Do I Have to be Awake During LASIK?

It is natural to feel a little apprehensive about undergoing LASIK surgery. Patients sometimes ask if they have to be awake during the LASIK procedure and the answer to that question is, yes. Conscious cooperation is necessary to achieve accuracy during the fixation portion of the procedure, and so all patients are awake throughout LASIK vision correction. The general anesthesia required to place patients in a state of unconsciousness during surgical procedures also comes with significant medical risks, and due to the relative ease and virtual painlessness of the LASIK procedure in most cases, general anesthesia is typically neither necessary nor appropriate. The vision correction portion of the LASIK procedure usually takes about five minutes for both eyes and most patients are surprised by how truly simple the process is.

At Aloha Laser Vision, we understand that our LASIK patients are sometimes quite anxious about undergoing the procedure, which is why we offer the option of a mild sedative before the procedure starts to facilitate relaxation. Before starting LASIK, your eye surgeon will explain exactly what to expect during the procedure so that you are as prepared as possible. Numbing anesthetic drops are then administered to the eyes to minimize the potential for pain during treatment. Throughout your LASIK surgery, your surgeon and assisting team members will be communicating with you to explain what is going on and check in on your level of comfort. Our team will do everything in our power to ensure that your procedure proceeds swiftly, comfortably, and successfully.