Ocular Evidence
Community experiences

What people report after refractive surgery

Search structured details from individual public forum accounts. These are anecdotes, not clinical evidence or estimates of how often an outcome occurs.

Read this layer differently from study results. Posts are self-reported, selectively shared and may be incomplete or inaccurate. We never combine them into complication, satisfaction or success rates.
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1160 reviewed experiences

Only curator-approved records with a currently verified source appear here. No usernames or copied post bodies are published.

Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2023

A LASIK patient described severe dryness and pain beginning about 11 months after July 2023 surgery. By September 2026, the poster reported substantially improved comfort and 20/20 vision while continuing extensive treatment, including prescription drops, moisture chambers and IPL. Test values and treatment effects are self-reported; improvement cannot be attributed to one treatment from this account.

Reported starting point

Treatment burdenMultiple prescription drops, moisture chamber glasses and maintenance IPL
Both eyes · September 2026 · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Delayed symptom onsetSevere dryness and pain began around June 2024, about 11 months after surgery
Both eyes · stated by poster
Reported tear breakup time at worst symptoms0 seconds
Both eyes · During severe symptoms · stated by poster
Reported Schirmer result at worst symptoms1 mm
Both eyes · During severe symptoms · stated by poster
Reported tear breakup time at latest updateGreater than 10 seconds
Both eyes · September 2026 · stated by poster
Reported acuity at latest update20/20 with some residual astigmatism
Both eyes · September 2026 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2026

A 27-year-old reported a favorable six-week PRK result after a difficult recovery. The account described severe early pain, a reported infection around day 12 with temporary blur and light artifacts, and ongoing dryness. At day 42 the poster reported no residual prescription and near-perfect everyday vision. The infection description is a patient report, not an independently confirmed diagnosis.

Age
27

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescription-2.75 D in both eyes; supplied in the poster’s reply
Both eyes · stated by poster
Corneal eligibilityReported too thin for LASIK; no thickness measurement provided
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Early postoperative painSevere pain initially, gone by day 3
Both eyes · Day 3 · stated by poster
Self-reported infectionReported infection in one eye around day 12, treated with antibiotics
Day 12 · stated by poster
Reported postoperative prescriptionReported no residual prescription at six-week review
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Ongoing drynessStill using artificial tears at the latest update
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2026

A 34-year-old reported satisfaction two months after LASIK for a -4 D prescription in both eyes. Early dryness had largely resolved and drops were no longer needed over the preceding few days. The poster estimated acuity better than 20/20 from partially reading a smaller chart line; this is not a verified 20/10 or 20/13 measurement.

Age
34
Location
United States

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescription-4 D in each eye
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointTwo months after surgery
Both eyes · 2 months · calculated from stated values
Self-assessed acuityEstimated better than 20/20; partial reading of a smaller chart line
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Dryness at latest updateEarly dryness largely resolved; no drops for the preceding few days
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2026

A six-month SMILE account from South Korea reported satisfaction and self-reported 20/20 vision. The poster described dryness identified before surgery during frequent contact-lens use and brief early postoperative blur. There had been no recent repeat acuity examination, so the six-month acuity claim remains self-reported.

Location
South Korea
Clinic
B&VIIT

Reported starting point

Preoperative drynessDry-eye symptoms identified during preoperative testing; frequent contact-lens use
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointSix months after surgery
Both eyes · 6 months · calculated from stated values
Self-reported acuity20/20 reported; no recent repeat examination
Both eyes · 6 months · stated by poster
Early postoperative blurInitial blur cleared after a nap
Both eyes · Surgery day · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2026

At 26 days after LASIK, a patient reported fluctuating haze and a blurrier right eye despite reduced grittiness. Preoperative Schirmer results were reported as 5 and 9 mm without eye assignment. An autorefractor reading of 0.25 in both eyes was described as potentially variable; its sign and refractive component were not specified, so it is not entered as confirmed residual myopia.

