LASIK: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides LASIK?
An ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and eye surgery, performs LASIK. LASIK is eye surgery that permanently changes the shape of the cornea. 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
The cornea is the clear covering on the front of the eye. The surgery is done to improve vision and reduce a person's need for glasses or contact lenses. It uses an excimer laser, an ultraviolet laser, to remove a thin layer of corneal tissue. This gives the cornea a new shape so that light is focused clearly. LASIK makes the cornea thinner.
Why a doctor might recommend it
LASIK is most often done on people who use glasses or contact lenses because of nearsightedness. It is sometimes used to correct farsightedness. It may also correct astigmatism.
Doctors look at several things to decide who can have LASIK.
- You should be at least 18 years old, or 21 in some cases, depending on the laser used.
- Your eyes must be healthy and your prescription must be stable.
- LASIK may not be recommended for people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye, or cataracts.
- You should not have LASIK if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because these conditions can affect eye measurements.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Before surgery, tests measure the curve of your cornea, the size of your pupils, and the thickness of your cornea.
- If you wear soft contact lenses, you should stop wearing them for 2 weeks before your first evaluation.
- Arrange a ride to and from your surgery and your first follow-up visit.
What happens during it
LASIK takes 10 to 15 minutes for each eye. You are awake, but you get medicine to help you relax. The surgeon makes a flap of corneal tissue and peels it back so the laser can reshape the tissue underneath. When the reshaping is done, the surgeon puts the flap back, and no stitches are needed.
Recovery
Right after surgery, you may have burning, itching, or a feeling that something is in your eye. Do not rub your eye after LASIK, so that the flap does not move. Vision is often blurry or hazy on the day of surgery, but the blurriness improves by the next day. Your first follow-up visit is within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Do not drive until your vision has improved enough to do so safely. Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools, contact sports, and lotions, creams, and eye makeup for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Your eye surgeon will give you specific instructions. For most people, vision settles in a few days, but for some it can take up to 3 to 6 months.
Contact your eye surgeon right away if you have severe pain or if your symptoms get worse.
Risks and side effects
Risks of LASIK include the following.
- Corneal infection
- Corneal scarring or permanent problems with the cornea's shape, making it impossible to wear contact lenses
- Glare or halos
- Reduced vision or permanent vision loss
A small number of people need another surgery because their vision is over-corrected or under-corrected. You may still need glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
Who performs it
An ophthalmologist performs LASIK. Risks and benefits can vary from surgeon to surgeon, depending on how much experience each one has with the procedure.
Common questions
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Good candidates are at least 18 years old, or 21 in some cases. Their eyes must also be healthy and their prescription stable.
Will I still need glasses after LASIK?
You may still need glasses or contact lenses after LASIK. If LASIK corrected your distance vision, you will likely still need reading glasses at around age 45.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes, LASIK may be done on one or both eyes during the same session. Treating both eyes on the same day is riskier than having two separate surgeries.
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. An ophthalmologist performs the surgery itself. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including ones you buy without a prescription.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - LASIK eye surgery
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?
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.
