Does LASIK Hurt?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 20 million people have undergone LASIK in the U.S. over the past 25 years—and that number continues to grow. But even with its popularity, proven efficacy, and known safety, the question of, “Does LASIK hurt?” is still fairly common. At 20/20 Institute we can report that LASIK is a very patient-friendly procedure. No needles, no blades, and no stitches are used during LASIK. The procedure takes about 5-7 minutes per eye to perform under topical anesthetic eye drops. In the spirit of full transparency, there are about 30-40 seconds where the eye and the surrounding orbit experience a significant amount of pressure.

We understand the uncertainty that can accompany any surgical procedure—particularly one focused on something as precious as your sight. That’s why we work to not only safeguard and enhance your vision, but also to ensure your optimal comfort every step of the way. We are fully committed to making your Denver LASIK experience as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

The experienced vision corrections specialists at 20/20 Institute prioritize patient comfort, convenience, and ultimate satisfaction. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you, listen to your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine if laser vision correction is the right fit for your needs.

To schedule a FREE LASIK consultation at 20/20 Institute, call us at 303-202-0669 today. We are an independent, doctor-owned and operated LASIK provider with offices in DTC, LoDo, and Westminster. We welcome patients from Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and all areas of Colorado.

Is LASIK Painful?

At 20/20 Institute, patient comfort is a key aspect of the genuine care we offer. With this in mind, we take all the necessary steps to mitigate anxiety and guard against a patient’s discomfort during the LASIK procedure.

While LASIK is relatively easy by design, we offer a mild oral sedative for patients who feel nervous. This helps to ensure optimal relaxation even before the procedure begins. It can also be comforting to know that as previously mentioned, there are no needles, no blades, and no stitches involved at any stage of the LASIK process. These things can be reassuring for patients who feel uncomfortable with injections and similar aspects of traditional surgical operations.

Once emotional comfort is achieved and anxiety is reduced via the oral sedative, we administer numbing eye drops that have been specially formulated to remove the sensation of corneal pain during LASIK surgery. This provides another layer of protection against discomfort, enabling patients to undergo the LASIK procedure with minimal discomfort.

During the procedure itself, a specialized device is used to gently hold the eyelids open. This removes the patient’s and the surgeon’s concerns that the patient will inadvertently blink during the procedure.  It also allows for optimal precision and accuracy of the laser treatment while reshaping the cornea, which translates to more predictable and stable LASIK results.

The part of the procedure that involves the creation of the corneal flap is quick, typically lasting only about 15 to 45 seconds per eye. During this time, you feel pressure on and around your eye. This sensation usually lasts around 30-40 seconds and is more often described as the tightness and pressure of “an intense blood pressure cuff.” Most express that discomfort is a small trade-off for the significant and lasting improvement in vision that LASIK offers. A majority of our patients report the overall LASIK experience as surprisingly quick and much easier than anticipated.

To further protect your comfort, our team will be with you every step of the way. We take every care to make sure you feel safe, informed, and secure throughout the process. Our goal is not just to correct your vision but to make your journey to better sight as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Is Recovery from LASIK Painful?

Recovery from LASIK is remarkably swift for most patients, and discomfort is minimal. At 20/20 Institute, we prioritize not only the success of your LASIK procedure but also a smooth and comfortable recovery. That’s one of the reasons we include follow-up care in the cost of your LASIK procedure.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during the recovery phase:

• Immediate Post-Procedure Care: Right after LASIK, it’s common to experience some irritation, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eyes, but these sensations are typically short-lived. We will provide you with eye drops to help manage any discomfort and to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Minimal Discomfort: Most patients report only mild discomfort that can often be compared to the sensation of having an eyelash in the eye. This usually subsides within several hours after the procedure.
• Rapid Visual Recovery: Many patients notice an improvement in their vision almost immediately after surgery, with significant improvement occurring within the first 24 to 48 hours. It’s important to not rub your eyes during this period to aid the healing process.
• Follow-Up Care: We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and to help ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected. These check-ups are a crucial part of our commitment to your ongoing eye health.
• Guidance and Support: Our team takes the time to provide detailed post-operative care instructions before your procedure and is always available to answer any questions that you may have. In fact, we will provide you with access to our doctors via cell phone to ensure 24/7 care. We will make sure you know what to expect at each stage of recovery and how to best care for your eyes to facilitate optimal healing.

The LASIK recovery process is typically straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day or two. While it’s rare, if any concerns or unusual symptoms arise, our team will be ready to provide immediate assistance.

At 20/20 Institute, your successful recovery is as important as the procedure itself. We strive to make every phase of the LASIK experience as comfortable and positive as possible, ensuring that your journey towards clearer vision is both satisfying and as pain-free as possible.

The 20/20 Patient Experience

From the moment you step into any of our offices, you’ll know why we are the premier choice for LASIK in Denver. We are committed to providing a patient experience that surpasses your expectations in comfort and quality.

Every aspect of our service—from zero-wait-time office visits to personalized patient counseling—is designed to ensure that your LASIK vision correction is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our facilities are crafted to offer a calming atmosphere, ensuring you are properly cared for, valued, and protected from start to finish.

At 20/20 Institute, our foundation is built on a profound dedication to our patients’ needs and desires. True to our mission statement, we strive to exceed the expectations of our patients, rooting each decision in the knowledge that what is in their best interest is in our best interest as well. Shaped by the passion of our founder, Dr. Mark Danzo, this personal touch is evident in the way we treat every patient who walks through our doors.

We adhere to a philosophy where medicine and outstanding customer service converge. Our experienced team of LASIK specialists employs only our most advanced laser technology available—no compromises or shortcuts. You will receive straightforward, understandable explanations and a conservative, careful approach to determine your suitability for LASIK.

20/20 Institute is dedicated to ensuring that your path to better vision is comfortable, safe, and rewarding. With literally hundreds of reviews on Google and other platforms and our history of exceptional results, you can count on us to provide a patient experience unlike any other. We look forward to meeting with you to listen to your desires, evaluate your LASIK candidacy, and help you determine if laser vision correction is the right fit for your needs.

Contact 20/20 Institute for a FREE LASIK Consultation!

To schedule your FREE LASIK consultation, contact 20/20 Institute online or call us today. We maintain offices in Westminster, Downtown Denver, and Englewood. We provide LASIK and LASIK alternatives to people living in all areas of Colorado.