Pain and
Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, P-IOL, RLE, etc.

Some refractive surgery techniques are associated with more pain than others, but the single greatest source of discomfort from any refractive surgery technique will probably be the anxiety and stress of anticipating eye surgery. Before all types of refractive surgery, an anesthetic is applied to the eye. You are awake and aware, but you should feel nothing of the surgery.

Lasik probably wins the comfort race, as it has the lowest incident of postoperative discomfort, however pain, itching, an foreign body sensation may occur. All-Laser Lasik is just behind Lasik with a slightly higher incidence of edema and associated discomfort. Epi-Lasik and LASEK attempt to limit the pain that is normally associated with PRK by saving the epithelium. While discomfort may be less with Epi-Lasik and LASEK than with PRK, there probably will be some discomfort. PRK is at the bottom of the list with probably temporary discomfort that is limited by medications.

P-IOL and RLE are lens-based surgeries that require an incision at the edge of the cornea and manipulation of the interior of the eye. This is more traditional surgery and is more associated with discomfort, which is limited by medications.

CK is not commonly associated with significant discomfort, but would probably be comparable to Epi-Lasik or LASEK.

The healing response is greatly variable from one patient to another. Some will have PRK and have absolutely no problems at all. Some will have Lasik and be miserable for days. What is represented here is a very gross generality. Complications will dramatically change the level of discomfort one will experience.

Any postoperative pain - even expected levels of pain - should be immediately reported to the doctor. Sometimes pain is an indication of a complication that needs immediate response.