Le LASIK est-il douloureux ?

Non. L'intervention est indolore grâce aux collyres anesthésiants. Les premières heures, on peut ressentir un léger inconfort, un larmoiement et une sensibilité à la lumière, qui s'estompent rapidement.

Peut-on opérer les deux yeux le même jour ?

Oui, c'est la pratique habituelle en LASIK, la récupération étant rapide. La décision reste individuelle et discutée lors du bilan.

La correction est-elle définitive ?

Le résultat est stable dans le temps chez la plupart des patients. L'œil continue toutefois de vieillir : la presbytie apparaît avec l'âge et une cataracte peut survenir plus tard, indépendamment du LASIK.

LASIK: correcting vision with laser

Name: LASIK
Creator: Pr Eric E. Gabison

LASIK is the most widely used laser refractive surgery technique. It reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, with very fast visual recovery.

Excimer laserFemtosecond laser flapFast recoveryOutpatient

⬇ Download this fact sheet (PDF)

What does LASIK involve?

The procedure happens in two steps. The surgeon first creates a thin flap in the superficial layers of the cornea, nowadays most often using a femtosecond laser. This flap is lifted, then an excimer laser reshapes the underlying cornea to correct the visual defect. The flap is then repositioned and adheres naturally, with no stitches.

Which vision problems can be corrected?

LASIK corrects myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, within limits defined by the pre-operative work-up. Dedicated strategies can also manage presbyopia in certain patients.

How does the procedure work?

It is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia using eye drops, and takes a few minutes per eye. It is painless; you mainly feel a brief sensation of pressure. Both eyes are usually treated on the same day.

Recovery and follow-up

Vision improves very quickly, often as soon as the next day. A feeling of dryness or grittiness is common in the first few days and subsides. You should avoid rubbing your eyes and follow the prescribed eye-drop treatment. Return to normal activities is quick.

Conditions and limits

LASIK requires a cornea of suitable thickness and shape and a stable prescription. The pre-operative work-up (topography, pachymetry, examination of the ocular surface) notably rules out early keratoconus, an important contraindication. When LASIK is not indicated, PRK or SMILE can be alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is LASIK painful?

No. The procedure is painless thanks to anesthetic eye drops. In the first few hours, you may feel mild discomfort, watering and light sensitivity, which fade quickly.

Can both eyes be operated on the same day?

Yes, this is the usual practice with LASIK, since recovery is fast. The decision remains individual and is discussed during the work-up.

Is the correction permanent?

The result is stable over time in most patients. The eye, however, continues to age: presbyopia appears with age and a cataract may develop later, independently of the LASIK procedure.

Before you decide

All questions →

Want to depend less on your glasses?

A refractive work-up determines whether LASIK is suitable for your eyes.

Book an appointment

This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. The indication and technique are always individualized after a complete work-up. Pr Eric E. Gabison — cornea and refractive surgery, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris.