2026-07-20
Gangnam Station LASIK: How is the Anesthesia Process Performed During Surgery?
Learn about the anesthesia process for LASIK surgery at Gangnam Station, specifically focusing on topical anesthetic eye drops and the benefits of New Smile LASIK.


Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic😊💙
Many people considering LASIK surgery often wonder,
‘How is anesthesia administered for eye surgery?’
Although it is a vision correction surgery performed with a laser, not a knife or needle,
the reason there is no pain during surgery is due to the appropriate anesthesia process.
So, how is anesthesia performed when you are not even closing your eyes?
Will it hurt during the surgery?
Unlike general surgeries, the anesthesia process for LASIK surgery
uses topical anesthetic eye drops and proceeds quickly and safely.
Today, we will take a detailed look at the anesthesia process for LASIK surgery at Gangnam Station to help you understand it easily.
Gangnam Station LASIK, What is New Smile LASIK?

New Smile LASIK is an advanced form of vision correction surgery that evolved from existing Smile LASIK, applying a minimally invasive method to reduce the corneal incision area.
This surgery combines the advantages of traditional LASIK and LASEK while maintaining the structural stability of the cornea as much as possible.
Features and Advantages of New Smile LASIK
While existing Smile LASIK involved a corneal incision of about 4mm,
New Smile LASIK has reduced this incision area.
A smaller incision means less nerve damage, which lowers the likelihood of dry eyes
and maintains corneal strength after surgery, ensuring long-term stability.
Since it does not create a corneal flap, it is resistant to external impact and
is a suitable surgical method for people who exercise frequently.
Patients can expect a quick recovery after surgery, with most patients able to
return to daily life within 2 days.
Symptoms of vision abnormalities such as glare or night halos
also appear relatively less frequently.
New Smile LASIK minimizes nerve damage to
help maintain the stability of the tear film.
The reason dry eyes often occur after vision correction surgery is because
nerves are damaged when the cornea is incised, which impairs tear secretion function.
This surgical method has a significant advantage in that it minimizes the incision area,
thereby reducing the possibility of side effects.
Anesthesia Method for LASIK Surgery at Gangnam Station

For LASIK surgery, ‘topical anesthetic eye drops’ are used instead of general anesthesia.
This method involves directly instilling eye drops containing anesthetic ingredients into the eye to
dull the sensation of the cornea and conjunctiva.
Topical anesthesia is used for its safety and efficiency.
Unlike general anesthesia, topical anesthesia has a lower risk of side effects, and the patient can
remain conscious during the surgery, allowing them to follow the medical staff's instructions and
appropriately control their eye movements.
Furthermore, unlike injection anesthesia, it does not use needles, so
patients feel less psychological burden, and the anesthesia process itself is simple.
It takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute for the anesthetic eye drops to take effect.
Once anesthesia is complete, the sensation in the cornea and conjunctiva is dulled,
and you will not feel any pain.
The anesthetic effect lasts throughout the surgery and
gradually wears off within about 30 minutes after surgery.
After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience a slight foreign body sensation or increased tear secretion, but
these are temporary reactions that naturally disappear over time.
If necessary, using artificial tears can help with the recovery process.
However, please note that all processes may vary from person to person.
Gangnam Station LASIK: Anesthesia and Recovery Information

LASIK surgery is performed in a short time, but
to minimize patient discomfort and ensure a stable state during the surgery,
additional anesthetic eye drops may be administered during the procedure if necessary.
During surgery, the patient needs to cooperate by fixating on a light, etc., but
because anesthesia has been administered, they can undergo the surgery
without feeling any pain.
During the anesthesia process, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, and
it is important to maintain a stable state by following the medical staff's instructions during surgery.
Additionally, it is necessary to check in advance for any allergies or drug reactions to the anesthetic.
During the recovery process, wearing a protective eye shield for a certain period
can be helpful, and
after surgery, please avoid overusing your eyes and
get sufficient rest.
Initially, to aid recovery,
avoid strong light or prolonged screen time,
and keep your eyes moist.
Please fully understand the pre- and post-operative processes and
consult with an ophthalmologist to choose the surgery that is right for your eye condition.
Also, diligently follow post-operative care to achieve the best possible vision recovery.
If you are considering LASIK surgery, a clear understanding of the anesthesia process will allow you to
undergo the surgery with peace of mind.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
is equipped with the latest equipment and a systematic examination system,
and provides personalized 1:1 consultations, treating each patient
with sincerity during surgery.
Furthermore, we always prioritize the patient,
and place transparency and safety above all else.
If you have any other questions,
please feel free to contact the clinic at any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is anesthesia administered during LASIK surgery?
During LASIK surgery, 'topical anesthetic eye drops' are used instead of general anesthesia. This method involves directly instilling eye drops containing anesthetic ingredients into the eye to dull the sensation of the cornea and conjunctiva, with effects appearing within approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
What are the features and advantages of New Smile LASIK?
New Smile LASIK is a minimally invasive method that reduces the corneal incision area compared to existing Smile LASIK. This results in less nerve damage, a lower risk of dry eyes, and maintained corneal strength, ensuring long-term stability.
How long does the recovery period take after New Smile LASIK?
New Smile LASIK offers a quick recovery after surgery. Most patients can return to daily life within 2 days after surgery, and it is resistant to external impact as it does not create a corneal flap.
Will I feel pain during LASIK surgery?
No, you will not feel pain during surgery due to topical anesthetic eye drops. Once anesthesia is complete, the sensation in the cornea and conjunctiva is dulled, allowing you to undergo surgery without pain. If necessary, additional anesthetic eye drops may be administered during the surgery.
How long does the anesthetic effect last, and what happens after it wears off?
The anesthetic effect lasts throughout the surgery. It gradually wears off within about 30 minutes after surgery. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience a slight foreign body sensation or increased tear secretion, but these are temporary reactions that naturally disappear over time.
How should I care for my eyes after LASIK surgery?
After surgery, you should wear a protective eye shield for a certain period, avoid overusing your eyes, and get sufficient rest. Initially, avoiding strong light or prolonged screen time and keeping your eyes moist will help with recovery.