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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434 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 at 3 days described the result. Topics included dry eye, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
40

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 discusseddry eye, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 month described the result. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision. 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 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

Five days after LASIK, a 28-year-old described clear vision and strong satisfaction. One eye recovered more slowly because of a pre-existing corneal scar, while screen-related dryness was mild and night driving was not problematic.

Age
28

Reported starting point

Pre-existing corneal scarScar from prior ulcer
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Eye-specific recoveryImproving but slightly less clear than right eye
Left eye · Day 5 · stated by poster
Dry eyeMild, mainly after prolonged screen use
Both eyes · Day 5 · stated by poster
Night drivingNo issue reported
Both eyes · Day 5 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

ICL experience · 2023

A first-person ICL account at 1 year described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, double vision, regression. The poster's overall assessment was unfavorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, double vision, regression
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2018

A first-person LASIK account at 6 years described the result. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty. 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 · 6 years · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 6 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

LASIK experience · 2024

Three months after LASIK, the poster reported better than 20/15 binocular vision and full return to normal activities. Early marked light sensitivity and dryness improved, although occasional dry-eye days continued.

Age
25
Location
Canada
Clinic
Bochner Eye Institute

Reported starting point

Approximate sphere-4 D
Both eyes · stated by poster
Approximate corneal thickness515 µm
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/20
Right eye · 24 hours · stated by poster
Visual acuity20/15
Left eye · 24 hours · stated by poster
Binocular visual acuityBetter than 20/15
Both eyes · 6 weeks · stated by poster
Dry eyeOccasional and managed with drops
Both eyes · 3 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 1 week described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Age
27

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
1 week · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, haze, pain or discomfort, regression
Both eyes · 1 week · 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 dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
32

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

SMILE experience · 2024

A first-person SMILE account at 2 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, starbursts, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
SMILE Pro

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-2 D, -1 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 values20/20
2 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, starbursts, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

LASIK experience · 2024

A first-person LASIK account at 8 days described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
Contoura

Reported starting point

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 values20/20
8 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 8 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, double vision, haze. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
30
Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

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

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, double vision, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 8 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. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, blur or fluctuating vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-3 D, -1 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, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2023

Ten months after SMILE, the poster reported 20/20 vision and resolution of initially severe dry eye, night-vision problems, glowing text and starbursts. The symptoms reportedly disappeared around months four to five.

Age
23
Location
India

Reported starting point

Sphere-3.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Sphere-4.7 D
Right eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Early symptomsDry eye, poor night vision, glowing text and starbursts
Both eyes · First months · stated by poster
Symptom resolutionReported resolution of early symptoms
Both eyes · 4–5 months · stated by poster
Visual acuity20/20
Both eyes · 10 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2024

A first-person SMILE account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/30, 20/40, 20/15. Topics included dry eye, halos, 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, 20/30, 20/40, 20/15
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 anecdoteReported satisfied

SMILE experience · 2024

A first-person SMILE account at 1 month described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/10. Topics included dry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Clinic
Optimax TTDI Malaysia
Device
SMILE Pro

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-0.5 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
Reported visual-acuity values20/10
1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2022

Two years after ICL, the poster remained highly satisfied and free of dryness, but continued to notice halos and light bursts while driving at night. Suggested PRK for possible astigmatism was declined because the symptoms were tolerable.

Age
23
Location
United States

Reported starting point

Sphere-2.75 D
stated by poster
Sphere-3 D
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reported follow-up acuityApproximately 20/16
Both eyes · Follow-up visits · stated by poster
Nighttime symptomsPersistent halos and light bursts while driving
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Dry eyeNot experienced
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 3 weeks described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, ghosting, double vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
28
Device
Visian ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, ghosting, double vision, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 weeks · 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 anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience · 2024

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

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-8 D, -2.5 D, -7.75 D, -2 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, night-vision difficulty, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · 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 anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 8 months described the result. Topics included dry eye, glare, light sensitivity. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 8 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, glare, light sensitivity
Both eyes · 8 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 2.5 months described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/15, 20/12. Topics included dry eye, halos, glare, ghosting. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

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

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2.5 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20, 20/15, 20/12
2.5 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, glare, ghosting, double vision, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 2.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

SMILE experience · 2024

A first-person SMILE account at 2 months described the result. Reported acuity included 20/15, 20/10. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity. 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 · 2 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15, 20/10
2 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 2 months · stated by poster