For many people considering vision correction, the biggest fear isn’t the technology — it’s the idea of anything touching their eyes. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does LASIK hurt?”, you’re not alone.
At Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we meet thousands of patients who walk in anxious about the unknown. And yet, they walk out saying the same two words:
“That’s it?”
—Dr. Craig Bindi, Refractive Surgeon, LEC
This article walks you through exactly what LASIK feels like, what happens during the procedure, the anesthetic options that keep you comfortable, and real patient reactions straight from the Laser Eye Center experience.
The Fear Is Real — But So Is the Relief
Before every procedure, LEC’s Patient Experience Director, Shareef Madavi, asks patients a simple question:
“Have you talked to anyone you know who’s had LASIK?”
Because when patients hear it from people they trust, they almost always hear the truth:
“LASIK takes about 15 minutes. It doesn’t hurt. And the recovery is overnight.”
Still, even after hearing that, your concerns matter. That’s where the StoryBrand approach comes in:
You are the hero of this story — someone who wants clearer vision and freedom from glasses.
Our team is your guide, walking with you, step by step, toward a comfortable, confidence-building experience.
Let’s address the fears directly.
What to Expect During LASIK: Step-by-Step Comfort
1. You’ll Arrive a Little Nervous — and That’s Normal
As Dr. Bindi explains:
“One of the most common questions I get is what it’s like to go through the procedure. People get anxious about the thought of eye surgery.”
This is completely expected. Most patients feel some pre-procedure nerves simply because they don’t know what to expect.
That’s why we begin with reassurance and relaxation.
2. A Small Dose of Valium Helps You Relax
To make sure your mind and body feel calm, every patient receives:
- A mild oral sedative (Valium) to reduce anxiety
- Time in a comfort-focused prep area
- A walkthrough of every step so nothing feels mysterious
“People come in anxious. We give a pill of Valium so they can feel relaxed.” —Dr. Bindi
There are no needles, no IVs, and absolutely no injections around your eye.
3. Numbing Eyedrops Make the Procedure Pain-Free
When patients ask, “Does LASIK hurt?” this is the most important part:
LASIK uses only numbing eyedrops for anesthesia — no shots, no blades, no discomfort.
“There are just numbing eyedrops. There’s no injection to numb the eye, no blades, no blood, and no IV line.” —Dr. Bindi
Within seconds, your eyes feel fully anesthetized. You may feel pressure at a few moments, but not pain.
4. The Procedure Takes About 15 Minutes — and the Laser Time Is Only 15–20 Seconds
The majority of your time in the laser suite isn’t surgery — it’s Dr. Bindi preparing, calibrating, and walking you through every step.
“People walk into our laser room for about 15 minutes… the actual laser treatment is usually done in about 15 to 20 seconds.”
And during that 20 seconds, you’re supported by some of the most advanced tracking technology in the world.
Myth: “What If I Blink or Move My Eye?”
Many patients fear they’ll mess something up. Completely understandable — and completely unnecessary.
Modern LASIK systems at LEC use:
- Eye-tracking technology that monitors movement over 1,000 times per second
- A gentle device that keeps you from blinking
- A laser that automatically pauses if needed
As Dr. Bindi explains:
“Even if somebody does move their eyes or move their head, it does not affect the outcome.”
You don’t have to “hold still.” The technology does that for you.
Real Patient Reactions: What People Actually Say After LASIK
Patients often walk out of the laser suite surprised — not because anything felt unusual, but because the experience was far easier than they expected. Many describe the procedure as strangely simple, quicker than a dental cleaning, or so smooth they didn’t have time to feel nervous.
Dr. Bindi hears versions of the same reaction every week:
people are relieved, comfortable, and genuinely surprised by how easy the entire process feels.
For many, the most emotional moment comes later that evening or the next morning, when they look around and realize they’re seeing clearly without glasses for the first time in years.
Why LASIK Recovery Is So Fast
The cornea is the fastest-healing tissue in the human body.
This is why LASIK is one of the quickest recoveries in modern medicine.
Your role as the patient (the hero) is simple: follow the plan.
Our role as your guide is to make that plan easy.
You’ll use:
- Antibiotic drops for safety
- Lubricating drops for comfort
And according to Dr. Bindi:
“Lubricating drops are comforting for people to use in the first healing phase.”
By the next day, most patients are back to their routines with clear, stable vision.
The Bottom Line: Does LASIK Hurt?
No.
Modern LASIK at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley is designed to be pain-free, quick, and remarkably comfortable.
From the Valium that helps you relax… to numbing drops that eliminate pain… to a 15-minute experience guided by a top refractive surgeon… every step is built around one goal:
Give you clear vision with confidence and comfort.
If fear has been holding you back, you’re not alone — but you also don’t have to stay stuck.
Thousands of patients before you have walked in nervous and walked out with a new kind of freedom.
Your job is simply to show up.
We’ll guide you the rest of the way.