Reported starting point

Reported preoperative Schirmer values5 mm in one eye and 9 mm in the other; eye assignment unspecified
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up point26 days after surgery
Both eyes · Day 26 · stated by poster
Reported early acuityApproximately 6/6 on the first day
Both eyes · Day 1 · stated by poster
Uneven postoperative clarityRight eye blurrier than left; haze and fluctuating vision
Right eye · Day 26 · stated by poster
Reported instrument reading0.25 in each eye; sign and refractive component unspecified
Both eyes · Day 26 · stated by poster
Dryness symptoms at latest updateGrittiness largely gone; lubricating drops about twice daily
Both eyes · Day 26 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person EVO ICL account described the first 24 hours after surgery. The source reported a baseline prescription of -8.5 D in each eye, pressure returning from 28 to 15 after treatment, and next-day acuity of 20/15 right and 20/20 left. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-8.5 D in each eye
Both eyes · stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 24 hours · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15 right, 20/20 left
24 hours · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedMinimal dry eye and temporary light sensitivity
Both eyes · 24 hours · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account at two months described severe postoperative dry eye under specialist care. The source reported reduced corneal sensitivity, reduced tear break-up time, and discussion of Prokera after several attempted treatments. The source did not give an overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedSevere dry eye and reduced corneal sensitivity
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2026

A first-person SMILE account at one month described a favorable recovery. The source reported a baseline prescription of -4.75 and -5.00 D, 20/15 acuity at the five-day check, and early halos and light sensitivity that had resolved by one month.

Location
United States
Device
ZEISS SMILE

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-4.75 D and -5.00 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
Both eyes · 5 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedEarly halos and light sensitivity reported resolved
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at ten months described an unfavorable result after treatment for hyperopia and astigmatism. The source reported a preoperative prescription around +3.00 to +3.25 D, a current -0.75 D myopic correction, blurred distance vision, and difficult night vision.

Location
Italy

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values+3.00 to +3.25 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunsatisfied
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 10 months · stated by poster
Reported postoperative refraction-0.75 D correction worn
10 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedBlurred distance vision and night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 10 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account at six weeks described an initially sharp result followed by early regression and fluctuating blur. The poster reported roughly -8.75 to -9.00 D before surgery, 20/20 vision during the first week, and a later manifest refraction of -1.25 and -1.75 D. The overall result was mixed.

Age
31

Reported starting point

Reported prescription valuesApproximately -8.75 to -9.00 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
Both eyes · First week · stated by poster
Reported postoperative refraction-1.25 D and -1.75 D
6 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedDry eye, halos, starbursts, fluctuating blur, and regression
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person ICL account at 1 month described the result. Topics included halos. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Age
23

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account at 1 month described the result. Topics included starbursts. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
WaveLight Plus

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedstarbursts
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account at 2 months described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
Femtosecond LASIK

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-0.5 D, -0.25 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 2 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included glare. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Age
25

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-11 D, -13.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedglare
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

A 24-year-old reported satisfaction three weeks after PRK for high myopia. The right eye recovered more slowly, with early burning and nighttime discomfort resolving after bandage-lens removal. At diary day twenty-one, the poster reported no pain, lingering dryness or light sensitivity, although vision still lacked final sharpness. The poster disclosed using AI to help summarize the account.

Age
24

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-5.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Source writing disclosurePoster disclosed AI assistance summarizing their own account
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDiary day 21; surgery counted as day 1
Diary day 21; surgery counted as day 1 · stated by poster
Three-week comfortNo pain, lingering dryness or light sensitivity reported
Diary day 21 · stated by poster
Residual blurRight eye still slightly blurrier than left; subjective clarity not a measured acuity
Diary day 21 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2026

After approximately 18 years in glasses, the poster underwent LASIK with adjunctive cross-linking because the measured corneal thickness made standard LASIK less suitable. They described marked discomfort immediately after surgery.

Age
25

Reported starting point

Sphere-6.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Sphere-5.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Corneal thickness472 µm
stated by poster

Procedure details

Procedure variantLASIK Xtra with corneal cross-linking
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Immediate recoveryMarked discomfort and difficulty opening the eyes
Both eyes · Surgery day · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2023

A first-person SMILE account at 3 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/10, 20/20, 20/15. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, glare. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
28

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1.25 D, -1.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 years · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/10, 20/20, 20/15
3 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, glare, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2026

A first-person SMILE account at 1 day described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-4.75 D, -5 D, -2.5 D, -1.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 day · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 day · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

SMILE experience · 2026

A first-person SMILE account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
SMILE Pro

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-2.25 D, -1.25 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2026

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 10/10, 20/20, 20/16. Topics included halos, glare, haze, light sensitivity. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
Contoura

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-5.25 D, -4.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values10/10, 20/20, 20/16
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, glare, haze, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-17 D, -11 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-13 D, -3 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person ICL account at 4 months described the result. Topics included dry eye, haze. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, haze
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2026

A first-person ICL account at 2 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 6/9, 6/6. Topics included halos, pain or discomfort, floaters. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
24

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-11.5 D, -1.5 D, -12 D, -1.25 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values6/9, 6/6
2 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, pain or discomfort, floaters
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster