Do they put you to sleep for laser eye surgery?

Thinking about LASIK or PRK but a little nervous? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear is,
“Do they put you to sleep for laser eye surgery?”

Here’s the short answer: No, you stay awake.
But don’t worry. The procedure is quick, easy, and very comfortable. Most people are surprised at how simple it is.

Let’s walk through what really happens during laser eye surgery so you know exactly what to expect.

No general anesthesia needed

Laser eye surgery is done while you’re awake, but that doesn’t mean it’s scary or painful.

We use numbing eye drops to make sure you don’t feel anything. You won’t need needles or injections. These drops are fast-acting and take care of any discomfort.

You’ll be relaxed the whole time

If you’re feeling anxious, we can give you a mild sedative like Valium to help you stay calm. You’ll still be awake, but you’ll feel relaxed and at ease.

Most people say they were surprised by how quick and painless the whole thing was.

What happens during the procedure?

• You’ll lie back on a soft surgical chair
• We’ll place a small device to gently hold your eyelids open
• The laser will do its job in just a few seconds per eye
• You may see lights or feel some pressure, but no pain.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes for both eyes.

You can talk to us the whole time

You’ll be able to hear your surgeon and the team throughout the procedure. We’ll guide you every step of the way. You can ask questions or just listen to our instructions.

Why do you need to be awake?

You need to look at a fixed target light during the procedure so the laser knows exactly where to focus. The laser tracks your eye movements in real time, which makes it safe and precise.

What if I blink or move?

Don’t worry. We use advanced tracking technology that follows your eye movement and pauses the laser if needed.

Plus, your eye is gently held open, and you won’t feel the urge to blink thanks to the numbing drops.

What happens after?

Right after the procedure, your vision may be a bit blurry. You’ll go home the same day, and we recommend taking a nap.

By the next morning, most people already see better. Your vision will continue to improve over the next few days and weeks.

Life after LASIK

The best part? Waking up every morning and seeing clearly without glasses or contacts. No more foggy lenses. No more contact lens routine. Just freedom.

For many people, that’s the real benefit of staying awake during surgery. You’re aware, calm, and ready to enjoy the results as soon as you open your eyes.

Take the first step

Still have questions? Want to know if you’re a good candidate? Start by taking our suitability self-test. It’s fast, easy, and free.