At a glance
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that permanently reshapes the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, to correct how light focuses on the retina.
In a healthy eye, incoming light lands exactly on the retina at the back of the eye, producing a sharp image. When the cornea is too curved, too flat, or unevenly shaped, light lands slightly off-target, causing blurry or distorted vision. LASIK uses a precise laser to remove a tiny, controlled amount of corneal tissue, changing its curve so that light focuses correctly. The whole treatment usually takes only a few minutes per eye.
Medical Condition
LASIK is used to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in people whose vision problems come from the shape of their cornea.
- Myopia (short-sightedness): difficulty seeing objects that are far away.
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): difficulty seeing objects that are close up.
- Astigmatism: blurred vision at all distances caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Mild to moderate prescriptions in any of the above categories, as confirmed by a full eye exam.
LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Your eye doctor will explain if any of the following apply to you.
- Corneas that are too thin to safely remove tissue from.
- Keratoconus (a condition where the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward), or early signs of it.
- Severe dry-eye disease.
- Unstable vision prescription that has still been changing in the past year or two.
- Certain autoimmune conditions that slow healing.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, which can temporarily change the prescription.
- Pupils that are unusually large in dim light, which may increase glare after surgery.
- Very high prescriptions beyond the range the laser can safely correct.
Risks & Complications
LASIK is one of the most widely performed elective eye surgeries and serious complications are uncommon, but like any surgery it carries recognised risks.
- Dry eyes: the most frequent side effect, often temporary but occasionally lasting several months or longer.
- Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night, which usually improve over weeks or months.
- Under-correction or over-correction: the laser removes slightly more or less tissue than intended, leaving some residual prescription.
- Regression: vision gradually shifts back toward the original prescription over years, sometimes requiring glasses again or a second procedure.
- Flap complications: the thin corneal flap created during surgery can wrinkle, shift, or heal irregularly, though this is uncommon with modern equipment.
- Infection or inflammation inside the eye, which is rare and usually treatable with eye drops.
- Worsening of keratoconus if the condition was not detected before surgery.
- In very rare cases, a significant and permanent loss of best-corrected vision (the sharpest vision possible even with glasses).
Preparation & Procedure
Before your surgery date, the clinic will ask you to stop wearing contact lenses for a set period, because lenses temporarily alter the shape of the cornea and the measurements taken while lenses are being worn will not be accurate. Soft lenses are usually stopped for at least one to two weeks, and rigid gas-permeable lenses for several weeks or longer. Your surgeon will give you the exact timeframe based on the type of lens you use.
There is no fasting requirement for LASIK because the procedure uses only topical anaesthetic eye drops, not general or intravenous sedation. You can eat and drink normally on the day. Avoid wearing eye makeup, creams, or perfume on the day of surgery, as residue around the eye can increase infection risk. Arrange for someone to drive you home, since your vision will be blurry immediately after.
A detailed pre-operative assessment is done, usually in the days or weeks before surgery. Tests typically include:
- Corneal topography and tomography: detailed maps of the cornea's shape and thickness.
- Wavefront analysis: a scan that measures how light travels through your entire eye, capturing any fine irregularities.
- Pupil size measurement in dim lighting.
- Tear film evaluation to assess dry-eye risk.
- A full refraction test to confirm your exact prescription.
- Intraocular pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma (raised pressure inside the eye).
- Dilated fundus exam to check the retina at the back of the eye.
On the day itself, the steps of the procedure are generally as follows:
- 1. You lie on a reclining chair under a laser machine. Numbing drops are placed in both eyes.
- 2. A small instrument holds your eyelids open gently so you do not need to worry about blinking.
- 3. The surgeon uses either a femtosecond laser (a very fast laser) or a mechanical blade to create a thin, hinged flap of corneal tissue.
- 4. The flap is folded back, exposing the inner corneal layer. You may notice your vision dims briefly at this stage.
- 5. You are asked to focus on a fixed target light. The excimer laser (a cool ultraviolet laser) then reshapes the exposed tissue with pulses lasting only fractions of a second.
- 6. The flap is laid back into place. It adheres naturally without stitches within minutes.
- 7. The surgeon checks the flap position and places a protective shield over the eye. The same steps are then repeated for the second eye.
Aftercare
Most patients go home within an hour of finishing the procedure and notice improved vision the same day, though it is common for vision to fluctuate and feel hazy for the first day or two. Your surgeon will schedule a check-up the morning after surgery, then again at intervals over the following months to confirm that the cornea is healing as expected.
