Is LASIK Painful? What to Expect During Laser Eye Surgery

Last Updated: February 26, 2025

Laser eye surgery has revolutionized vision correction, providing a permanent alternative to glasses and contact lenses for millions of people. If you’re considering a vision correction procedure like LASIK or SMILE, you may be wondering—does laser eye surgery hurt?

The good news is that laser eye surgery is virtually painless, thanks to advanced numbing techniques and minimally invasive technology. While some temporary discomfort can occur after surgery, the procedure itself is designed to be as comfortable as possible.

How Do LASIK, PRK & SMILE Work?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia)
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

Involves creating a thin corneal flap that is lifted so the underlying tissue can be reshaped. The flap is repositioned after treatment, allowing for a recovery that’s usually quick.

Most patients experience clear vision within 24 hours and are back to their normal routine.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Instead of creating a flap, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea before reshaping it.

PRK is often recommended for patients with thin corneas. Recovery usually takes a bit longer than LASIK, with some discomfort for a few days.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

Flapless, minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure. A small incision is made to remove a tiny lenticule of tissue, reshaping the cornea. There’s usually less dry eye risk and faster healing compared to LASIK. It’s ideal for active individuals since there is no flap that could be disturbed by physical activity.

All three procedures are equally safe, effective, and customized to each patient’s needs. At Goel Vision, Dr. Sonny Goel specializes in all three types of vision correction procedures, ensuring the best option for your visual needs.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

During the Procedure

No—LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are virtually painless. Before your surgery, the surgeon applies numbing eye drops, which block pain signals from the corneal nerves.

You won’t feel pain during the procedure, but you may feel mild pressure as the laser reshapes your cornea. The numbing effect lasts throughout the procedure, which typically takes only 10-15 minutes for both eyes. Some patients report seeing flashing lights or a temporary dimming of vision, but this is normal.

Immediately After Surgery

Once the numbing drops wear off, you may experience:

• Mild burning or scratchy sensation (like having an eyelash in your eye)
• Watery eyes or sensitivity to light
• Grittiness or slight discomfort for a few hours

This post-surgery discomfort is temporary and typically resolves within 24 (it can take longer for PRK). Most patients do not require pain medication, though artificial tears can help soothe any irritation.

Pain & Recovery Differences Between LASIK, PRK & SMILE

LASIK

• Minimal discomfort during and after surgery.
• Fast recovery—most patients see clearly within a day.
• Temporary dryness may occur but usually improves over time.

PRK

• Mild to moderate discomfort for 2-3 days as the cornea heals.
• Slightly longer recovery than LASIK usually, with vision stabilizing in a week or two.
• No risk of flap complications.

SMILE

• Least invasive procedure with minimal discomfort.
• Faster healing than PRK, with less dry eye risk than LASIK.
• Ideal for active lifestyles—no flap, so less concern for post-op restrictions.

How to Minimize Discomfort After Laser Eye Surgery

While most patients report minimal discomfort, here are a few ways to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Use prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and dryness
• Wear sunglasses to protect against bright light and UV rays
• Rest your eyes and avoid screens for at least 24 hours
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you had LASIK
• Follow all post-op care instructions provided by your surgeon

For PRK patients, special bandage contact lenses are worn for a few days to promote healing and reduce irritation. We’ll tell you all you need to know ahead of time.

If fear of pain is stopping you from getting laser eye surgery, rest assured that LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are designed to be comfortable, safe, and effective. At Goel Vision, Dr. Sonny Goel in Baltimore and Columbia has performed over 100,000 successful laser eye surgeries, helping patients achieve clearer vision with minimal discomfort.

Ready to be next? Book a free consultation to explore your vision correction options.