Long-lasting correction of myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia with laser surgery in Paris, performed by Dr Gozlan.
LASIK is today the gold-standard technique for laser surgery to correct myopia. Painless, fast and highly precise, it enables the vast majority of patients to enjoy lasting freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Dr Gozlan, an ophthalmic surgeon who holds a University Diploma in Refractive Surgery and Phacoemulsification (University of Toulouse), explains in detail the principle behind the procedure, its indications, how it is performed, the recovery process, expected outcomes, potential risks and the cost involved.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea — the transparent lens at the front of the eye — to correct a vision defect. The technique relies on two complementary lasers: a femtosecond laser first creates a thin corneal flap, then an excimer laser sculpts the underlying corneal tissue with micrometre-level precision. The flap is then repositioned without the need for sutures. The procedure takes around fifteen minutes for both eyes and requires no hospital stay.
By altering the curvature of the cornea, the surgery changes the point at which light is focused on the retina, so that images once again appear sharp without corrective lenses. It is one of the most widely performed and extensively studied surgical procedures in the world.
The term LASIK encompasses several variants. Femto-LASIK (also known as "all-laser" LASIK) refers to the modern technique in which the corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser, with no mechanical blade: it is the safest and most reproducible approach. SMILE is a related flapless technique suitable for certain degrees of myopia. PRK, on the other hand, works on the corneal surface without creating a flap. The choice between these techniques depends on your cornea and your lifestyle: it is determined during the pre-operative assessment.
The procedure is intended for patients whose daily life is affected by a refractive error and whose vision has been stable for at least one year. LASIK corrects three types of vision defect:
To be a suitable candidate, you must be at least 18 years old, have a stable refraction, a cornea that is sufficiently thick and regular, no corneal disease (keratoconus in particular) and no progressive eye condition. When the cornea is too thin or irregular, PRK is often a more appropriate option. Only a comprehensive preoperative assessment can confirm that this technique is the safest choice for your eyes.
No procedure is performed without a thorough pre-operative assessment. This painless examination takes approximately one hour and is essential to ensuring a safe outcome. It includes:
Important: contact lenses must be removed several days (soft lenses) to several weeks (rigid lenses) before the assessment, as they temporarily alter the shape of the cornea and distort the measurements.
LASIK is carried out as an outpatient procedure in six steps. You remain awake, lying comfortably, and the treatment of both eyes takes around fifteen minutes.
One of the great advantages of LASIK is the speed of recovery. In the hours that follow, a gritty sensation in the eyes, watering and light sensitivity are all normal. Vision begins to clear by the same evening and is typically sharp by the next day. Here is the usual timeline:
Rubbing the eyes, exposure to dust, swimming and contact sports should be avoided for one to two weeks, and the eyes should be protected from the sun.
LASIK and PRK correct the same vision problems but differ in technique. Thanks to the corneal flap, LASIK offers a faster recovery and greater immediate comfort. PRK, which reshapes the corneal surface without creating a flap, is preferred for thin corneas, contact-sport athletes, military personnel and certain professions with an increased risk of eye trauma. In the long term, both approaches deliver equivalent results.
LASIK is one of the most effective surgical procedures in modern medicine. Over 95 % of patients treated for moderate myopia achieve 20/20 vision without correction, and virtually all are free from glasses for everyday activities. The result is stable and permanent.
LASIK is a safe procedure backed by millions of cases worldwide, but like any surgical intervention it carries risks, most of which are minor and temporary:
Strict adherence to contraindications and a thorough preoperative assessment reduce these risks to a minimum.
The procedure is not performed in the presence of: keratoconus or an excessively thin cornea, unstable refraction, pregnancy or breastfeeding, severe dry eye disease, certain corneal or autoimmune conditions, or in patients under 18 years of age. In many of these cases, PRK or an alternative solution (phakic intraocular lens implant) may be offered.
Refractive surgery is not covered by the French national health insurance system (Assurance Maladie), as it is classified as an elective procedure. However, many private health insurance plans (mutuelles) offer a "refractive surgery" allowance that covers all or part of the cost; it is advisable to check your policy details. The price depends on the technique used and the degree of correction required; a clear, itemised quote is provided at your preoperative consultation, with no obligation.
No. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops: during the procedure you feel no pain — at most, slight pressure. In the hours that follow, a gritty sensation and tearing are common but short-lived.
Recovery is very fast: most patients see clearly by the next day and resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Vision fully stabilises over the following few weeks.
LASIK corrects myopia up to approximately -8 to -10 dioptres, astigmatism up to around 5 dioptres and moderate hyperopia, provided the cornea is sufficiently thick and regular.
Yes, the correction achieved is stable and permanent. However, the procedure does not prevent presbyopia (around age 45) or natural age-related changes in the eye; an enhancement is possible in rare cases.
Yes. LASIK is performed on both eyes during the same session, which takes roughly fifteen minutes in total. This is an advantage over PRK.
Office work can be resumed within 1 to 2 days. Non-contact sports are possible after about one week, while swimming and combat sports can be resumed after two to three weeks.
The vast majority of patients experience no lasting discomfort. Halos or glare at night may occur during the first few weeks but gradually fade. The preoperative assessment (pupil diameter measurement) helps minimise this risk.
LASIK can be performed from 18 years of age, once the refraction has been stable for at least one year. There is no strict upper age limit, but after 45 presbyopia is factored into the treatment strategy.
Dr Gozlan, holder of a University Diploma in Refractive Surgery and Phacoemulsification, assesses your LASIK eligibility through a comprehensive evaluation and determines the technique best suited to your eyes.
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