If you’ve ever considered LASIK surgery, you may have wondered: Does the laser burn my eyes? It’s a common concern, and according to Dr. Stephen Wexler from the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, the answer is no.
Stephen A. Wexler, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Email: swexler@nospam.wustl.edu
Medical Director WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center
“One of the things I hear about from patients very often after their LASIK surgery is the smell of the laser while we were doing the treatment,” says Dr. Wexler. “Actually, this is not a burning laser, even though it sort of smells like singed hair or burning tissue. It’s not burning at all.”
What’s Actually Happening?
The laser used in LASIK is an excimer laser, which reshapes the cornea by breaking molecular bonds in the corneal tissue rather than burning it. This process vaporizes microscopic corneal particles, which then get released into the air, creating a distinct odor.
“It’s nothing to worry about,” reassures Dr. Wexler. “Everyone sort of comments on it, but it’s not anything bad.”
Key Takeaways
✅ The LASIK laser does NOT burn the eye.
✅ The smell is due to vaporized corneal particles, not burning.
✅ The procedure is safe, precise, and highly effective.
At WashU Medicine’s LASIK Surgery Center, patients receive expert care in a state-of-the-art facility designed for optimal vision correction outcomes.
Interested in LASIK? Schedule a consultation today!