- Wear the protective eye shields provided when sleeping, usually for at least the first week, to prevent accidentally rubbing the eyes at night.
- Use all prescribed eye drops as directed: these typically include antibiotic drops to prevent infection and steroid or anti-inflammatory drops to support healing. Artificial tear drops are almost always part of the regimen to manage dryness.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes for at least the first month, since pressure on the cornea can disturb the flap.
- Keep water, soap, and shampoo out of the eyes for about a week. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and open water should be avoided for at least a month.
- Avoid dusty or smoky environments for the first week.
- Screen use is generally allowed after the first day but may be uncomfortable; rest the eyes often in the early days.
- Contact sports or any activity with a risk of a blow to the face should be paused, usually for at least a month, and discussed with your surgeon.
- Driving is not permitted until the eye doctor confirms your vision meets the legal standard, which is usually within a few days but varies by individual.
- UV-protection sunglasses are recommended outdoors for several months, as the healing cornea is more sensitive to sunlight.
- Follow-up visits are typically at one day, one week, one month, three months, and one year after surgery.
Cost & What Determines It
The cost of LASIK varies widely from one patient to the next and from one country to another, because many different factors shape the final figure. Understanding what drives the price helps patients compare quotes fairly rather than choosing on headline numbers alone.
- Prescription complexity: higher or more irregular prescriptions, including high astigmatism, require more laser time and planning and typically cost more than straightforward cases.
- Technology used: bladeless LASIK using a femtosecond laser to create the flap is generally priced higher than procedures using a mechanical blade. Wavefront-guided or topography-guided treatments, which customise the laser pattern to your eye's unique shape, are usually an additional step up in price.
- Hospital or clinic class: a tertiary hospital or internationally accredited eye centre will charge more than a standard private clinic. Prices differ significantly between countries.
- Surgeon experience and reputation: fees vary considerably between surgeons, even within the same facility.
- Pre-operative workup: the full battery of corneal mapping, wavefront analysis, and other tests may or may not be bundled into the quoted price.
- Post-operative medication: the prescribed eye drop courses, which continue for weeks, are sometimes included and sometimes billed separately.
- Follow-up visits: some centres include all follow-up appointments in one price; others charge per visit.
- Enhancements or touch-up procedures: if a second laser treatment is needed to fine-tune the result, this may or may not be covered under a warranty period offered by the clinic.
A package price from a hospital or eye centre typically covers the surgery itself for both eyes, the immediate post-operative check the following morning, and the basic prescribed drops. Pre-operative diagnostic tests, additional follow-up visits beyond the first few, and any enhancement procedures are frequently charged separately, so it is worth asking for an itemised breakdown before committing.
BPJS Kesehatan does not cover LASIK because it is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure rather than a medical necessity. Most Indonesian private health insurance policies also exclude it on the same grounds, and coverage abroad is rarely included in standard Indonesian plans. Patients who travel for LASIK generally pay out of pocket or hold an international private insurance policy that explicitly covers elective eye surgery. Requesting a detailed written cost estimate from the clinic before booking travel is the most reliable way to know the full amount you will be expected to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does LASIK surgery take?
The laser treatment itself takes about 15 to 30 seconds per eye, and the full procedure for both eyes is usually done in under 30 minutes. You will spend additional time in the clinic for preparation and a short rest period before going home. Most patients are surprised by how quickly it is over.
Will LASIK hurt, and what kind of anaesthesia is used?
LASIK is performed under eye drops that numb the surface of the eye, so most people feel pressure but not sharp pain during the procedure. Some stinging, watering, and light sensitivity are common in the first few hours afterwards. Discomfort usually settles within a day or two, and doctors typically recommend pain relief drops or oral tablets if needed.
When can I go back to work after LASIK?
Many people return to desk work within two to three days, though your doctor will advise based on how your eyes are healing. Activities like swimming and contact sports are usually avoided for several weeks to protect the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) while it heals. Driving is not recommended until your doctor confirms your vision has stabilised.
How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK depends on the type of laser technology used, whether both eyes or one eye is treated, the surgeon's experience, and the class of the hospital or clinic. Some clinics also include follow-up visits in the package while others charge separately. Requesting a written estimate from the hospital is the most reliable way to understand the full cost for your specific case.
This page is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. Every case is different. Your doctor decides what is right for you.
