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 anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

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, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
26

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-6.25 D, -6.75 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, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account at 1 year described the result. Reported acuity included 20/15, 20/20. Topics included starbursts, 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 · 1 year · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15, 20/20
1 year · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedstarbursts, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, halos, ghosting, double vision. 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, halos, ghosting, double vision
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account at 7 months described the result. Reported acuity included 20/15. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, ghosting. 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 · 7 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
7 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, ghosting, double vision
Both eyes · 7 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

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, night-vision difficulty. 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
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/40. Topics included dry eye. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7 D, -1 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
Reported visual-acuity values20/20, 20/40
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/12. Topics included haze. 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 values20/12
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhaze
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2022

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/30. Topics included halos, starbursts, ghosting. 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 · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/30
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, starbursts, ghosting
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/15. Topics included haze, pain or discomfort. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-5.25 D, -4.75 D, -7 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
Reported visual-acuity values20/20, 20/15
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhaze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/80, 20/30, 20/70, 20/25. Topics included dry eye, starbursts, glare, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-0.25 D, -1.25 D, -0.5 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 · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/80, 20/30, 20/70, 20/25
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, starbursts, glare, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

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.

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

ICL experience · 2022

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 6/10. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, haze. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-14.5 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 values6/10
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account at 5 days described the result. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. 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
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 5 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account at 5 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/40, 20/20, 20/30, 20/15. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, glare. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Age
22
Device
Contoura

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-2.75 D, -3 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 5 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/40, 20/20, 20/30, 20/15
5 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, glare, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, light sensitivity, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 5 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account at 2 months described the result. 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 · 2 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2022

A first-person LASIK account at 6 months described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, light sensitivity. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-6.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 6 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 6 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2022

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, glare, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision. 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 discussedhalos, glare, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

TRANSPRK experience · 2022

A 24-year-old reported TransPRK at Moorfields in January 2022 for low myopia. Severe pain and light sensitivity eased after the first two days. By day six, normal activities felt manageable, although vision remained blurry with mild aching and dryness. The procedure label follows the poster; the technical description is not independently confirmed.

Age
24
Location
United Kingdom
Clinic
Moorfields, London

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-0.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 6
Day 6 · stated by poster
Early painSevere pain during the first day and night, continuing the following day
First 2 days · stated by poster
Day-six recoveryNormal activities manageable; remaining blur, mild aching and dryness
Day 6 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account at 3 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/15, 20/20. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating 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 · 3 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15, 20/20
3 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account at 40 days described the result. Reported acuity included 20/10. Topics included halos, starbursts, night-vision difficulty, regression. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Clinic
Lasik Vision Institute Oak Brook

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 40 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/10
40 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, starbursts, night-vision difficulty, regression
Both eyes · 40 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/25. Topics included light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Age
45

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
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, 20/25
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedlight sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2021

A first-person SMILE account at 3 months 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 · 3 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
3 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account at 8 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/30. Topics included dry eye, starbursts, blur or fluctuating vision, haze. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-9 D, -9.5 D, -10 D, -10.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/30
8 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, starbursts, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2021

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 dry eye, halos, starbursts, glare. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1.5 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 · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, glare
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2021

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/40, 20/50, 20/60. Topics included pain or discomfort. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Age
23

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-5.25 D, -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
Reported visual-acuity values20/40, 20/50, 20/60
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedpain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster