The use of medication during LASIK eye surgery is a carefully orchestrated process designed to ensure patient comfort, minimize anxiety, and promote optimal healing. Unlike procedures requiring general anesthesia, LASIK uses local numbing and mild oral sedatives, allowing you to remain awake and cooperative. Understanding the various medications involved—from the pre-procedure pill to post-operative eye drops—can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you for a smooth experience.
Before LASIK: The Calming Pill and Pre-Op Drops
The thought of a laser near the eye can be unnerving. To address this, a mild oral sedative is often the answer to what pill do they give you for LASIK eye surgery. The primary goal is to help you relax without making you fall asleep, as you must remain alert to follow your surgeon's instructions.
Oral Sedatives for Anxiety
- Diazepam (Valium): This is one of the most commonly prescribed oral sedatives for LASIK, often administered 15 to 30 minutes before the procedure. As a benzodiazepine, it works by calming the nervous system, which helps reduce anxiety and relax the muscles, preventing involuntary movements during the surgery.
- Lorazepam (Ativan): Some clinics may use lorazepam as an alternative to diazepam to achieve a similar calming effect.
- MKO Melts: For procedures that might involve slightly deeper sedation, some practices use sublingual (under the tongue) tablets like MKO melts, which contain midazolam, ketamine, and ondansetron. These provide a rapid, relaxing effect without the need for an IV.
Pre-Operative Antibiotic Eye Drops
In addition to any oral medication, some surgeons may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to be used the day before surgery. This preventative measure helps reduce the risk of infection by eliminating any bacteria on the eye's surface before the procedure begins.
During LASIK: Numbing the Eye
The LASIK procedure itself is painless due to a topical anesthetic. No injections are used to numb the eye.
Numbing Anesthetic Eye Drops
- How it Works: The surgeon will apply several drops of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or tetracaine, directly to the eyes. This quickly numbs the surface of the eye, so you will not feel any pain during the creation of the corneal flap or the laser reshaping of the cornea. You may, however, feel some pressure from the speculum that holds the eyelids open and the suction ring used during the flap creation.
After LASIK: The Post-Operative Regimen
After the procedure, your focus shifts to promoting healing and preventing complications. Your surgeon will provide a kit containing various eye drops and protective eyewear.
Post-Operative Eye Drops
- Antibiotic Drops: To prevent infection, antibiotic drops (like moxifloxacin) are continued after the surgery for a prescribed period, usually for about a week.
- Steroid Drops: These anti-inflammatory drops (like prednisolone) help reduce swelling and inflammation. They are typically used for a few days to weeks and may be tapered off gradually.
- Lubricating Eye Drops (Artificial Tears): Dryness is a very common side effect after LASIK. You will be instructed to use lubricating drops, often preservative-free ones in the first few weeks, frequently throughout the day to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Oral Pain Management
While severe pain is uncommon, you might experience mild discomfort, a burning, or a scratchy sensation in the first few hours after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are generally sufficient to manage this. Your surgeon will advise you on the appropriate dosage. Rest is also highly encouraged to promote healing immediately after the procedure.
Comparison of Medications Used for LASIK
| Medication Type | Purpose | How Administered | When It's Used | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Sedative (e.g., Valium) | Reduces anxiety, promotes muscle relaxation | Pill, oral | Before the procedure | Will not put you to sleep; requires a designated driver. |
| Pre-Op Antibiotic Drops | Prevents infection | Eye drops, topical | Days before surgery | Follow schedule provided by the clinic. |
| Anesthetic Drops | Numb the eye surface | Eye drops, topical | Immediately before and during surgery | Eliminates pain, but pressure may be felt. |
| Post-Op Antibiotic Drops | Prevents infection during healing | Eye drops, topical | Days/weeks after surgery | Follow prescribed dosage and duration. |
| Post-Op Steroid Drops | Reduces inflammation | Eye drops, topical | Days/weeks after surgery | Often used in combination with antibiotic drops; may require tapering. |
| Lubricating Drops | Alleviates dry eye symptoms | Eye drops, topical | Weeks/months after surgery | Use frequently, especially preservative-free options initially. |
| OTC Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen) | Manages mild discomfort | Pill, oral | Hours/days after surgery | Consult your surgeon for appropriate dosage. |
Conclusion
While the answer to what pill do they give you for LASIK eye surgery is most commonly a mild oral sedative like Valium to manage anxiety, the entire medication plan for LASIK is much more comprehensive. It includes specific pre-operative eye drops, numbing agents during the procedure, and a series of post-operative drops and optional oral pain relievers to ensure a comfortable and complication-free recovery. By understanding and following your surgeon's instructions for all these medications, you can feel confident and prepared for your laser vision correction procedure.
For more information on preparing for and recovering from eye surgery, refer to guides from reputable sources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology via their EyeWiki resource.
