Refractive Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery: Freedom From Glasses and Contact Lenses

LASIK has helped millions of people see clearly without glasses or contacts. Here's how the procedure actually works, who it's right for, and what recovery looks like.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a quick, outpatient procedure that permanently reshapes the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — so that light focuses correctly on the retina. It's used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.

How the Procedure Works

A thin, hinged flap is created in the outer cornea using a precise femtosecond laser.
The flap is gently lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue based on your personalized prescription.
The flap is repositioned — it naturally adheres without stitches within minutes.

The entire procedure typically takes under 15 minutes per eye, and most patients notice significantly improved vision within 24 hours.

Cross-section of the human eye (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Am I a Good Candidate?

Stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least a year
Adequate corneal thickness (checked via pachymetry)
No active eye disease, severe dry eye, or uncontrolled diabetes
Generally 18 years or older, with vision that has stopped changing

A thorough pre-LASIK screening — including corneal topography, pachymetry, and dry eye assessment — determines your suitability, and whether LASIK, PRK, or an alternative procedure is the better fit.

Watch (Hindi): LASIK, Topo-Guided, and PRK eye surgery explained

Recovery and Results

Mild grittiness or light sensitivity for the first day or two is normal. Most people return to work within 1–2 days and resume driving once vision stabilizes, usually within a week. Full stabilization can take a few weeks, during which follow-up visits track healing.

Risks to Be Aware Of

Temporary dry eye (the most common side effect)
Glare or halos around lights at night, usually fading over time
Under- or over-correction, occasionally needing a touch-up procedure
Flap-related complications (rare with modern femtosecond technique)

LASIK laser vision correction in progress (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)

Watch (Hindi): Dr. Rahil Chaudhary explains how laser vision correction actually works

This article is for general informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult an eye care professional about your specific situation.