LASIK Facts
Every clinical statement is sourced from the National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Independent, with no ads or sponsorships.

LASIK FAQ

Important

Results vary by patient. Candidacy, results and risks must be assessed by the clinic. This page is not medical advice; consult a licensed surgeon.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery, and it uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea. (per the National Eye Institute) LASIK is most suitable for adults with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and it cannot fix presbyopia. (per the National Eye Institute)

Am I a candidate?

LASIK is most suitable for adults with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and it cannot fix presbyopia. (per the National Eye Institute) For LASIK to work correctly, your vision needs to be stable, meaning your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has stayed the same over time. (per the National Eye Institute) Almost everyone who has LASIK will have dry eyes and changing vision during the day, and these symptoms usually fade within a month. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology) People with severe dry eye generally should not have LASIK, and existing dry eye raises the risk of complications after surgery. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute) For LASIK your corneas need to be thick enough and healthy, and people whose corneas are too thin generally should not have this surgery. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology) For LASIK you should be 18 years or older, and ideally over 21, when vision is more likely to have stopped changing. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology) People with keratoconus, a disease that makes the cornea thinner over time, generally should not have LASIK. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute)

What is recovery like?

For several weeks or even months after laser eye surgery, it is normal to have some blurry vision or to notice your vision changing. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology) After LASIK, most people see well enough to stop wearing their eyeglasses or contact lenses for most of their daily activities. (per the National Eye Institute) LASIK can cause side effects that usually go away within a few months; rarely, they can be permanent. Almost everyone who has LASIK will have dry eyes and changing vision during the day, and these symptoms usually fade within a month. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology) In most cases, you can return to work and drive the day after the procedure. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute) Right after surgery your vision will be blurry and you will need someone to drive you home, and it takes 2 to 3 months for the eye to finish healing. Vision after LASIK can end up under- or over-corrected, and these problems can often be improved with glasses, contact lenses, or an additional laser surgery. (per the American Academy of Ophthalmology)