LASIK

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is one of the most common type of laser eye surgery performed in Australia. it is used to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina. The LASIK procedure uses both a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser to correct vision.

One of the main benefits of LASIK compared with some other laser procedures, such as PRK, is a quick and comfortable recovery. While LASIK is safe and effective for many people, it is not suitable for everyone and a comprehensive, preoperative eye assessment is essential.

This fact sheet explains how LASIK works, who it may be suitable for, what recovery is like and how it compares with other laser eye surgery options available.

What is LASIK laser eye surgery?

LASIK is a two‑step, two‑laser vision correction procedure used to correct vision in people with:

• short‑sightedness (myopia),
• long‑sightedness (hyperopia),
• astigmatism (asymmetrical curvature of the cornea),
• presbyopia (loss of near vision or reading vision).

How does LASIK work?

At Vision Eye Institute, LASIK is performed using advanced laser technology.

Before your operation, we check the corneal thickness and shape by creating a map of your cornea and calculate the precise measurements required to correct your vision. This test is non-invasive and painless.

LASIK vision correction is usually performed on both eyes on the same day, taking approximately 20 minutes in the laser theatre (although you will be in the laser suite for about 2 hours to allow for preparation and recovery).

Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb your eyes and minimise discomfort. You may feel some pressure on your eyes, but the LASIK surgery itself is not painful. You can also choose to have a mild oral sedative, which takes about 30–45 minutes to work.

An eyelid holder is used to stop blinking and the lasers have inbuilt trackers that actively adjust the laser beam when eye movements are detected.

The surgery involves two main stages:

1. Creation of a corneal flap
   A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap remains attached by a small hinge and is lifted by the surgeon to access the underlying corneal tissue known as the corneal stroma.
2. Reshaping the cornea
   The excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal stroma with microscopic precision according to your individual measurements. The corneal flap is then carefully placed back into position, where it naturally adheres without stitches.

Who is suitable for LASIK?

You may be suitable for LASIK if you:

• are over 18 years of age,
• have a stable prescription,
• have sufficient corneal thickness,
• have a normally shaped cornea,
• have healthy eyes with no active disease.

LASIK may not be recommended for people with thin or irregular corneas or chronic dry eyes. In these cases, other vision correction procedures may be safer and more appropriate.

Is LASIK safe?

LASIK has been performed worldwide for over 30 years and is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed on suitable candidates using modern laser technology. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side-effects. These can include dry eye, glare, halos, vision that is worse than before, and short‑term visual fluctuations.

A comprehensive eye assessment is essential to determine whether LASIK, or another vision correction treatment, is the safest and most suitable option for you. It may be that you may not be suitable for any procedure. Your ophthalmologist will discuss potential risks and expected outcomes in detail during your consultation so you can make an informed decision. Having your procedure performed by an experienced laser eye surgeon at a reputable eye clinic can help reduce these risks.

What is recovery like after LASIK?

After the operation, you will rest quietly in the recovery area before being discharged. A friend, family member or carer must accompany you home, as your vision will be blurry and the effects of the sedative may not have completely worn off.

You will be given a pack with protective glasses, eye drops (antibiotics and steroids) and aftercare instructions. Artificial tears are recommended for at least one week after surgery. Your follow‑up appointments are an important part of postoperative care to monitor healing and visual outcomes.

One of the advantages of LASIK eye correction is rapid visual recovery, although fluctuations in your vision are normal for the first week or so.

• Vision often improves within 24 hours after LASIK,
• Usually quick return to normal activities, except for swimming (2 weeks) and contact sports (1 month),
• Vision continues to stabilise over several weeks.

Many patients can attend work and resume driving as soon as the next day after LASIK. However, we recommend taking a few days off to aid recovery and rest your eyes. Please contact the clinic if you have any questions about which activities you can or cannot participate in.

Occasionally, a follow‑up procedure may be recommended to enhance the result or address changes that have occurred in the eye over time.

LASIK vs other laser eye surgery options

While LASIK remains a popular choice, it is not the only type of laser eye surgery available.

Other procedures, such as SMILE^®, SMILE pro and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK; also called transPRK or advanced surface laser ablation or ASLA), may be recommended depending on your prescription, corneal structure and lifestyle considerations.

LASIK compared with other options

• LASIK: Flap‑based procedure, minimal discomfort, rapid visual recovery, quick return to work and normal activities
• SMILE or SMILE pro: No flap, minimally invasive, minimal discomfort, quick visual recovery, fastest return to contact sports
• PRK or transPRK: No flap, mild-to-moderate discomfort during early healing, slower visual recovery, slower return to work, suitable for thinner corneas

There is no single ‘best’ laser eye surgery – the final visual outcome is the same for all of these procedures. However, the most suitable option can vary from person to person and should match your particular situation.

Learn more about the different types of laser eye surgery and how they compare

Frequently asked questions about LASIK

Is LASIK painful?

LASIK is not painful. Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, and while some pressure may be felt during the procedure, discomfort is minimal.

How long does LASIK last?

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea.

However, natural, age‑related changes to the lens inside the eye (presbyopia) can still occur later in life, requiring reading glasses. Standard LASIK is not used to treat presbyopia, but it can be combined with a presbyopia-correcting laser treatment (e.g., PresbyMAX) to reduce or remove the need to wear reading glasses.

How soon can I return to work after LASIK?

Many people return to work within one to two days, depending on the work they do and how their eyes feel. Your ophthalmologist will provide return-to-work guidance for your specific situation.

Is LASIK better than SMILE or SMILE pro?

LASIK and SMILE pro are different procedures suited to different eyes and different lifestyles. A professional assessment is needed to determine which option is safest and most appropriate.

Do you offer payment plans for LASIK?

We offer interest-free, flexible payment options for LASIK in partnership with humm loan and Latitude Gem Visa (credit card). Find out more information in our laser eye surgery payment plans fact sheet.

See more laser eye surgery FAQs

Next steps: is LASIK right for me?

Laser eye surgery is a highly individual decision. Whether LASIK or another vision correction option is suitable depends on your eye health, lifestyle and long‑term visual needs.

A comprehensive assessment by an experienced eye care team is the best way to explore your options and understand what outcomes you can realistically expect. LASIK eye surgery is available at Vision Eye Institute clinics in Sydney and Melbourne.

Book a free laser suitability assessment with our clinical team