The journey toward vision correction with LASIK begins with a consultation with a refractive surgeon, explains Dr. Shamie. During this initial meeting, which may be done virtually, the doctor can determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. A formal in-office consultation generally follows, which is when a LASIK evaluation occurs. It involves measuring the eye in preparation for the surgery, as well as extensive precise diagnostic testing.

A doctor will measure eye dryness and contrast sensitivity, and evaluate pupil size, corneal thickness, shape and topography, as well as look for higher-order aberrations—a specific type of distortion within the eye structure—that may negatively impact vision, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

On the day of the surgery, the patient is given a mild sedative to relieve anxiety about undergoing the surgery. The procedure itself is “painless and quick,” says Dr. Shamie, lasting no more than 10 minutes for both eyes. “During the procedure, you are awake but very comfortable,” she adds.

In the procedure, the surgeon first creates a LASIK flap in the frontal, topmost layer of the cornea (the epithelium) using a laser. “During this step, the patient may feel a slight pressure on the eye,” says Dr. Shamie. The flap enables the doctor to reshape and contour the cornea using a second laser.

“Immediately after the surgery, the person usually sees better without glasses than they ever have,” says Vicente Diaz, M.D, an ophthalmologist and assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. In terms of post-op recovery, you should consider taking a few days off work, as you might experience burning, itching, mild pain or discomfort in your eyes. Your vision may be blurry, but will continue to improve each day over the first week, leveling off in two to three months.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

Dr. Diaz notes that the effects of surgery on distance vision are permanent for the majority of people. “In eyes with high refractive error—meaning more severe cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism—there can be some regression over a period of years, though the vision rarely gets as bad as before surgery,” he says.

While LASIK is effective in improving vision for those who are nearsighted, Dr. Diaz points out that it does not prevent presbyopia, which is the age-related need for reading glasses. “Patients should be aware that even though the distance vision will be good, they may still need glasses for up-close vision.”

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

Dr. Shamie says LASIK is relatively painless, though “slight pressure” might be experienced at some points during the 10-minute procedure.