Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
LASIK is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, so that light focuses more accurately on the retina. A thin, hinged flap is created in the outer corneal tissue, an excimer laser removes a precise amount of tissue underneath to reshape the cornea, and the flap is then repositioned. LASIK changes the focusing power of the eye; it does not treat underlying eye disease.
Who typically needs this
- Generally suitable for adults with a refractive error that has been stable for at least a year.
- Requires corneas that are thick enough and healthy enough to safely create a flap and reshape tissue.
- Not recommended for people with active eye disease such as keratoconus, significant dry eye, or uncontrolled glaucoma.
- Not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, since hormonal changes can temporarily affect refraction.
What to expect
- A detailed pre-operative evaluation measures corneal shape, thickness, and pupil size.
- Numbing eye drops are applied, and a thin flap is created in the cornea using a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser.
- The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to the planned correction.
- The flap is repositioned without stitches and adheres naturally within minutes.
Recovery
- Mild grittiness, watering, and light sensitivity are common for the first day or two.
- Vision typically improves within a day or two, though full stabilization can take several weeks.
- A protective shield, especially worn at night, and prescribed drops help prevent rubbing and infection during early healing.
- Follow-up visits monitor flap healing and the final visual outcome.
Risks to know about
- Dry eye symptoms are common in the weeks to months after surgery and usually improve over time with lubricating drops.
- Some patients notice temporary glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision, especially in the first months.
- Under-correction or over-correction can occur, occasionally requiring a further enhancement procedure.
- Flap-related problems are uncommon, and rarely the cornea can weaken over time (ectasia).
Frequently asked questions
Is LASIK painful?
No. Numbing drops are used during the procedure, and most people feel only mild pressure, followed by grittiness or watering for a day or two afterward.
How long do the results last?
The corneal reshaping is intended to be permanent, but the eyes can still change with age from unrelated causes such as presbyopia or cataracts.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes, LASIK is commonly performed on both eyes in a single sitting.
Will I ever need glasses again?
Many patients no longer need glasses for most daily activities, but reading glasses are often still needed later in life due to normal age-related changes in the lens.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — LASIK, Mayo Clinic — LASIK surgery: Is it right for you?, NHS — Laser eye surgery and lens surgery . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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