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 anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2025

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

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-5.5 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 discussedhaze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2013

A first-person LASIK account at 12 years described the result. Topics included starbursts. 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 · 12 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedstarbursts
Both eyes · 12 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2020

A first-person LASIK account at 5 years described the result. Topics included double 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 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddouble vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 5 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2020

A first-person SMILE account at 5 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, light sensitivity. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
23

Reported starting point

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

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 5 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, light sensitivity
Both eyes · 5 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 year described the result. Topics included dry eye, starbursts, ghosting, floaters. 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 · 1 year · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, starbursts, ghosting, floaters
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2023

A first-person ICL account at 2 years described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/15. Topics included halos, ghosting. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-6.5 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
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
2 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, ghosting
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 1 month described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, night-vision difficulty. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
44

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 1 month described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, starbursts, 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 · 1 month · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, starbursts, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience · 2025

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 poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
SMILE Pro

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-1.75 D, +1.5 D, +7 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 · 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 · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 3 days described the result. 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 · 3 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, regression. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-5.25 D, -4.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, regression
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2025

A first-person ICL account at 3 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, floaters. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

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

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, floaters
Both eyes · 3 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 5 months described the result. Topics included ghosting, 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 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedghosting, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

SMILE experience · 2025

A first-person SMILE account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 12/10. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
Contoura

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 values12/10
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 · 2025

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/15. 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 values20/15
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

RLE experience · 2025

Two weeks after elective RLE without cataracts, the poster reported clear and improving distance and near vision without glasses, along with night halos and occasional visual artifacts that were not limiting daily activities.

Location
Canada
Device
Clareon PanOptix Toric UV multifocal

Reported starting point

Treatment locationHalifax, Canada
Both eyes · stated by poster

Procedure details

LensClareon PanOptix Toric UV multifocal
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Distance visionVery clear and continuing to improve
Both eyes · Almost 2 weeks · stated by poster
Near visionReported as clear
Both eyes · Almost 2 weeks · stated by poster
Glasses useNo longer using glasses after 53 years
Both eyes · Almost 2 weeks · stated by poster
Night halosPresent around bright lights but not limiting night driving
Both eyes · Almost 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 100 days described the result. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
Femtosecond LASIK

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 100 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 100 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account at 17 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, 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+5.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 17 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
17 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 17 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2025

A first-person LASIK account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, starbursts. 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, starbursts
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience · 2025

A first-person SMILE account at 4 months described the result. Topics included dry eye, ghosting, haze. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
SMILE Pro

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
Symptoms discusseddry eye, ghosting, haze
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

SMILE experience · 2025

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

Age
20
Device
SMILE Pro

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-0.75 D, -1 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2025

A first-person SMILE account at 1 month described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
29

Reported starting point

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

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

SMILE experience · 2019

A first-person SMILE account at 6 years described the result. Topics included glare, ghosting. 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 · 6 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedglare, ghosting
Both eyes · 6 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

RLE experience · 2025

Two months after RLE with Light Adjustable Lenses for strong hyperopia and astigmatism, the poster reported distance and near targets close to plan and was generally happy. Recovery required multiple adjustments and additional procedures, with persistent dryness and halos still improving.

Age
40
Device
Light Adjustable Lens

Reported starting point

Sphere6.25 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Cylinder-3.25 D
Both eyes · stated by poster

Procedure details

Distance-eye target0 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Micro-monovision target-0.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Distance visual acuity20/20
Left eye · Before second lock-in · stated by poster
Distance visual acuity20/25
Right eye · Before second lock-in · stated by poster
Residual symptomsDryness and halos
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

TRANSPRK experience

The poster described favorable early TransPRK recovery at an Amsterdam clinic for low myopia and astigmatism. Early blur, halos and double vision improved. A later reply, just over two weeks after surgery, reported only morning dryness and explicitly denied preoperative dry-eye problems.

Location
Netherlands

Reported starting point

Preoperative sphere-1.25 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Preoperative sphere-0.75 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Preoperative cylinder-0.75 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Preoperative dry-eye historyExplicitly reported no dry-eye problems before surgery
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reviewed follow-upJust over 2 weeks
Just over 2 weeks · stated by poster
Later early drynessOnly mild morning dryness; no daytime difference noticed
Just over 2 weeks · stated by poster
Early work recoveryReturned to screen-based work on day six, with fatigue and fluctuating clarity
Day 6 · stated by poster