Does Laser Eye Surgery hurt?
No, a local anesthetic ensures a total lack of feeling during the procedure although there may be some post-operative discomfort. The cornea is the most pain sensitive part of the body and is designed as such for its own protection.
The cornea consists of five layers with the top layer being constantly worn away by the action of the lids and usually regenerates within 24 hours however, should a foreign body scrape the cornea and break the second layer then scarring can occur resulting in a reduction of the eye’s visual acuity.
The heightened corneal sensitivity causes an increase in the level of tear fluid which acts as a protective buffer between the cornea and the foreign body while at the same time swilling it away before any damage can occur.
