EYE · LASER VISION CORRECTION

LASIK

Also known as: laser eye surgery · laser vision correction

LASIK is laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, so you may need glasses or contact lenses less, or not at all. The surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Published11 Nov 2026

Surgery timeUnder 30 minutes
AnesthesiaNumbing eye drops
Back to workA few days
Time abroadUntil your first checkup

What Results Can You Expect from LASIK?

Most people see well without glasses or contact lenses after LASIK. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 9 in 10 people reach 20/20 to 20/40 vision without them. Your vision can take 3 to 6 months to settle.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK is a common operation, and serious complications are rare. Patient satisfaction after LASIK is high. In research by the FDA, more than 95% of patients were satisfied with their vision three months after surgery. Some experience dry eyes or halos around lights, which often improve over time. Your eye surgeon explains the risks before you agree to the operation.

Possible Risks

Dry eyes, the most common side effect. It usually gets better, but for some people it lasts longer.
Glare, halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night
Under- or overcorrection, which may mean you still need glasses or a second surgery
Problems with the flap, such as inflammation or infection
Loss of vision, which is rare

Warning Signs After Surgery

Contact your eye surgeon right away if you have severe pain, or if your symptoms get worse instead of better.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

You may be a good candidate if you're at least 18, your prescription has been stable for at least a year and your eyes are healthy.

Good Candidates

You're 18 or older. No lasers are approved for LASIK in people under 18.
Your prescription is stable. It hasn't changed in the past year.
Your eyes are healthy. Conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eye or thin corneas may mean LASIK isn't right for you.
You're not pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormone changes can affect your vision.
You don't do contact sports such as boxing, wrestling or martial arts. If you do, talk to your eye doctor first.

Some health conditions and medicines can affect healing, so tell your eye doctor about your full medical history. If you're nearsighted, Nearsightedness explains the condition and other ways to correct it.

Your eye surgeon makes the final decision after a full eye exam.

LASIK, PRK and SMILE: What's the Difference?

LASIK is one type of laser vision correction. Your eye surgeon recommends a type based on your eyes and your prescription.

LASIK: A thin flap is made in the cornea, usually with a laser. A second laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and the flap is put back without stitches.
PRK: Uses the same type of laser as LASIK to reshape the cornea.
SMILE: A laser cuts a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny opening, without making a flap. In the US, it's approved for nearsightedness and astigmatism.

To compare them in detail, see LASIK vs PRK vs ICL.

How Is LASIK Done? Procedure Steps

LASIK is done with numbing eye drops, so you're awake, and it usually takes less than 30 minutes. Both eyes can be treated on the same day, and your eye surgeon decides what suits you.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses
Before
Stop wearing contact lenses before your first eye exam: 2 weeks for soft lenses, at least 3 weeks for toric soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, and at least 4 weeks for hard lenses.
A Full Eye Exam
Before
A full eye exam checks whether LASIK suits your eyes. Tell your eye doctor about your medical history and all the medicines you take.
The Day Before
Before
Stop using creams, lotions, makeup and perfume, and arrange for someone to take you back after surgery.
Numbing Drops
Start
Numbing drops go into your eye, and a small holder keeps your eyelids open.
Making the Flap
Start
A thin flap is made in the cornea, usually with a laser.
Reshaping the Cornea
Main part
You look at a light while a laser reshapes the cornea. You may feel some pressure and hear a ticking sound.
Closing
End
The flap is put back without stitches, and a shield is placed over your eye.

LASIK Recovery: What to Expect

Your eyes may burn or itch for a few hours after surgery, and most people take a few days off work. Your vision can take 3 to 6 months to settle.

ABROAD · UNTIL YOUR FIRST CHECKUP

First hours
Burning, itching or a gritty feeling, usually fading within about 6 hours. Rest with your eyes closed.
Within 24 to 48 hours
Your first checkup with your eye surgeon.

BACK HOME · WEEKS TO MONTHS

First few days
Wear your eye shield at night. Many people go back to work. Light exercise is usually OK after 1 to 3 days.
2 weeks
Eye makeup, creams and lotions are usually OK again.
4 weeks
Contact sports are usually OK again.
1 to 2 months
Swimming and hot tubs are usually OK again.
3 to 6 months
Your vision settles. Checkups continue for at least 6 months.

Timings are typical, not promised. Your eye surgeon gives you your own plan.

Do

Rest with your eyes closed after surgery
Wear your eye shield at night
Go to all your checkups
Ask your eye surgeon when it's safe to drive

Don't

Don't rub your eyes, because it can move the flap
Don't wear eye makeup for up to 2 weeks
Don't swim or use hot tubs for 1 to 2 months
Don't do contact sports for at least 4 weeks

How Long Should You Stay Abroad for LASIK?

Plan to stay at least until your first checkup, usually 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Ask your eye surgeon when it's safe for you to fly.

24 to 48hours
after surgery, your first checkup.
Under 30minutes
for the surgery.

A Typical Plan

ARRIVAL
Eye exam
Transfer to your hotel and a full eye exam.
SURGERY
LASIK
LASIK in less than 30 minutes, then rest at your hotel with your eyes closed.
FIRST CHECKUP
Checkup
Usually 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your eye surgeon checks how your eyes are healing.
BEFORE YOU FLY
Report
Your written surgery report and your plan for checkups at home.

Flight times and entry rules depend on the country you choose. See the travel notes for each country in the comparison above, and check the entry requirements for your passport before you book.

Back Home: Follow-Up

You'll need regular checkups for at least 6 months, so plan where you'll have them at home. Before you leave, ask for a written report of your surgery.

Plan Your Dates with a Coordinator.

Tell us when you can travel. We check surgeon availability and plan your stay.

Plan my trip

How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon

Choose the surgeon, not the package price. The FDA advises against choosing LASIK on cost alone, and suggests being careful with package deals. Look for an experienced eye surgeon who examines your eyes fully and explains whether LASIK suits you before you pay.

What to Check

The clinic's license from the national health authority
An eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) who performs LASIK often
A full eye exam before surgery, including measurements of your cornea
A written plan with the technique and which eyes are treated
A plan for checkups for at least 6 months
Everything the price includes

Questions to Ask Your Coordinator

Am I a good candidate for LASIK, and why?
Which technique do you recommend for my eyes?
Who will perform my surgery?
How will my checkups work once I'm home?
What happens if I need a second surgery?
Has this clinic been verified, and when?

How we verify clinics and doctors

LASIK: Frequently Asked Questions

Does LASIK hurt?

Numbing drops are used, so you're awake but shouldn't feel pain during surgery, though you may feel pressure. Afterwards, burning or itching usually fades within a few hours.

Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?

It depends on how dry your eyes are. LASIK tends to make dry eyes worse, and severe dry eye may mean it isn't right for you. Your eye surgeon checks this during your eye exam.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

Usually not. The FDA says most medical insurance doesn't cover refractive surgery such as LASIK. Check your own plan before you book.

Is LASIK permanent?

For most people, the improvement is stable and long-lasting. A small number of people need a second surgery, called an enhancement.

Our Sources

What is LASIK?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
When is LASIK not for me?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021 · fda.gov
LASIK
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
What Is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction?
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2026 · aao.org
LASIK eye surgery
MedlinePlus, 2026 · medlineplus.gov
LASIK Eye Surgery
Cleveland Clinic, 2026 · my.clevelandclinic.org