Eyes wide open: “Do I really have to be awake during Laser Eye Surgery?”
For most people, the idea of Laser Eye Surgery triggers a certain fear – probably owing to the name of the procedure itself. So when they are also told that they will be awake during the treatment, an outright panic is not uncommon.
In fact, surveys have shown that this is one of the most common reasons for people deciding against treatment – even before having an initial consultation.
While we understand this reaction (applying lasers to the eyes while you’re fully conscious does sound quite distressing), the reality is nowhere near as scary as it sounds.
The fact is most surgical procedures require anaesthetic, and other than a few numbing eye drops, Laser Eye Surgery is performed whilst patients are fully conscious. But Laser Eye Surgery is far from your typical surgical procedure.
Not only is the whole procedure over in just a matter of minutes, but the real game-changer is that, in expert hands, Laser Eye Surgery is virtually painless! What’s more, being awake during the procedure does not in any way put you at risk and you can’t mess up your treatment, no matter how hard you try.
Opening your eyes to the reality of safe & pain-free Laser Eye Surgery
One of the first things our patients say after their procedure is complete (apart from the obvious “wow”) is that they can’t believe how easy and painless it all was.
Not only do we apply anaesthetic drops directly to the eyes to prevent any discomfort during your treatment, impressive developments and innovations mean that Laser Eye Surgery is largely a minimally-invasive procedure. This all means that you should feel very little from beginning to end.
What’s more, to put you even more at ease, your surgeon will walk you through what they are doing at every stage of the procedure. (Our patients also report that the complementary massage and chocolate biscuits go a long way toward helping them relax, too!)
The understandable fear of experiencing pain aside, many prospective patients also worry that they might do something that will somehow compromise the treatment. We’re regularly asked: “What if I sneeze, cough, blink, or move?”
Again, we’re glad to report that this is not something you need to worry about! Leading clinics will only use the most up-to-date Laser Eye Surgery technology – including a system that tracks the movement of your eyes at more than 4,000 images per second.
This meticulous accuracy ensures that there is virtually nothing you could do to put yourself at risk during the procedure — even if you spontaneously started playing tennis.
A Revolutionary Treatment
Laser Eye Surgery may instil the same anxiety and fear as any other surgical procedure at first glance, but in reality, it couldn’t be more different. The procedure has been revolutionised over decades of research and development, making Laser Eye Surgery the most commonly performed elective surgery in the world!
Despite the impressive statistics of safety and success in Laser Eye Surgery treatment, undergoing surgery is still a big decision.
If you would like any more information to help with your decision, get in touch with our team of friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.
View Comments (14)
I don't like having my eyes touched but I want to have the surgery will you be able to do anything about that?
Hi Jamie,
Over the years we have treated several patients who have 'eye-phobias' or don't like having their eyes touched. Obviously the nature of the procedure means that we can't avoid touching the eyes, but anaesthetic drops are used to numb them, so that the patient doesn't feel any pain or discomfort. We would encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation, as we are experts in managing all sorts of anxieties relating to laser eye surgery, and you may well find that the treatment doesn't sound as bad as you are expecting!
If you have further questions, or would like to discuss your options in more detail, please do give us a call on 020 7224 1005, or email info@londonvisionclinic.com.
Kind regards,
London Vision Clinic
What happens if I blink? This is really scary for me because I'm only fourteen! Can you give me some more information or send it to my email?? Thanks.
Hi Sumayah,
I am afraid we do not treat patients under 18. However, to answer your questions, if you blink then the laser would simply stop as it is tracking your eye at all times. Your eye is held open by an eye speculum so you can’t really blink.
Thanks
London Vision Clinic
I understand it's possible to do while being awake. However, I am very sensitive and the nervous system of my family is a bit whacky. Normal sedatives don't work with my family, and we have to be knocked out to not experience any pain.
Is it possible to do the surgery while the patient is asleep, or do they have to be awake?
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for your comment. You do need to be awake for the procedure and we would have to assess the effectiveness on the drops before proceeding with surgery to ensure that you were comfortable throughout. If you would like to go through this or have any other questions, please call one of our Patient Care Coordinators on 0207 224 1005.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
What all happens during the procedure?
Hi Cody,
Thank you for your comment. Do you mean in regards to the process to have laser eye surgery or the day of the actual procedure itself? Please have a read of the link below https://www.londonvisionclinic.com/2008/12/about-laser-eye-treatment-at-london-vision-clinic/ or get in touch with one of our patient care coordinators who will explain the process thoroughly to you.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
Hey
It all looks good and I think that it can help me out a lot. But I am scared of the procedure. Is there any way that you can knock me out whilst you do it.
Thanks Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, you do have to be awake for the procedure. We have treated a lot of patients who have been nervous and have previously never had someone touch their eyes as they are so nervous. Due to the expertise of the staff at the clinic they have sailed through the process and usually comment on how easy it was. My advice to you would be to have a consultation to determine your suitability first and then take it from there. Please call the clinic on 0207 224 1005 if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
How comes you don't blink in laser eye surgery. I understand that you hold it open but your eyes must get dry and you need to blink. Please answer I am very confused.
Hi Chich,
Drops are put in to your eyes before, during and after the procedure. The procedure is over so quickly that your eyes do not get dry from being held open. Please call the clinic on 0207 224 1005 if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
I'm considering this. However, I have fibromyalgia & I get body jerks, spasms, cramps & the shakes (however, some days the condition doesnt really effect me though). I know the eye is held open but I've read that you have to stare straight ahead or on the same spot the whole time. What happens if I'm unable to do this or my eye jerks?
Hi Shirley,
Fibromyalgia is not a contraindicator but it can delay the healing process.
We would need to know more about your eyes, such as whether you currently suffer from dry eyes, before suggesting whether you would be a suitable candidate, one of our Patient Care Coordinators would be able to go into further detail with you. There is an eye tracker built into the laser which cuts out should you look away.
I would recommend you call to speak with us for more information on 020 7224 1005.
Best wishes,
London Vision Clinic