Laser Eye Surgery

Under topical anaesthetic eye drops, an eyelid speculum keeps the eye open. LASIK: a femtosecond laser creates a 90-110 micron corneal flap by tracing a 3D pattern of microbubbles; the flap is lifted, an excimer laser reshapes the underlying stroma to a treatment plan derived from corneal topography, and the flap is replaced. SMILE: a single femtosecond laser sculpts a thin lenticule within the intact cornea, which the surgeon extracts through a 2-4 mm peripheral incision, no flap created. The patient stares at a fixation light throughout.

1. 1Detailed refraction, corneal topography, pachymetry and dry-eye assessment at least 1-2 weeks before surgery.
2. 2Stop wearing soft contact lenses for at least 1 week (longer for rigid lenses) before measurements and treatment.
3. 3Avoid eye make-up, perfume and aftershave on the day of surgery.
4. 4Arrange transport home as vision will be blurry for several hours.
5. 5Receive prescription for post-operative antibiotic and steroid drops.

1. 1Day 0: Transient blurred vision, mild grittiness and watering for 4-6 hours; wear protective eye shields overnight.
2. 2Day 1: Marked improvement in vision; attend the day-1 review with the surgeon.
3. 3Days 1-7: Use prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops; avoid swimming, eye rubbing and dusty environments.
4. 4Weeks 1-2: Most patients return to driving and office work; mild dry eye is common.
5. 5Weeks 2-4: Vision continues to sharpen; resume sport with eye protection.
6. 6Months 1-3: Refraction stabilises and lubricant drops are gradually tapered.

Typically $3,000 to $10,000, according to All About Vision, 2026.

Plan on about 3 days, from arrival to the flight home. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to travel.

Most U.S. health plans do not pay for elective surgery abroad, and cosmetic procedures are not covered at all. The CDC also warns that care for complications after surgery abroad may not be covered, so check your plan before you book.