Am I Asleep for Laser Eye Surgery?
Feeling nervous about someone working near your eyes is common. One of the questions we hear most is: “Will I be awake?” and sometimes “Can I be put to sleep?”
At EyeHub, the honest short answer for corneal laser vision correction, meaning LASIK, SMILE PRO and PRESBYOND, is that you stay awake, with sedation and numbing eye drops and a calm, step-by-step process.
For implantable contact lenses (ICL) and refractive lens exchange (RLE), surgery is hospital-based, and anaesthetic arrangements (including options discussed with the anaesthetic team) are confirmed for your case.
This guide explains why laser is usually done awake, what it feels like, and how we help with nerves.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Why laser vision correction is typically awake
During LASIK, SMILE PRO and PRESBYOND you are asked to look at a fixation light while the laser treats the cornea. Being able to follow simple instructions helps treatment run smoothly. Our state-of-the-art lasers use an eye-tracking system and gentle suction to keep the eye lined up, so you don’t need to worry about small movements. The lasers and the surgeon take all of that into account.
Being awake does not mean being left without comfort measures:
- A mild sedative is given to you about 30 minutes prior to the procedure.
- Numbing eye drops are used so the surface of the eye is anaesthetised for the procedure.
- An eyelid holder keeps you from needing to worry about blinking at the wrong moment.
- The laser part itself is brief. With SMILE PRO the laser time is 12 seconds. However, your surgeon will tell you how long the whole visit takes.
- Most people describe a slight pressure.
Each step is explained to you beforehand. If you are anxious, tell the team at your video and in-person assessments so we can plan support, timing and expectations with you.
ICL and RLE: hospital and anaesthetic
ICL and RLE surgery is commonly performed as day surgery with local anaesthetic drops; hospital and anaesthetic arrangements are confirmed for your case.
Surface laser note
Some surface laser procedures (often discussed under names such as PRK or ASA) also keep you awake with numbing drops; early healing can feel more uncomfortable for a few days while the surface regenerates. EyeHub’s focus remains on LASIK, SMILE PRO and PRESBYOND, plus ICL and RLE where suitable.
What the day feels like (laser)
What patients often ask about:
| Moment | What we usually say |
|---|---|
| Before | Explained steps; time to ask any last questions |
| During | Look at the light; brief pressure or touch sensations; team talking you through |
| Immediately after | With some procedures, the vision can be somewhat misty or fluctuating; rest; arrange transport home; do not drive yourself on surgery day |
| Next days | Drops as prescribed; post-surgery reviews; activity limits individualised |
Recovery timelines differ by procedure. Individual healing varies. Your surgeon will go through this with you.
Published fees
| Pathway | Published EyeHub figure |
|---|---|
| PRESBYOND | $8,800* both eyes |
| SMILE PRO | $7,800* both eyes |
| LASIK | $7,800* both eyes |
Laser package inclusions (all pre- and post-operative assessments, post-operative drops, 12 months aftercare and lid serum)
*Includes surgeon, anaesthetic and hospital fees
| Pathway | Published EyeHub figure |
|---|---|
| RLE | Approximate $13,000 both eyes* |
| ICL | Approximate $14,000 both eyes* |
*Includes surgeon, lens, anaesthetic and hospital fees
Assessment pathway
EyeHub uses one laser vision assessment pathway:
- Free online video assessment, lasting about 20 minutes.
- In-person assessment with a $100 deposit (redeemable against your surgery).
You will be assessed by the Laser Refractive Clinical team, led by a highly experienced Refractive Optometrist. If suitable to proceed, you will be offered surgery and have an additional discussion with Dr Moorthy.
If found unsuitable for laser, a separate consultation with Dr Moorthy will be advised. A consultation fee of $350 will apply.
Email laser@eyehub.net.au to start.
FAQs
Can I be put completely to sleep for LASIK or SMILE PRO?
At EyeHub, corneal laser is performed awake, with sedation and numbing eye drops.
Will it hurt?
We use sedation and numbing eye drops. Most people describe a slight pressure. Mild dryness or scratchiness can occur while healing; your team will explain drop schedules and what to report urgently.
What if I am very anxious?
Tell us early. Clear explanations, time, and a steady team presence help many people. For hospital-based ICL and RLE, hospital and anaesthetic arrangements (including any twilight sedation) are confirmed for your case.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, for surgery day. Arrange a responsible adult to take you home. Driving resumes only when your treating team advises you meet the legal standard.
Next step
If being awake is worrying you, put that in your booking notes. We’d rather talk it through with you than leave you guessing.
Email laser@eyehub.net.au. You can also call our laser coordinators on 1800 EYEHUB.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
