LASIK in 2025: Step-by-Step Procedure, Timeline & Outcomes

Not medical advice. Educational only. Always confirm your candidacy and risks with a qualified eye care professional.

At a glance

• Purpose: Corrects refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) by reshaping the cornea.
• Typical time in clinic: 1.5–3 hours; laser time often under a minute per eye.
• Comfort: Numbing drops are used; most people feel pressure but not pain.
• Recovery: Functional vision often returns within 24–48 hours; quality continues improving over weeks.
• Common temporary effects: Dryness, light sensitivity, halos/starbursts at night.

What LASIK corrects (and what it does not)

LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses or contacts for distance and, in some cases, near vision. It does not treat all causes of blur. Presbyopia (age‑related near vision changes) still affects most people in their 40s and beyond; some choose monovision strategies to offset it. LASIK does not prevent cataracts later in life.

Step-by-step: From consult to clear vision

1. Candidacy evaluation (pre‑op)

   • Full refraction to measure your prescription and stability over the past 12 months.
   • Corneal mapping and thickness (topography, tomography, pachymetry) to rule out irregularities.
   • Tear film assessment and dry eye screening; dryness should be managed prior to surgery.
   • Pupil size, ocular health exam, and discussion of goals (night driving, sports, screen use).

2. Pre‑op instructions

   • Switch out of contact lenses to avoid corneal warpage (typically 1–2 weeks for soft lenses, longer for rigid lenses as advised).
   • Arrange a ride home and follow medication instructions (e.g., antibiotic/anti‑inflammatory drops).

3. Day of surgery (typical flow)

   • Numbing drops, lid cleaning, and positioning under the laser.
   • Flap creation with a femtosecond laser. You may feel pressure for several seconds.
   • Corneal reshaping with an excimer laser based on your measurements (wavefront‑guided or topography‑guided where appropriate).
   • Flap repositioning and smoothing; shield placed to protect the eye.

4. Immediate post‑op

   • Expect tearing, light sensitivity, and a sandy sensation for several hours.
   • Rest with eyes closed. Start prescribed drops as instructed. Avoid rubbing.

Recovery timeline (typical)

• First 24 hours: Vision may fluctuate; many people can perform light tasks. No driving until cleared at the next‑day visit.
• Days 2–7: Continued improvement. Use artificial tears frequently. Avoid makeup, pools, hot tubs, and dusty environments.
• Weeks 2–4: Night glare/halos often diminish. Most activities are permitted; follow your surgeon’s sports guidelines.
• Months 1–3: Vision quality stabilizes. Dryness and night‑time artifacts typically keep improving.

Your exact course depends on your prescription, corneal characteristics, tear film, and adherence to aftercare.

Do and do not

Do:

• Use all drops as prescribed and keep follow‑up appointments.
• Use preservative‑free artificial tears as often as recommended.
• Wear eye protection during sleep for the first few nights (per surgeon guidance).

Avoid:

• Rubbing your eyes.
• Swimming and hot tubs until cleared.
• Exposure to eye irritants (smoke, dust) early in recovery.

Expected outcomes

Many people achieve 20/20 or better distance vision after LASIK; others may need a low prescription for certain tasks. Some eyes benefit from a fine‑tuning procedure (enhancement) once vision stabilizes, depending on candidacy and clinic policy. Night‑time halos and glare usually fade over weeks to months. Dryness is common early and typically improves with time and care.

Who may not be a candidate

• Unstable prescription (recent significant changes)
• Very thin or irregular corneas; keratoconus or forme fruste keratoconus
• Active eye disease or uncontrolled dry eye
• Certain autoimmune conditions impacting wound healing
• Pregnancy or nursing (temporary vision fluctuations)

If LASIK is not a fit, alternatives like PRK, SMILE, ICL, or lens procedures may be considered based on your anatomy and goals.

When to call your surgeon

Increasing pain, sudden vision loss, a curtain of shadow, or marked redness/discharge are not typical. Contact your clinic promptly for any concerning symptoms.

This guide is part of LASIK Score’s readable, medically informed series to help you prepare for consults and post‑op care.