Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery

If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, you’re likely thinking about more than just the procedure itself. You want to know what to expect both before and after LASIK eye surgery: How long will your vision be blurry? What does recovery involve? Are there any long-term changes to be aware of? At IVISION LASER, we offer LASIK in Adelaide, so we’ll do our best to help you find answers to these questions in this article.

LASIK is one of the most commonly performed laser eye surgeries in the world and is used to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. But like any medical procedure, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the preparation, recovery, and potential risks before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll guide you through both the before and after stages of the LASIK journey - from the initial consultation to life after surgery. You’ll learn about common questions, things to avoid, how your vision may change over time, and how to care for your eyes in the long term. If you’re just starting your research or preparing for an upcoming procedure, this guide will help you feel more informed and confident.

What is LASIK and how does it work?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of refractive eye surgery designed to improve vision by reshaping the cornea¹https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# - the clear front surface of the eye. It’s most commonly used to treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism²https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# .

During the procedure, a specialist uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted, and a second laser (the excimer laser) is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches³https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# .

The goal of LASIK is to change how light enters the eye so it focuses more accurately on the retina, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses⁴https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# .

Is LASIK eye surgery painful?

Before surgery begins, anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eyes. You may feel some pressure⁵https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# during the creation of the corneal flap, but this is usually brief and not described as painful.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, dryness, or a gritty sensation for a few hours⁶https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . Most patients rest at home and find that any discomfort settles quickly, usually within a few hours to a couple of days⁷ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery,⁸ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . Your eye surgeon will provide lubricating eye drops and aftercare instructions⁹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery to support a smooth recovery.

What people wish they knew before getting LASIK

Many people explore LASIK when they want to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. While the procedure can offer excellent outcomes for the right candidates, it’s important to understand the full picture before making a decision.

Common considerations include:

• Your expectations: LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses, but some people may still need them occasionally¹⁰ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery, especially for reading or in low-light conditions
• Vision fluctuations: Vision may not be perfectly sharp immediately after surgery. It can take days or even weeks to stabilise fully
• Side effects: Temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, or sensitivity to light are common experiences in the first week, but can appear within the first 3 months, generally subsiding after 6 months¹¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Long-term changes: Your vision can continue to change with age, even after surgery – LASIK does not prevent age-related conditions like presbyopia or cataracts¹² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery.

Understanding these factors in advance can help manage expectations and support better decision-making.

Understanding suitability: Who should not have laser eye surgery?

LASIK isn’t suitable for everyone. During your consultation, your eye specialist will carry out a series of assessments to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

In general, LASIK may not be recommended for people who:

• Are under 18 years of age¹³ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik.
• Have unstable vision prescriptions¹⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Have certain eye conditions such as keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye¹⁵ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding¹⁶ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik.
• Have thin or irregularly shaped corneas¹⁷https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Have other health conditions that may affect healing.

For those who aren’t suitable candidates, there may be other types of refractive surgery or vision correction options available. An experienced eye surgeon can talk you through what’s safe and realistic for your specific circumstances.

Preparing for LASIK: What to know before surgery

Pre-operative assessments and tests

Before LASIK can be scheduled, a thorough eye examination is required to determine if you're a suitable candidate. This pre-operative assessment includes:

• Measuring your glasses or contact lens prescription
• Checking corneal thickness and shape using specialised scans
• Assessing tear film quality and eye surface health
• Screening for any eye conditions that may affect surgery or healing.

You may also be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a period before your assessment, as they can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea.

What to expect on the day of surgery

On the day of your LASIK procedure:

• You’ll arrive at the clinic with no makeup, fragrances, or creams near your eyes¹⁸https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Eye drops will be used to numb your eyes¹⁹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery and you’ll be made comfortable in the treatment room
• The procedure itself usually takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes²⁰https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• You may notice blurry or hazy vision immediately afterwards – this is normal²¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#
• A friend or family member will need to take you home, as you won’t be able to drive.²² https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#

Most people are advised to go home and rest with their eyes closed for a few hours after the procedure²³ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik.. Your surgeon will provide protective eyewear²⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# and detailed post-operative instructions before you leave.²⁵ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#

What to expect immediately after LASIK

Is vision blurry after LASIK?
Yes - it’s normal for your vision to be blurry or hazy immediately after the procedure²⁶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . This blurriness often resolves after a few days²⁷ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . Your eyes are still healing and adjusting, and each person’s recovery timeline may differ slightly.

How long does it take to see clearly after laser eye surgery?
Some people begin to see more clearly within a few days, with further improvements over the first few weeks. ²⁸ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# While many patients achieve good functional vision within 24 hours, full visual stability may take several weeks²⁹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . It’s also common to experience fluctuations in clarity³⁰ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik , especially in the evenings or in low light, during the early recovery phase.

Typical LASIK eye surgery side effects
Mild and temporary side effects are common in the days following LASIK. These can include:

• Dry, gritty, or itchy eyes³¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#
• Sensitivity to light³² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Halos or glare, especially at night³³https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774#
• Fluctuating vision³⁴https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
• Mild discomfort or watery eyes³⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery .

