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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718 reviewed experiences

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

Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/15. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7 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 values20/15
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 week described the result. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, 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 · 1 week · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, haze
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK 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.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1.25 D, -0.25 D, -0.5 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 · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 week described the result. Topics included light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
21

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedlight sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 5 days described the result. Reported acuity included 20/25. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision. 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 · 5 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/25
5 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 5 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

At 1.5 years after femtosecond LASIK for moderately high myopia, the poster reported stable 20/20 vision, rare need for lubricating drops and resolution of prior glasses-associated migraines.

Age
30
Device
Bladeless femtosecond LASIK

Reported starting point

Sphere-5.75 D
stated by poster
Sphere-5.25 D
stated by poster

Procedure details

Procedure variantBladeless femtosecond LASIK
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/20
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Lubricating-drop useAbout once every two weeks when needed
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2017

A first-person LASIK account at 7 years described the result. Topics included starbursts, double vision. 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 · 7 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedstarbursts, double vision
Both eyes · 7 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 9 months 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.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7.5 D, -1.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 9 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 9 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

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

Age
26

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

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 3 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos, double vision, blur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-8 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, double vision, blur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

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

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7 D, -7.5 D, -6.5 D, -12 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
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 4 months described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included glare, ghosting, floaters. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
4 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedglare, ghosting, floaters
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

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

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-8 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

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

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 week described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/15. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
29
Device
Contoura

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-3 D, -0.5 D, -2.25 D, -1 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
1 week · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 3 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20, 10/10. Topics included dry eye, halos, glare, blur or fluctuating vision. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-4 D, -4.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

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

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-3.25 D, -2.5 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
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 3.5 months described the result. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision. 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 · 3.5 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 3.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

At 1.5 years after LASIK for a mild prescription, the poster reported objectively strong acuity but subjectively worse vision, persistent glare, halos, starbursts, reduced night contrast, floaters and chronic dry eye, with strong regret.

Age
37

Reported starting point

Starting prescriptionMild; glasses mainly for driving and television
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Measured visual acuity20/15
Both eyes · 1.5 years · stated by poster
Persistent visual symptomsGlare, halos, starbursts, low night contrast and floaters
Both eyes · 1.5 years · stated by poster
Dry eyeChronic
Both eyes · 1.5 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2008

A first-person LASIK account at 16 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos, glare, ghosting, double vision. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 16 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, glare, ghosting, double vision, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 16 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2008

A first-person LASIK account at 16 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos, glare, ghosting, double vision. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 16 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, glare, ghosting, double vision, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 16 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 2 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-2 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
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2024

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

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values+5 D, +4.5 D
stated by poster
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 anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 3 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
Femtosecond LASIK

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-3 D, -3.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedpain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2023

A first-person LASIK account at 1 year described the result. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort, floaters. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort, floaters
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-3.5 D, -1.25 D, -4.25 D, -0.25 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 values20/20
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster