LASIK — Before & After

Corneal flap created and reshaped with an excimer laser to correct refractive error.

Reference image

Real lasik photos coming soon

We're curating consented, licensed before-and-after images for LASIK. Until they're live, this page covers the technique, recovery, cost, and what to expect.

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What is lasik?

Corneal flap created and reshaped with an excimer laser to correct refractive error.

Also known as laser eye surgery.

LASIK by topic

Information pages — cost, recovery, surgeons, and more

Topic
CostRecoveryRisksCandidatesSurgeonsNear meWhat is it

LASIK by recovery timeline

How the result evolves over time

Recovery timeline
1 week2 weeks1 month3 months6 months1 year5 years

LASIK by demographic

Age and gender breakdowns of common candidates

Demographic
MenWomen20s30s40s50s60+Teens

LASIK by ethnicity

Anatomical and aesthetic considerations across patient backgrounds

Ethnicity
AsianKoreanJapaneseChineseBlackHispanicMiddle EasternIndianCaucasian

LASIK by outcome reality

Range of results — from natural to cautionary

Outcome reality
NaturalSubtleDramaticSwellingBruisingHealingRevisionBotched

LASIK by where it's performed

Regional approaches and aesthetic preferences

Where it's performed
TurkeyKoreaBrazilMexicoThailandColombiaMiamiLANYCLondonDubaiBeverly HillsHoustonDallasFriscoAtlantaChicagoSFTorontoSydney

Frequently asked

How much does LASIK cost?

Conventional LASIK runs $1,800–$2,500 per eye in the US. Custom wavefront-guided and bladeless 'all-laser' LASIK runs $2,500–$4,500 per eye. Premium markets run higher; medical tourism (Turkey, Mexico) significantly lower.

Is LASIK painful?

The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthetic eye drops. Some patients describe pressure during flap creation. The first 6–8 hours after surgery are uncomfortable — like having sand in your eyes. By the next morning, vision is dramatically clearer and discomfort is minimal.

How long does LASIK last?

Most LASIK results are stable for life. About 5–10% of patients need an enhancement at 5–10 years. Presbyopia (age-related need for reading glasses) returns regardless of LASIK around age 45.

Is SMILE better than LASIK?

SMILE eliminates the corneal flap, reduces dry eye risk, and may be preferable for thin corneas, contact athletes, and military careers. Outcome quality is comparable to modern LASIK for typical myopia. Discuss with a surgeon offering both.

Who shouldn't get LASIK?

Patients with thin corneas, untreated dry eye, keratoconus, certain autoimmune conditions, unstable prescription, or pregnancy. Topography screening pre-op is essential — surgeons who skip this step are taking shortcuts.