Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Laser Eye Surgery?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who does eye surgery, performs laser eye surgery. An eye doctor also does the first exam to see whether you are a good candidate. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. For many people, it can correct vision so they no longer need glasses or contact lenses. There are different types of laser eye surgery. LASIK is one of the most common types. The name LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.
Here we cover laser vision correction, with LASIK as the main example. Most surgeries of this kind, including LASIK, use lasers to change the shape of the cornea. Some use other tools, like implants.
Why a doctor might recommend it
LASIK works best for adults with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. For LASIK to work correctly, your vision needs to be stable, which means your eyeglass or contact lens prescription stays the same over time.
How to prepare
To find out if LASIK is right for you, you need a full eye exam with drops that widen your pupils.
Some eye conditions can raise your risk for problems from LASIK.
- Keratoconus, a disease that makes the cornea thinner over time.
- Eye infections, such as keratitis or ocular herpes.
- Dry eye, glaucoma, cataract, or large pupils.
Tell your eye doctor about your past and present medical and eye conditions. The day before surgery, stop using creams, lotions, makeup, and perfumes. Arrange a ride to and from your surgery and your first follow-up visit.
What happens during it
The surgery should take less than 30 minutes. A numbing drop goes in your eye. Your doctor cuts a small flap in your cornea and folds it back. The laser is programmed to change your cornea into the correct shape, and then the flap is put back in place.
Recovery
Right after surgery, your eye may burn, itch, or feel like something is in it. Do not rub your eye, because rubbing could dislodge the flap and require more treatment. You should see your doctor within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and at regular intervals for at least the first six months. It takes 2 to 3 months for your eye to finish healing, and your vision gets clearer as it heals. Your vision may take up to 3 to 6 months to settle.
Contact your eye doctor right away, and do not wait for your scheduled visit, if you have severe pain or if your vision or other symptoms get worse instead of better.
Risks and side effects
Common side effects of LASIK include the following.
- Dry eye.
- Glare or halos around bright lights.
- Double vision.
- Blurry vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
These side effects usually go away after a few months. Rarely, these problems can be permanent. Other risks of LASIK include infection, problems with corneal healing, and vision loss, which means seeing less clearly than you did before surgery. If you see clearly with glasses or contacts, you may decide that the risks of LASIK outweigh the benefits.
Who performs it
An ophthalmologist performs laser eye surgery. Your eye doctor should do a thorough eye exam and talk with you about whether you are a good candidate.
Common questions
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Laser eye surgery can cause pressure and some discomfort during part of the procedure. Your eye is numbed with drops first. After surgery, your doctor may suggest a mild pain reliever.
Will I still need glasses after laser eye surgery?
Some people still need glasses or contacts after LASIK. Most people can stop wearing glasses or contacts for most daily activities. LASIK cannot fix presbyopia, which everyone gets as they age, so most people will still need single vision glasses or contact lenses at some point.
How long does laser eye surgery take?
The surgery should take less than 30 minutes.
Is laser eye surgery right for everyone?
No, LASIK is not right for everyone. Your eye doctor can talk with you about the different types and the risks and benefits of surgery.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Laser Eye Surgery
- National Eye Institute - Surgery for Refractive Errors
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - LASIK: What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
