Do I Have To Be Awake During LASIK?
LASIK surgery usually takes less than 10 minutes and does not require general anesthesia. The laser that reshapes the cornea typically is on less than one minute per eye.
General anesthesia (being "put asleep") during any type of surgery has its own risks and would significantly increase the cost of LASIK without adding significant benefits.
If you fear you will be anxious during the procedure, your LASIK surgeon will give you a mild sedative or other medication prior to surgery to help you relax. The use of a mild sedative is common with LASIK.
Most patients are surprised by how quickly their LASIK procedure goes and feel afterward it was much easier and less stressful than they expected it would be.
Page published on Wednesday, January 2, 2019
