Laser eye treatment has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, each offering a more effective option to correct one’s vision. SILK eye surgery is quickly becoming a common option for those looking to reduce their dependence upon glasses and/or contact lenses in India. Potential patients most often ask, “Is SILK surgery painful?”, so this post explores the facts and addresses some myths for potential patients.
What is SILK Surgery?
SILK surgery addresses refractive error -- nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, for example -- by using a laser to reshape the cornea in order to help a patient to see better. The most significant difference between SILK surgery and LASIK surgery is that SILK surgery is much gentler and utilizes more recent or advanced technology when it comes to performing the corneal reshaping. SILK surgery utilizes next-generation laser technology, allowing for a much more accurate corneal reshaping which leads to fewer complications, but most importantly, SILK surgery patients experience additional recovery time (which is usually at the top of a patient's priority list when seeking options to fix their vision).
The Myth: Surgery Equals Pain
There is a belief that any kind of eye surgery is going to hurt. Many people feel that having laser surgery sounds scary; however, SILK is actually painless during the procedure. Here’s why:
- Local Anesthesia: Before beginning surgery, your ophthalmologist will apply numbing eye drops on the surface of your eye to ensure that you do not feel either the laser or any reshaping of the cornea.
- Short Duration: SILK surgery is also prompt. In fact, the total procedure for both eyes is often completed in about 15-20 minutes. The brief duration minimizes the likelihood that discomfort will develop or that stress and anxiety will occur.
- Gentle Laser Technology: The laser used for SILK procedures is an advanced laser designed to minimize trauma to tissue to provide you with a more pleasant and easy experience as compared to the past.
What Patients Might Feel
Although the procedure is painless, some patients do report mild sensations during the procedure, such as:
- Pressure on the eye from the laser interface
- Brief awareness of light flashes from the laser
- The feeling of some moisture or pulling
Most sensations are temporary and not painful experiences. Many patients report the procedure is surprisingly comfortable; in fact, many patients state it feels like some sort of minor pressure or warmth, compared to feeling pain.
Discomfort Post-Procedure
Mild discomfort is common after SILK surgery; it is usually minimal and tolerable:
Dry Eye: After surgery, your eyes might feel dry (you can treat this with lubricating eye drops) for a few days.
Light Sensitivity: After surgery, bright lights may be irritating for a day or two; it is particularly bothersome outdoors. Sunglasses will help.
Mild Irritation or Itching: Itching is possible for a day or two after your surgery.
Continue post-operative care your surgeon gave you after surgery, including the eye drops and avoiding rubbing your eyes. If you practice proper eye care, any discomfort from the procedure will be finished soon. In fact, most patients have some major improvement in their vision during the first 24 to 48 hours.
Moving Past Pain: Being the Real Concern
The real things to concern ourselves with are safety, accuracy, and recovery. When performed by an experienced ophthalmologist, SILK eye surgery has high success rates, few complications, and modern techniques will reduce infective complications, corneal haze, and overall risk of complications associated with laser procedures that were being performed over two decades ago.
Conclusion
It is completely reasonable to ponder the question, “Is SILK eye surgery in India painful?” but mostly based on myths and misconceptions. There may be mild sensations and temporary discomfort after surgery, but due to the local anesthetic and advanced laser technology we use, the procedure is virtually painless. SILK surgery is a very good, safe, and simple procedure that will improve the quality of life for a person with vision difficulties.
If you are thinking about laser eye surgery in Delhi, it is important to find a qualified, experienced, and reputable doctor and clinic. The consultation process, depth of information, and pre-operative process can make the whole experience as hassle-free and painless as possible.
