No, you don't. You get eye drops to anaethetise the eye, that's it. BUT.. it's not as horrible as it sounds. Even this initial cutting of the flap is all done w

No, you don't. You get eye drops to anaethetise the eye, that's it. BUT.. it's not as horrible as it sounds. Even this initial cutting of the flap is all done with a automated thing that covers your eye, it's not like some guy sways up to you with a scalpel wobbling in his hand. You don't 'see' anything other than your view being obstructed, you certainly don't feel anything. (There is some discomfort afterwards, but they give you eye drops which work wonders) There is a slight smell of something burning, which is a little disconcerting, I can't lie.