Does laser eye surgery hurt?

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s normal to wonder: Does it hurt?

At Blink Vision Clinic, we talk to people every day who are excited about reducing their need for glasses or contact lenses but nervous about what the procedure feels like.

Here’s what you need to know about the comfort and experience of laser eye surgery.

The short answer: No, it doesn’t hurt

Laser eye surgery is not considered painful. That’s because numbing eye drops are used before the procedure starts. These drops are very effective and remove any sharp sensations.

You’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel pain. Some people say they feel slight pressure or a sensation of movement but it’s not painful.

What to expect during the procedure

Before the laser starts:

• You’ll lie down comfortably
• Your eyes will be numbed with drops
• A small device gently holds your eyelids open (no blinking!)
• You’ll be asked to look at a light-this helps with positioning.

The actual laser part takes only seconds for each eye. You might hear a sound or smell something faint during the laser, it’s completely normal.

During the laser:

• You may feel light pressure (especially during LASIK when the flap is created)
• You may see some blurry shapes or lights
• You’ll be guided the whole time by your surgeon

What about after the procedure?

After the surgery, it’s normal to feel:

• Mild stinging or grittiness
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes
• Blurry vision for a short period.

This usually lasts a few hours to a day for LASIK patients. For TransPRK (a surface treatment), the recovery is longer, and you may have discomfort for several days.

We’ll give you eye drops to reduce inflammation and help healing. You’ll also receive detailed aftercare instructions.

What about PresbyMAX?

PresbyMAX is a blended vision laser procedure for people over 45 who want to improve both near and far vision. It’s not painful, but like all laser procedures, it can come with an adjustment period as your brain adapts to the new visual setup.

We'll discuss what to expect in detail if this option is appropriate for your eyes.

Is the recovery painful?

Most people find recovery manageable. Some report:

• Gritty or sandy sensation (like having something in your eye)
• Eye fatigue or dryness
• Sensitivity to light or wind.

These symptoms are temporary and usually improve with rest, drops, and time.

You won’t need any stitches. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the type of procedure.

What if I’m anxious?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any procedure. If you’re feeling anxious, let us know, we’ll take the time to explain everything clearly and answer your questions.

How do I know if I’m suitable?

Not everyone is suitable for laser eye surgery. That’s why we begin with a suitability check. It includes a comprehensive eye exam and advanced scans to look at your prescription, eye health, and corneal shape.

Want to know if laser eye surgery is right for you?

Take the free self-test.