences can vary ⁶https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11110473/#:~:text=described%2C%20emphasizing%20its%20unique%20advantages,making .

What happens if you blink or move during LASIK?

One of the biggest concerns people have before LASIK is whether blinking or eye movement will affect the surgery. The good news is that the procedure is designed with this in mind – and modern laser systems include advanced safety features to keep everything on track.

Reassurance about built-in safety measures

Everything about the LASIK setup is designed with patient safety in mind. From the moment the procedure begins, the surgeon and support staff are monitoring your comfort and eye position. The technology is there to support you, so a small movement, a moment of hesitation, or feeling nervous is not a cause for concern.

Knowing that these safety systems are in place can help you feel more relaxed and confident going into the procedure.

Modern laser tracking technology explained

Today’s LASIK lasers use high-speed eye-tracking technology that follows the tiniest movements – hundreds or even thousands of times per second⁷ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19848373/ . This ensures that the laser stays precisely aligned with your eye throughout the procedure, even if there’s slight movement.

If your eye moves beyond the preset parameters, some excimer lasers (such as the WaveLight Allegretto Eye-Q Excimer Laser Platform) can automatically pause until your eye is in position again⁸ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31762574/ . This allows your surgeon to continue with accuracy and confidence.

What if you blink, move your eye, or get nervous?

You won’t need to worry about blinking – your eye will be gently held open with a small speculum device, so you won’t be able to blink during the actual treatment⁹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555970/#article-35813.s9 .

As for eye movement, the combination of numbing drops and support from the surgical team helps most people stay still. If you do move slightly, the laser tracking system compensates in real time. And if you feel anxious or unsure at any point, your surgeon will guide you through it step by step.

Can you see during LASIK? What do you see and feel?

Many people are surprised to learn that yes, you can see during LASIK – but not in the way you might expect. You won’t be watching the laser work or seeing fine detail. What you experience is typically a mix of shapes, lights, and blurriness.

What people typically see: Lights, colours, and blurring

During the procedure, your eye will be focused on a guiding light – usually a small blinking dot. During surgery, most people retain light perception, but this can be disturbed intermittently¹⁰ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17098206/. Some people describe seeing flashes, colours or movement, with some people reporting they were able to see the surgeon.¹¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17098206/

Can you feel anything during LASIK?

Thanks to the numbing eye drops used before treatment, there’s no sharp pain. You might feel some light pressure when the flap is created or notice a brief sensation of movement, but it’s not painful¹² https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 . Some people report smelling a distinctive burning smell from the laser, similar to burning hair.¹³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774

All the surgical steps are explained clearly as you go, but if you’re nervous, your surgeon and team will guide you through each stage calmly and professionally.

Duration of the procedure itself

The actual laser treatment usually takes 20-50 seconds per eye, depending on the level of correction needed¹⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-35813/ . The full amount of time in the surgical suite will be around 30 minutes¹⁵https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11110473/#:~:text=described%2C%20emphasizing%20its%20unique%20advantages,making including preparation and checks.

Time in the clinic, preparation, and recovery

On the day of your procedure, you’ll likely be at the clinic for around 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes final assessments, preparation, the procedure itself, and a short rest period before you go home.

What happens immediately after

After LASIK, you’ll be given protective eye shields, post-operative instructions, and eye drops to aid healing¹⁶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 . You’re likely to feel some itchiness, burning or gritty sensations in your eyes in the first few hours after surgery, but pain medication can be prescribed¹⁷ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 . You’ll need someone to drive you home, and rest is recommended for the remainder of the day¹⁸ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism . Follow your doctor’s advice about when it is safe for you to resume normal activities such as driving¹⁹ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism .

Most people notice clearer vision within a few days, with full results continuing to improve over the following days and weeks until full healing and vision stabilisation expected around 2 to 3 months post-surgery²⁰ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 . Your eye doctor will examine you a few days after surgery to check everything is healing well and further check-ups over the next 6 months are to be expected²¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774 .

Summary

It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about the idea of being awake during eye surgery. But once you understand what actually happens and what you’ll experience, most people feel far more at ease.

If you’re still feeling unsure or nervous, it’s a good idea to speak directly with your eye specialist. They can explain each step in detail, answer any questions, and discuss options like mild sedation if appropriate. At IVISION LASER in Adelaide, our team can help you feel informed, supported, and confident in making a decision that’s right for you.