Does LASIK hurt? If you’re considering laser vision correction in Jacksonville or North Florida, this question has probably crossed your mind—and the answer may be more reassuring than you think. At Florida Eye Custom Vision, our experienced surgeons—Dr. Jerry Maida, Dr. Amit Chokshi, and Dr. S. Akbar Hasan perform all-laser, blade-free LASIK using advanced numbing drops, precision-guided IntraLase® technology, and supportive care protocols. The result? It is a fast, safe, and virtually pain-free experience for most patients. In this guide, we’ll answer the question, “Is LASIK painful?” and walk you through what LASIK feels like before, during, and after treatment, so that you can approach your procedure with complete confidence.
Although your cornea is highly sensitive, LASIK isn’t painful thanks to the specialized anesthetic eye drops we use that block pain signals from reaching the nerves. As a result, most patients only feel mild pressure or movement during LASIK, not sharp pain.
Here’s what keeps our patients comfortable:
1. Numbing Drops – Feel cool or wet, but not painful.
2. Femtosecond Laser (IntraLase®) – Creates the flap with light pulses, not blades. You’ll feel gentle pressure, not burning or cutting.
3. Excimer Laser Reshaping – Removes microscopic tissue without heat or vibration, so there’s no sharp pain or sensation.
The entire procedure takes 15–20 minutes for both eyes, with the laser active for just seconds per eye.
Before Your Procedure
During LASIK
Immediately After Treatment
A nap is strongly recommended, as rest allows your eyes to recover and the numbing drops to wear off gently. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil are safe to take if you feel achy, but are rarely needed. Most patients wake up from their nap with clearer vision and very little irritation.