LASIK risks and questions to ask your surgeon
Every surgery has risks, and LASIK is no exception. This page summarizes what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Ophthalmology say about risks, recovery and what to ask before surgery. This page is not medical advice.
Risks the FDA lists
The FDA says some patients lose lines on the vision chart that glasses, contacts or surgery cannot correct. Glare, halos or double vision can seriously affect night vision, and some patients see worse in low-contrast conditions such as night or fog, even with good chart vision.
Other risks include under- or over-correction, which may mean more treatment is needed or glasses or contacts afterward. The FDA also names severe dry eye, which can be permanent and may need intensive drops, plugs or other procedures. It says long-term data are not available, and that the first laser was approved for LASIK in 1998. The FDA says some complications may lead to irreversible blindness.
Complications during and after surgery
During surgery, a device malfunction or error can stop the procedure or cause permanent eye damage. After surgery, the FDA says a moved corneal flap, inflammation or infection may require another procedure or intensive drops, and can cause temporary loss of vision or even irreversible blindness.
Monovision and treating both eyes at once
With monovision, one eye is used for distance viewing and the other for near viewing. The FDA says this reduces depth perception and vision quality, most noticeably in low light. It advises trying monovision with contact lenses first, because many people cannot tolerate one blurred eye.
The FDA also says treating both eyes on the same day is riskier than separate surgeries. You cannot see how the first eye heals before the second is treated, and both eyes may be blurry during early healing.
What recovery looks like
According to the FDA, surgery takes less than 30 minutes. Right afterward, your eye may burn, itch, tear, look hazy or feel like there is something in it. Do not rub your eyes, because this can dislodge the flap. Plan to take a few days off work, and expect to see your doctor within 24 to 48 hours and then at regular visits for at least six months.
Vision may fluctuate for 3 to 6 months while it stabilizes. The FDA says to avoid swimming and hot tubs for 1 to 2 months, and strenuous contact sports for at least 4 weeks. Contact your eye doctor right away for severe pain or any new, unusual or worsening symptom.
Questions to ask your surgeon
The Academy and the FDA suggest questions like these.
- What results are realistic for my prescription? Not everyone reaches 20/20.
- How many eyes have you operated on with the same laser?
- Is the laser FDA-approved for my procedure, and is each microkeratome blade used only once?
- What are your own outcomes, including complications, compared with the manufacturer's patient handbook?
- How long could side effects last, and how are they treated?
- What would retreatment involve, and what would it cost?
- Who handles my follow-up care if it is not you?
Watch for pressure and guarantees
The FDA says not to decide on cost alone and not to settle for the first center you find. It tells patients to be wary of "20/20 vision or your money back" offers and package deals, and notes that there are never any guarantees in medicine. Read the patient handbook for the laser used, and take your time before signing the consent form.
Also on this site: Is LASIK right for you? · all LASIK centers by state.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Are you a good or poor candidate for LASIK surgery?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Questions to Ask Your LASIK Surgeon Before Surgery
Read on November 9, 2026. Rules and advice change. If something here is out of date, the contact page is at the bottom.