Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly – no glasses on the nightstand, no contact lenses to deal with. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe, proven, and highly effective type of eye surgery that can correct common vision problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. With minimal downtime and life-changing results, it’s no wonder millions worldwide have chosen LASIK eye surgery to achieve freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
In this guide, we’ll explore how LASIK works, who it’s suitable for, the procedure itself, recovery, risks, costs, and why choosing the right eye surgeon matters.
What Is LASIK, and How Does It Work?
So, how does LASIK work? LASIK is a form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea – the clear front surface of the eye – to correct refractive errors. By applying precise laser energy to the deeper layers of the cornea, LASIK changes the way light enters the eye so you can achieve normal vision without relying on corrective lenses.
The process preserves the top corneal layer, ensuring minimal discomfort and a smooth recovery. A thin corneal flap is created, lifted, and the laser then reshapes the cornea underneath to correct vision prescription errors.
Patients with high prescriptions or thin corneas may not be suitable for LASIK surgery and instead may be offered alternatives such as implantable collamer lenses (ICL) or other lens-based surgery options.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan combines world-class expertise with a personalised, safety-first approach, using the latest premium laser and diagnostic technologies to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Typical eligibility criteria include:
- Aged 18+ with a stable prescription
- Adequate corneal thickness
- Good general eye health with no uncontrolled conditions such as keratoconus
- No recent medical history of severe eye disease
When it comes to LASIK eye surgery age, most patients are in their 20s to 40s. The minimum LASIK surgery age limit is 18, provided your prescription has been stable for at least 12 months. There is no strict upper age limit, but suitability depends on eye health, corneal thickness, and whether age-related conditions (such as cataracts) are present.
The first step is a comprehensive eye exam and refractive assessment with one of Dr Ryan’s laser vision correction optometrists. This appointment – around two hours – includes measuring corneal thickness and shape (corneal topography), checking prescription stability, and performing a full ocular health review.
If suitable, patients are reviewed by Dr Ryan, who will explain whether LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or a lens-based surgery is the safest and most effective solution.
What Happens During the LASIK Procedure?
The LASIK procedure takes place in a dedicated laser suite:
- Drops numb the eyes so there is no pain.
- A suction ring is placed to stabilise the eye – vision may blur at this point, which is normal.
- A precise femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea.
- The excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct refractive errors.
- The flap is repositioned, and the eye begins healing immediately.
Both eyes are treated on the same day, and the LASIK procedure usually takes about 10 minutes per eye.
Does LASIK Hurt? What About Post-Procedure?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether LASIK eye surgery is painful. The good news is that the vast majority report no severe pain – only a mild gritty sensation after surgery.
Most patients describe:
- Mild irritation and dryness in the hours following treatment
- Vision that improves rapidly – often clear vision by the next day
- The ability to return to work or normal activities within 24–48 hours
So what is the typical LASIK surgery recovery time? Many patients see well within 24 hours, but the eyes continue to stabilise over the next few weeks. If you’re wondering about LASIK recovery time return to work, most people can resume office work the very next day, though jobs with high visual demands may require 2–3 days off.
“Most patients report only mild irritation after LASIK, with vision improving rapidly – many are amazed by how clear it is within 24 hours of treatment.”
Your surgeon will provide lubricating eye drops to support healing and reduce dry eye symptoms during the early recovery phase.
How Long Does LASIK Last?
LASIK is designed to provide long-lasting vision correction. In 98–99% of cases, results are stable for many years. Rarely, a small regression may occur – meaning a minor prescription returns. This can often be corrected with a quick laser enhancement.
It’s also important to note that age-related changes, such as presbyopia (the natural ageing of the lens makes close-up vision more difficult after age 45–50), are unrelated to LASIK and may still require reading glasses in later life.
What Are the Risks of LASIK?
LASIK surgery is considered safe, but all types of surgery carry potential risks. Common temporary side effects include:
- Dry eye symptoms
- Glare, halos, or blurred vision at night
- Fluctuating vision during healing
Rare but possible complications include under- or over-correction, infection, or persistent vision changes. These risks are minimised with careful pre-operative screening, advanced surgical planning, and tailored post-surgery care.
“Careful pre-surgery screening and tailored post-operative care help minimise risks and support long-term visual health.”
How Much Does LASIK Cost in Australia?
The cost of LASIK surgery in Australia varies depending on the clinic, surgeon, and technology used. Patients should budget several thousand dollars per eye.
Is LASIK covered by Medicare? In Australia, Medicare does not cover LASIK for refractive purposes, as it is considered elective. Some private health funds may provide limited rebates for consultations or alternative procedures, but patients should confirm directly with their insurer.
For more details, see our guide: How Much is LASIK in Australia?
What If I’m Not Suitable for LASIK?
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, other vision correction options may be better suited:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – reshapes the cornea without creating a flap, useful for thinner corneas.
- SMILE – a small incision procedure, reducing dry eye risk.
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs) – placed inside the eye to correct high prescriptions without removing tissue.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – similar to cataract surgery, replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens.
Your eye specialist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your medical conditions, lifestyle (e.g. playing contact sports), and long-term vision goals.
Why Choose Dr Geoffrey Ryan?
At the Queensland Eye Institute, refractive surgery with Dr Geoffrey Ryan is backed by years of surgical experience, premium diagnostic equipment, and a patient-first philosophy.
Reasons to choose Dr Ryan for your LASIK eye surgery:
- Highly experienced refractive and corneal eye surgeon
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools for precise planning
- Personalised care for every patient’s unique eyes and vision prescription
- A safety-first approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes
- Clear communication and thorough follow-up appointment care
Conclusion
LASIK eye surgery offers the chance to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses. With rapid recovery, high safety standards, and long-lasting outcomes, LASIK is one of the most effective ways to correct refractive errors and achieve clear vision.
By choosing an experienced eye surgeon such as Dr Geoffrey Ryan, you can feel confident in receiving world-class care, personalised treatment, and the best chance of life-changing results.