These effects often improve on their own. Your surgeon will provide lubricating eye drops³⁶ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery and may recommend avoiding screens or bright lights for a short period.

What to avoid after laser eye surgery
To support healing and reduce the risk of complications, avoid the following for the time periods recommended by your surgeon:

• Rubbing your eyes
• Swimming or hot tubs (typically for 1–2 weeks)
• Heavy makeup or creams around the eyes
• Dusty or smoky environments
• Intense exercise for a few days
• Driving until your surgeon confirms your vision is safe.

Following your aftercare instructions closely helps ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Your vision in the days and weeks after surgery

How long will my vision be blurry after LASIK?

It’s completely normal for your vision to be blurry immediately after LASIK. Most people start to notice a decrease in blurriness after a few days³⁷ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery. During this time, your eyes are healing, and your vision may fluctuate from one day to the next. In low-light conditions, or when switching between near and far focus, you might notice temporary visual disturbances. For most patients, these early symptoms settle within the first couple of weeks³⁸ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik., though everyone’s recovery pace is slightly different.

Recovery timeline: From day one to full visual stability

In the first day or two after surgery, it’s important to rest your eyes and avoid strain. While your vision may already be clearer than it was without glasses, it may still feel slightly unstable. By the end of the first week, many people find they can comfortably return to work and resume most daily activities³⁹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , although tasks like night driving may still feel a little challenging.

Throughout the first month, your eyes will continue to settle, and any remaining side effects such as glare, halos, or mild dryness typically become less noticeable. For most people, vision becomes stable and consistent within one to three months⁴⁰ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik . Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your healing and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Adjusting to vision changes and lighting conditions

After LASIK, your eyes may take some time to adjust to different lighting environments. It’s normal to notice glare or halos around lights, particularly at night⁴¹ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik . These effects are usually resolved within a month⁴² https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik and improve as your eyes and brain adapt to the new way your cornea focuses light.

If you continue to experience visual disturbances beyond the initial adjustment period, it’s worth discussing this with your surgeon. These changes may resolve with time, but further assessment can help guide your next steps if needed.

Long-term eye care after LASIK

Protecting your eyes in the months and years ahead

While LASIK offers long-term vision correction, looking after your eyes post-surgery remains important. Protecting your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses⁴³ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , staying hydrated, and maintaining good general eye hygiene can all help preserve your results. It’s also wise to avoid rubbing your eyes and to continue using lubricating eye drops if dryness persists⁴⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , especially during screen time⁴⁵ https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/dry-eyes-after-lasik#alternative-to-lasik or in air-conditioned environments⁴⁶ https://www.bostonsight.org/how-to-prevent-and-manage-dry-eyes-after-lasik-treatment/.

Maintaining regular eye checks is recommended, even if your vision feels stable. These appointments help monitor eye health and can detect early signs of other conditions unrelated to LASIK, such as cataracts or age-related changes.

Does LASIK permanently fix eyes?

LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct your current refractive error, and the changes made to the cornea are permanent⁴⁷https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery . However, this doesn’t mean your vision won’t change in future. Eyes naturally change over time due to ageing or unrelated eye conditions such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) or cataracts⁴⁸ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery .

In some cases, a mild prescription may return years after surgery⁴⁹https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# . If this happens, your eye surgeon can assess whether an enhancement procedure is appropriate. LASIK can significantly reduce reliance on glasses, but it doesn’t prevent all future changes to vision.

When to book follow-up visits or seek advice

Your clinic will usually schedule a series of follow-up appointments in the weeks and months after surgery[ mfn]https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774# [/mfn]. These checks allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns early. Beyond the initial recovery period, it’s a good idea to have routine eye exams every year or two⁵⁰ https://www.tlcvision.com/blog/are-regular-eye-exams-important-after-lasik.

You should contact your clinic promptly if you experience new or worsening symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, light sensitivity, or sudden changes in how your eyes feel. While complications are rare, early attention assists with effective management if they do arise.

Final thoughts and next steps

LASIK eye surgery is designed to reduce reliance on glasses and contacts, but like any medical procedure, it’s important to weigh up the benefits, risks, and alternatives. Understanding what to expect before and after surgery, from blurry vision in the early days to potential long-term changes, can help you make a well-informed decision.

LASIK doesn’t suit everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Factors like eye health, lifestyle, and expectations all play a role in determining whether it’s the right choice. A thorough consultation with a qualified eye surgeon is essential to explore your options and decide what’s best for your individual circumstances.

How IVISION LASER can support you before and after LASIK

At IVISION LASER, we offer personalised care at every stage of your LASIK journey. From your first consultation through to post-operative check-ups, our team is here to answer your questions, explain your options clearly, and support you with tailored advice.

Whether you’re ready to book an assessment or simply gathering information, we’re here to help you understand what LASIK involves and what life could look like with reduced reliance on glasses.

To learn more or arrange a consultation, contact us at IVISION LASER.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.