Why Do You Have To Be Awake For Eye Surgery?

Eye surgery, particularly laser eye surgery, has become popular for individuals seeking to correct vision problems and achieve clearer vision. One common question patients have is: Why do you have to be awake for eye surgery?

This article delves into the reasons behind this practice, types of laser eye surgeries, benefits, and what to expect during the procedure. Understanding these aspects can help individuals feel more confident and excited about their journey towards a better vision.

Why Do You Have To Be Awake For Eye Surgery?

Staying awake during eye surgery might seem daunting, but there are important reasons why this approach is used. Let’s explore these reasons in more detail.

Enhanced Precision And Quality

One primary reason patients need to stay awake during eye surgery is to ensure enhanced precision and quality.

Procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) require the patient’s cooperation to maintain eye position and focus.

Staying awake helps the surgical team monitor eye movements, ensuring the laser targets the correct areas.

Minimising Risks Involved

Being awake during the eye procedure allows patients to provide immediate feedback if they experience discomfort or unusual sensations.

This real-time communication with the eye surgeon helps promptly address any issues, thereby minimising the risks involved.

Avoiding General Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia, which induces sleep, is not typically preferred for eye surgeries like LASIK and cataract surgery.

Instead, local anaesthetics, such as numbing eye drops, are used to ensure the patient remains comfortable without the need for deep sedation.

Types Of Laser Surgery

Various types of laser eye surgeries are available, each suited to different vision correction needs. Here are some of the most common types.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK surgery is the most well-known laser eye surgery for correcting refractive issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

The LASIK procedure involves making a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes per eye.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another type of laser eye surgeries that do not incorporate creating a corneal flap. Instead, the cornea’s outer layer is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped using an advanced laser beam.

This procedure is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas.

SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE® is a minimally invasive laser eye procedure that entails creating a small incision in the cornea to remove a lenticule (a small piece of corneal tissue). This procedure is known for its quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.

Benefits Of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for many patients. Let’s look at some of these advantages.

Quick Recovery And Minimal Discomfort

One of the most significant benefits of laser eye surgery is the quick recovery time. The vast majority experience mild discomfort for a few hours post-surgery and can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Clearer Vision

Laser eye surgery ensures clearer vision, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. Many patients report significantly improved vision shortly after the procedure.

Long-Lasting Results

The results of laser eye surgeries are generally long-lasting, providing patients with better vision for many years. This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long term.

What To Expect During Laser Eye Surgery

Understanding what to expect during laser eye surgery can help ease anxieties and ensure patients are well-prepared.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive eye test to determine their eligibility for the procedure. The eye doctor discusses the specific procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. It’s essential to follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by the surgeon.

During The Procedure

Patients will receive numbing drops on the day of the surgery to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the process. The surgical team will use tiny tools to keep the eyelids open and ensure the eye stays in the correct position. Mild sedatives may be provided to help patients remain calm.

The Procedure Process

The surgical procedure is relatively quick, often taking only a few minutes per eye. Patients must focus on a bright light while the laser reshapes the cornea. Due to the numbing eye drops, most patients do not feel much pain despite being awake.

Post-Procedure Care

After the surgery, patients may experience dry eyes and mild discomfort for several hours. It’s crucial to follow the post-surgery care instructions the eye surgeon provides, which may include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any pain after laser refractive surgery?

Yes, some patients may feel slight pressure after laser eye surgery, but this is generally well-tolerated. Your eye specialist will tell you exactly what to do after the surgery.

How long does the recovery take?

The recovery time for laser eye surgery can be quick. Patients may resume normal activities within a day or two with minimal discomfort. Follow-up visits may be essential to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcomes.

Is it possible to drive immediately after the surgery?

It is advisable to arrange for someone to drive patients home after the surgery, as their vision may be blurry, and they may experience light sensitivity. Patients may drive within a few days, depending on their recovery progress.

What are the risks involved?

Potential risks involved include dry eyes, glare, or under- or over-correction. Patients are encouraged to discuss these risks and their medical history with their eye doctor beforehand to help them make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts: Why Staying Awake Enhances Your Eye Surgery Experience

Staying awake during eye surgery, such as LASIK, is essential for improving the procedure’s accuracy and quality. Using anaesthetic drops makes the patient experience comfortable while allowing the surgical team to achieve the best outcomes.

Understanding the reasons behind staying awake and what to expect during the procedure can help patients feel more confident and excited about their journey towards a better vision.

Laser eye surgeries offer numerous benefits, including quick recovery, clearer vision, and long-lasting results. If you are considering laser eye surgery, consult a qualified eye specialist to identify the best possible approach for your vision needs and enjoy the life-changing benefits of better vision.

Remember to follow all pre- and post-surgery instructions provided by your surgical team and attend the required follow-up appointments to ensure a simple recovery and optimal results.

If you want to learn more about your options, Armadale Eye Clinic is here to help! Discuss your vision needs and determine if you’re suitable for a life-changing procedure by calling our team in Melbourne, VIC, at (03) 9070 5753.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources:

Boyd, Kierstan. “Laser Surgery Recovery.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, edited by David Tubert, 25 May 2023, www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery. Accessed 16 July 2024.

Dunkin, Mary Anne. “A Guide to Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery.” WebMD, 6 Mar. 2023, www.webmd.com/eye-health/overview-refractive-laser-eye-surgery. Accessed 16 July 2024.

Esfahani, Parsa Riazi, et al. “A Review of the Usage and Post-surgical Outcomes of Anesthesia for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Procedure.” Cureus, vol. 14, no. 10, Oct. 2022, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30241.

“SMILE Eye Surgery.” Cleveland Clinic, 15 June 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.

Watson, Stephanie. “LASIK Surgery: What to Expect.” Harvard Health, 10 June 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/lasik-surgery-what-to-expect. Accessed 16 July 2024.

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