LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most common elective eye surgeries in the world. It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea — the clear front surface of your eye — so that light focuses properly on the retina.
How it works
Your surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. The flap gets lifted, an excimer laser reshapes the tissue underneath to match your prescription, and the flap goes back into place. No stitches. It adheres on its own.
Both eyes together usually take about 15 minutes.
Who is a good candidate?
LASIK may be right for you if:
- You are at least 18 years old
- Your prescription has been stable for at least one year
- Your corneas are healthy and thick enough
- You don't have keratoconus, severe dry eye, or certain other eye conditions
You can't determine most of this on your own. Your ophthalmologist will run a full evaluation, including corneal measurements, before clearing you for surgery.
What to expect during recovery
Most people notice sharper vision within hours. Full stabilization takes longer — sometimes several weeks.
The first 24 hours matter most. Expect grittiness, watering, light sensitivity, and some blur. Rest. Stay off screens as much as you can.
The first week is when the active healing happens. You'll be on prescribed drops to prevent infection and control inflammation. No eye rubbing, no swimming, no dusty environments.
Weeks two through four bring steady improvement. Most patients are back to normal life within a few days, though your surgeon may hold you out of contact sports and strenuous exercise for a few weeks.
Common recovery products
Your surgeon will likely recommend a few products to have at home before surgery day:
- Preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated as they heal
- Protective eyewear, meaning UV sunglasses for daytime and sleep shields for the first few nights
- Blue light filtering glasses if you're back at a screen quickly
Your care team may provide a personalized recovery guide with specific product recommendations through RecoverBright.
Questions to ask your doctor
Before your procedure, consider asking:
- What technology will be used for my LASIK procedure?
- What is the expected recovery timeline for my specific case?
- What products should I have ready at home before surgery?
- When can I return to work and normal activities?
- What are the risks specific to my eyes?
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions for your procedure and recovery.