Medical description
Lasik is a refractive surgery technique that corrects vision defects by reshaping the cornea, the transparent surface at the front of the eye. A laser first cuts a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, then a second laser alters its curvature at a deeper level, before the flap is put back in place. It can treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Other surface or intracorneal techniques may be offered when Lasik is not suitable.
What the procedure can correct
- Short-sightedness (myopia)
- Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Contact lens intolerance
The ideal candidate
An adult whose prescription has been stable for at least a year, with healthy eyes and a cornea of sufficient thickness. A full eye assessment, including measurement of the cornea, is essential before confirming the indication. Certain situations, such as a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, significant dry eye or pregnancy, may rule out Lasik or point towards another technique.
The technique
The procedure is performed under anaesthetic eye drops, painlessly, and takes a few minutes per eye; both eyes are generally treated on the same day. A speculum holds the eyelid open. The laser creates a thin corneal flap, then the excimer laser reshapes the cornea according to your prescription, before the flap is repositioned without stitches.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
Local · 15–30 min
- 3
Back to the hotel
Day-case treatment: you return to your hotel the same day, accompanied.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, your coordinator remains your contact and organises follow-up with the practitioner (photos and messages via WhatsApp, then through your secure patient area once it opens).
Risks and recovery
A gritty feeling in the eyes, watering and blurred vision are common in the first few hours. Dry eyes and halos at night may persist for a few weeks. Less commonly, under- or over-correction requiring a touch-up, a flap complication, infection or inflammation of the cornea may occur. Your ophthalmologist will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to do without glasses?
Lasik aims to eliminate or greatly reduce dependence on glasses for distance vision. With age, reading glasses may still be needed, as presbyopia is not treated in the same way.
When will I be able to fly?
The return flight is generally possible after the check-up the next day or in the following days, within the recommended length of stay. Remember to bring the prescribed eye drops and to keep your eyes well moisturised during the flight.
Why an assessment before the procedure?
The assessment measures the thickness and shape of your cornea and checks the health of your eyes. It makes it possible to confirm that Lasik is suitable, or to suggest another technique that is safer for you.
