I'm nervous, can I be sedated for laser eye surgery?

It is completely normal to feel nervous before laser eye surgery. For most patients, the idea of someone working on their eyes while they are awake is unsettling, even if they are excited about the result. The good news is that laser eye surgery is a very quick procedure, and there are several ways to keep you comfortable and calm throughout.

Are you awake during laser eye surgery?

Yes. Laser eye surgery is almost always performed while you are awake. This is not because the procedure is painful, but because you need to be able to follow simple instructions and keep your eye still during the laser pulses. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, so you do not feel pain, only a sensation of pressure or touching for a few moments.

Is there sedation for laser eye surgery?

Many clinics offer a mild oral sedative, usually a short-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam, to reduce anxiety before LASIK, SMILE or LASEK. This is taken about 30 minutes before the procedure. It does not put you to sleep, but it takes the edge off nervousness and helps the time pass more quickly.

General anaesthetic or deep intravenous sedation is not used for routine laser eye surgery. Because you need to be conscious and able to fix your gaze, heavy sedation would make the procedure less safe and harder to perform.

What does the procedure feel like?

After the numbing drops, most patients describe pressure rather than pain. Creating a thin flap during LASIK, or applying the laser in SMILE and LASEK, takes only seconds. You may hear clicking sounds and smell a faint odour from the laser. The whole treatment for both eyes is usually complete within 10 to 15 minutes, and the laser itself is on each eye for less than a minute.

Can you take your own calming medication?

You should not take any medication that has not been discussed with your surgical team. Some over-the-counter remedies or sedatives from home can make you drowsy, affect your cooperation during the procedure, or interact with the drops and post-operative medicines. Always tell the clinic about anything you have taken before the appointment.

Will I need someone to take me home?

If you have been given any sedative, including a single tablet for anxiety, you will not be able to drive and should be accompanied home. The same applies to most laser eye surgery appointments, because your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterwards. Arrange a friend, family member or transport in advance.

What if I am extremely anxious?

For patients who are very anxious, clinics can usually slow the process down, explain each step in detail, and provide reassurance from the surgeon and nursing team. Some patients benefit from listening to music or focusing on a breathing technique. In rare cases, if anxiety is severe enough that staying still or following instructions would be impossible, the surgeon may discuss alternatives such as lens-based surgery, which can sometimes be performed under a different form of anaesthesia.

What are the risks of sedation?

Mild oral sedation is generally safe, but it can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times and a fall risk. It is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain breathing problems, sleep apnoea, or who are taking other sedating medicines. Your medical history will be reviewed before any sedative is offered.

Top tips for the day

- Eat a light meal beforehand if you are allowed to do so

- Avoid caffeine if it makes you feel jittery

- Arrive early so you are not rushed

- Ask every question you have; reassurance is part of the process

- Arrange your lift home and plan a quiet rest of the day

Next steps

If you are nervous about laser eye surgery, tell the clinic at your assessment. They can explain exactly what will happen, discuss whether a mild sedative is appropriate for you, and give you the confidence to go ahead. Most patients are surprised by how calm and quick the experience is.