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.
Reset

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 dissatisfied

PRK experience

At 3.5 months after PRK, the poster described persistent blur, particularly in the right eye, and dissatisfaction with the outcome. The original-poster replies give a preoperative prescription of -1.75 D in both eyes. Reported Schirmer values differed between eyes, but the better tear-production result did not correspond to clearer vision.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1.75 D
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up3.5 months
3.5 months · calculated from stated values
Persistent blurRight eye remained noticeably blurrier than left
3.5 months · stated by poster
Reported tear findingsSchirmer 10 mm left, 30 mm right; test timing unspecified
stated by poster
Reported residual astigmatismRight -0.50 x 160; left -0.25 x 160; complete current prescription not supplied
3.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

PRK experience

At two months after PRK, the poster reported a clear left eye but a blurry right eye measuring 20/30. They described right-eye haze and no improvement since month one, and felt discouraged. The report does not state a preoperative prescription, age or clinically verified cause of the blur.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up2 months
2 months · calculated from stated values
Reported acuity20/30
Right eye · 2 months · stated by poster
Reported hazeHaze in right eye; diagnosis not independently verified
Right eye · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

TRANSPRK experience · 2021

At six weeks after April 2021 TransPRK, the poster described initial improvement followed by worsening blur from week three onward. Computer text needed progressive enlargement after returning to work. They felt anxious about the decline despite reassurance at follow-ups. The baseline sphere sign is unclear in the source and is not inferred.

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionApproximately 5.5 in both eyes, sign unspecified; -2.5 astigmatism reported
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up6 weeks
6 weeks · calculated from stated values
Blur progressionVision declined after initial improvement, with increased screen magnification needed
6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2021

One year after December 2021 PRK, the poster reported satisfaction and clear vision without glasses or contacts. Vision reportedly stabilized around six months, when they could read 20/15. Dryness continued improving over the following months. A small amount of nighttime starbursting remained without perceived interference with driving.

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up1 year
1 year · calculated from stated values
Reported six-month acuity20/15
6 months · stated by poster
Dryness trajectoryDryness continued improving between six and twelve months
Months 6–12 · stated by poster
Nighttime starburstsSmall amount remained, without perceived driving impairment
1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience · 2023

One year after January 2023 PRK at Stanford, the poster reported satisfaction and 20/20 in both eyes. The diary described severe early pain, several weeks of blur and a later reported 20/10 result around day fifty. Dryness became much less noticeable over the year. Current age 27 is stated; age at surgery is not established.

Location
United States
Clinic
Stanford Laser Eye Center
Provider
Dr. Manche

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-4 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-3.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up1 year
1 year · calculated from stated values
Reported one-year acuity20/20 in both eyes
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Dryness trajectoryDryness declined over the year and was barely noticeable at the update
1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

The poster described TransPRK at ClearVision in Singapore for high myopia. Early fluctuating blur and difficulty focusing at reading distance improved over several weeks. Later replies described sharp vision, a return to normal daily life and no haze, without a recent measured refraction. Some astigmatism reportedly remained.

Location
Singapore
Clinic
ClearVision
Device
Schwind Amaris 1050RS

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-6.25 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Reported astigmatismAstigmatism reported; initial “150” notation not converted to diopters
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upLater replies; duration unspecified
Later replies; duration unspecified · stated by poster
Return to workReturned to work on diary day 23 with comfortable near vision
Diary day 23 · stated by poster
Later original-poster updateReported sharp vision and normal daily life, with no haze; follow-up duration unspecified
Later original-poster replies · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

PRK experience

A 25-year-old described early PRK recovery for around -4.75 to -5.25 D with low astigmatism. The operation was painless and most early days involved little pain, except for a brief burning, red right eye on day two. At day six, distance vision was still much less clear than with glasses before surgery.

Age
25

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionApproximately -4.75 to -5.25 D in both eyes, with low astigmatism
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 6
Day 6 · stated by poster
Day-two symptomsBrief burning and redness in the right eye
Right eye · Day 2 · stated by poster
Early distance visionDistance vision still substantially less clear than with preoperative glasses
Day 6 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

PRK experience

After PRK for high myopia and astigmatism, the poster described a slow early recovery and clinician-reported haze at day twenty-six. At day forty-two they reported 6/6 vision and reduced haze. At three months and two weeks they described excellent vision, persistent nighttime halos without driving difficulty, and no dryness complaints.

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-6.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-7 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative astigmatism-2 D astigmatism; eye assignment unspecified
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-up3 months and 2 weeks
3 months and 2 weeks · calculated from stated values
Reported postoperative hazeHaze noted at day 26 and reduced but still present at day 42
Days 26–42 · stated by poster
Reported day-42 acuity6/6
Day 42 · stated by poster
Later nighttime halosNighttime halos remained, without reported difficulty driving
3 months and 2 weeks · stated by poster
Later drynessNo dryness complaints at latest update
3 months and 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

TRANSPRK experience

The poster initially described dramatic improvement hours after TransPRK, then added an update about severe first-night irritation, pain and tearing. By day three irritation was minor and intermittent. This is a very early account and does not establish a stable result or long-term satisfaction.

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescriptionAround -5 D with -3.25 D cylinder; eye assignment unspecified
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upDay 3
Day 3 · stated by poster
First-night symptomsStrong irritation, pain and tearing interrupted sleep
First night · stated by poster
Day-three recoveryMinor, intermittent irritation
Day 3 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

At three weeks after TransPRK, the poster described a difficult first two days followed by rapid improvement. Bandage lenses were removed on day five. At two weeks they reported reading the smallest chart text, without an acuity value. They were satisfied and continued artificial tears. Preoperative age and dry-eye status were not stated.

Reported starting point

Preoperative prescription-5 D and -6 D, with astigmatism; eye assignment and cylinder values not stated
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointThree weeks after TransPRK
3 weeks · calculated from stated values
Early recoveryFirst two days difficult; improvement over subsequent days
First 5 days · stated by poster
Reported chart readingRead the smallest chart text; chart type and acuity value not specified
2 weeks · stated by poster
Ongoing lubricationContinued artificial tears four times daily
3 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

TRANSPRK experience

At three months after TransPRK, the poster reported limited improvement after month one, ongoing need for glasses and substantial dryness, burning and itching. Punctal plugs reportedly provided little relief. In a later reply, the poster said a second doctor considered the eyes less dry than perceived. No current measured refraction or preoperative prescription was established.

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointThree months after TransPRK
3 months · calculated from stated values
Earlier postoperative refractionReported -1.75 D in both eyes and -0.75 D cylinder in the left eye after surgery
stated by poster
Uncorrected visionReported unable to reach 20/20 without glasses
3 months · stated by poster
Current refraction estimateEstimated around -0.75 D from driving glasses; not a measured current refraction
3 months · stated by poster
Dryness symptomsDryness, burning and itching; drops and night ointment in use
3 months · stated by poster
Reported punctal plugsLittle perceived relief after plugs
3 months · stated by poster
Poster’s later clarificationA second doctor reportedly considered the eyes less dry than the poster perceived; vision concerns remained
Later original-poster reply · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

TRANSPRK experience · 2024

Two years after February 2024 TransPRK, the poster described severe persistent dryness and pain, especially in the right eye, light sensitivity, ghosting, starbursts and impaired dim-light vision. They reported relatively few issues during the first year, followed by worsening symptoms. Keratitis and possible corneal neuralgia were reported from consultations, without independent clinical confirmation.

Procedure details

Reported surgery dateFebruary 2024
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointApproximately two years after surgery
2 years · calculated from stated values
Symptom progressionFew issues during the first year; substantially worse symptoms beginning around February 2025
About 1 year after surgery · stated by poster
Persistent drynessSevere chronic dryness, especially in the right eye
2 years · stated by poster
Persistent painStabbing and burning pain, sometimes extending into the face and forehead
2 years · stated by poster
Light sensitivityMarked light sensitivity outdoors and sometimes indoors
2 years · stated by poster
Dim-light visionReported starbursts, ghosting and impaired night or dim-light vision
2 years · stated by poster
Reported consultation findingsKeratitis and possible corneal neuralgia reported; not independently verified
2 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

TRANSPRK experience

At roughly five months after TransPRK, the poster described good near vision and resolved irritation but ongoing blurred distance vision, poor night vision and residual astigmatism. A doctor reportedly described acuity as 20/20, while the poster experienced blur on smaller chart lines. Lubricant drops had not noticeably improved the symptoms.

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointApproximately five months after surgery
5 months · calculated from stated values
Distance visionDistance vision remained blurry and unstable
5 months · stated by poster
Night visionNight vision remained poor
5 months · stated by poster
Residual astigmatismReported persistent astigmatism without a measurement
5 months · stated by poster
Reported chart resultDoctor reportedly stated 20/20; poster described blurred smaller chart lines
5 months · stated by poster
Reported clinician explanationDoctor reportedly attributed blur to dryness; no noticeable improvement with drops
5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience

A one-week SMILE report with detailed preoperative measurements. The patient reported right -5.75 D, left -5.25 D, astigmatism, corneal thickness of 524 and 520 microns, no measured residual prescription at one week, and transient halos or foggy vision.

Clinic
Universal Eye Center Neihu (內湖大學眼科)
Provider
Dr. Yeh Wei-Yi (葉威毅)

Reported starting point

Reported starting pointPreoperative right -5.75 D and left -5.25 D
stated by poster
Reported starting pointCorneal thickness 524 and 520 microns
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · One week · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomAstigmatism reported
One week · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomNo residual prescription measured at one week
One week · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomTransient halos or foggy vision
One week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience

Another participant in the thread described femtoLASIK at NeoVize through Praga Medica as quick and painless, with an immediately favorable visual result.

Clinic
NeoVize Prague

Procedure details

Reported procedure detailFemtoLASIK
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Immediate recovery · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomQuick and painless procedure reported
Immediate recovery · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomFavorable immediate result
Immediate recovery · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

RLE experience

A different participant described clear lens extraction at DuoVize, changing from roughly -14.00 D to -2.00 D, and reported no regret at ten months.

Clinic
DuoVize Prague

Reported starting point

Reported starting pointPreoperative refraction around -14.00 D
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Ten months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomPostoperative refraction around -2.00 D
Ten months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomTen-month follow-up
Ten months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomNo regret reported
Ten months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

RLE experience

The original poster described clear lens extraction or RLE with a multifocal toric lens at DuoVize in Prague. At one year they reported better than 20/20 vision and said early halos had resolved or become unnoticeable by about six months.

Clinic
DuoVize Prague

Procedure details

Reported procedure detailMultifocal toric lens
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · One year · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomOne-year follow-up
One year · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomVision described as better than 20/20
One year · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomEarly halos resolved or adapted by about six months
One year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience

A 39-year-old patient's SMILE diary described a mixed first month, acuity around 20/20 and 20/25 by day ten, dryness and intermittent blur, followed by a favorable three-month update with improving dryness.

Provider
Dr. John Doane

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomAge 39
Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomDay-ten acuity reported near 20/20 and 20/25
Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomDryness and blur during recovery
Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomImprovement reported at three months
Three months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience

A ReLEx SMILE patient at iClinic.sk reported approximately -7.00 D in one eye, a follow-up within 24 hours, little major pain, and a favorable early result.

Clinic
iClinic.sk

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Less than 24 hours · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomAbout -7.00 D reported in one eye
Less than 24 hours · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomFollow-up within 24 hours
Less than 24 hours · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomNo major pain reported
Less than 24 hours · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomFavorable early assessment
Less than 24 hours · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience

A two-week SMILE recovery report from a contact-lens wearer who described preoperative dryness and early postoperative dryness and halos, particularly around day three.

Reported starting point

Pre-existing dry eyePre-existing contact-lens-related dryness described
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Two weeks · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomTwo-week follow-up
Two weeks · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomDryness and halos reported around day three
Two weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience

A three-month SMILE Pro report from a patient starting near -5.00 D with roughly -1.75 D astigmatism. The poster reported residual error in the right eye and acuity of 1.2 in the left and 0.9 in the right.

Reported starting point

Reported starting pointPreoperative myopia about -5.00 D
stated by poster
Reported starting pointPreoperative astigmatism about -1.75 D
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomThree-month follow-up
Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomVisual acuity reported as left 1.2 and right 0.9
Three months · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomResidual right-eye error discussed
Three months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience

A long-term ReLEx SMILE report describing regression to about -0.75 D of myopia in both eyes after four years and discussion of a possible PRK enhancement.

Procedure details

Reported procedure detailPossible PRK enhancement discussed
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Four years · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomFour-year follow-up
Four years · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomAbout -0.75 D myopia reported in each eye
Four years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

SMILE experience

A first-person ReLEx SMILE procedure and immediate recovery account from a patient with nearly -5.00 D in both eyes who said they selected SMILE instead of PRK.

Reported starting point

Reported starting pointPreoperative myopia close to -5.00 D in both eyes
stated by poster

Procedure details

Reported procedure detailSMILE selected over PRK
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · One day · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomImmediate postoperative experience described
One day · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience

A 28-day ReLEx SMILE report describing early foggy or watery vision, halos, and dryness after prolonged screen use. The clinic was explicitly named.

Clinic
Universal Vision (優爾視)

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 28 days · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomTwenty-eight-day follow-up
28 days · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomEarly foggy or watery vision
28 days · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomHalos reported
28 days · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomDryness associated with screen use
28 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience

A detailed ReLEx SMILE recovery report from a patient with roughly -6.50 D in both eyes and 620-micron corneas. The poster described low tear production within the clinic's normal range before surgery, manageable halos, and useful vision during the first week.

Reported starting point

Reported starting pointPreoperative refraction about -6.50 D in each eye
stated by poster
Reported starting pointCorneal thickness reported as 620 microns
stated by poster
Reported starting pointBaseline tear production described as low but within normal limits
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · One week · stated by poster
Reported result or symptomHalos discussed during early recovery
One week · stated by poster