Laser eye surgery is a very common procedure that can permanently improve your vision. In Canada, around 100,000 people have it each year. While Specsavers doesn't offer laser eye surgery, we can provide an initial eye exam and refer you to specialists. Learn more in this guide.
LASIK surgery is the most common type of laser eye surgery. Here's how it works.
Laser eye surgery is a highly effective way of treating certain kinds of vision problems known as 'refractive errors'. It's mainly used to treat short‑sightedness (myopia), long‑sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism (issues caused by eye shape).
It was first developed in the 1980s and has gone on to help millions of people around the world experience better vision. It’s an alternative to glasses and contact lenses for treating refractive errors. This kind of eye surgery is not typically covered by public health care plans (except in rare situations), which means you will have to pay for it yourself. Laser surgery will not correct presbyopia, so you will still need near vision correction with glasses or contact lenses from around 40‑45 years old.
Learn more about short‑sightedness
Laser eye surgery uses laser (a highly concentrated beam of light) to reshape the cornea. The cornea is a clear, dome‑shaped structure at the front of the eye that covers the iris and lens. During the operation, the laser burns off small amounts of corneal tissue to change its shape. There are several kinds of laser eye surgery available in Canada — we'll explore them in more detail below.
To be able to see an object, light must reflect off it and travel through your cornea. It then reaches the retina at the back of your eye, which converts the light into electrical signals. These signals are sent to your brain, which turns them into the images you see.
For people who have perfect vision, the cornea focuses light straight onto their retinas. However, if the cornea is too flat, too pointed or has an irregular shape, it changes how light reaches the retina. This can lead to issues like short‑sightedness or long‑sightedness. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct these problems.
Independent optometrists at Specsavers can diagnose all kinds of sight problems. We can give you impartial advice on whether or not laser eye surgery would help you.
You can get all kinds of laser eye surgery in Canada. Each type uses lasers, but they reshape the cornea in slightly different ways. Different surgeons will have experience or training in specific eye laser technologies.
This is the type most people get. The surgeon uses a laser (or sometimes a blade) to make a flap on the surface of your cornea, which is lifted up. A second laser reshapes the tissue below. The flap is then smoothed down.
These methods use a single laser to directly reshape the top layer of the cornea. They're just as effective as LASIK, but can make the outer surface of the eye feel sore during recovery.
This is the newest kind of laser eye surgery. Lasers are used to slice into the side of the cornea, then a disk‑shaped piece of cornea called a lenticule is removed to correct your vision.
Alcohol is used to remove the outermost layer of the cornea, then a laser reshapes the cornea below. The outer layer ('epithelium') then needs to grow back after.
Book an eye examIOL surgery is another kind of eye surgery that can significantly improve sight. It's different to laser eye surgery, because it doesn't use laser. Instead, a small incision is made into your eye and the lens is removed. The surgeon implants an artificial lens that helps you see better. IOL is the main treatment for cataracts. It's also a good option for people who can't have laser eye surgery.
If you have sight problems such as short‑sightedness (myopia), long‑sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, laser eye surgery could be a good option for you. But it's not suitable for everyone with these issues, and it also can't treat other vision problems. If laser eye surgery isn't suitable for you or it costs too much, there are other ways of treating refractive errors. These include contact lenses and glasses.
Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have benefited from laser eye surgery over the last 30 years. It could be a good option for you if:
In Canada, you can only normally get laser eye surgery if you're aged 18 or above. Be aware that your eyes may keep changing up until 25, so you need to be sure your vision is stable before getting the surgery.
If your prescription changes often, it suggests your vision isn't stable. Laser eye surgery modifies your cornea. But if your cornea naturally changes shape again, this is likely to 'undo' the surgery.
Learn more about how the eye works
You can only get laser eye surgery for long‑sightedness, short‑sightedness and astigmatism. It won't treat other vision problems like presbyopia (reading prescription).
Laser eye surgery isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, speak to an optometrist at your local Specsavers store. They can offer independent advice based on your eye health. Laser eye surgery probably won't be right for you if:
Lots of things can change your vision, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause or simply getting older. Your vision needs to be stable for at least two years before having eye laser surgery.
There are a number of eye conditions that might prevent you from having laser eye surgery. These include an inflamed cornea, uveitis, eye herpes, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus and thin corneas, among others.
A number of health conditions might mean you can't have laser eye surgery, including immune disorders and HIV. Some medication (such as for acne) might also mean you can't get eye laser surgery.
Book an eye examLaser eye surgery is an elective procedure and isn't covered by public healthcare. This means you'll have to pay for it yourself. Laser eye surgery costs in Canada are typically around $2,500 per eye. The exact cost of laser eye surgery will depend on the type of surgery you get, the surgeon's experience and added extras. You might have to pay for the initial consultation and aftercare.
As with any medical intervention, laser eye surgery comes with advantages and disadvantages.
If you don't like wearing glasses or find putting contact lenses in uncomfortable, laser eye surgery means you can see well without them. Laser eye surgery is also viewed as safe, predictable and effective. Most operations lead to significant improvements in vision, and many people end up with good 20/20 vision without the need for glasses. Most clinics in Canada report success rates of 95% or above.
The biggest obstacle to people getting laser eye surgery is the price. While a pair of glasses can give you good vision for as little as $69, LASIK eye surgery costs in Canada are often over $5000. Your eyes are likely to feel sore afterwards, and recovery can take weeks. And while most people are very happy with the outcomes, success isn't guaranteed.
All kinds of surgery come with a certain amount of risk. The surgeon at the laser eye clinic should go through all of these with you in detail.
The risks we've listed below aren’t meant to put you off having eye laser surgery. After all, the vast majority of operations are successful, and patients are usually very pleased with the results. All the same, it’s still important to be fully informed before signing up.
For a few weeks, or even months after laser eye surgery, you may experience blurred vision and light scattering (such as glare, halos, floaters and starbursts) until your eyes fully heal.
You're likely to have sore and dry eyes for up to a few weeks after the surgery. Some people also get harmless red patches on the whites of their eyes for a few days, and you may dislike how this looks.
Sometimes, the surgery over‑ or under‑corrects people's vision, which will need further surgery to fix. You may also need to go for more than one operation to fine tune your sight.
It's quite rare, but some people find that their previous refractive problems return within just a few years of having the surgery. This can be very frustrating after paying thousands of dollars for the operation.
It is extremely rare for laser eye surgery to cause sight loss or severe damage. Nonetheless, a very small number of people have experienced permanent loss of vision or medical emergencies such as retinal detachment.
Canada's laser eye surgery clinics are world‑class and surgeons are highly regulated. However, there have been some rare cases of underqualified surgeons performing the procedure.
Once you've found a clinic, check that the surgeon is registered with the medical regulatory authority in your province. Ask to see their laser eye surgery certificates, insurance documents and recent customer testimonials.
Once you've decided to get laser eye surgery, you'll probably be feeling a mix of excitement about your improved vision, and nerves about the procedure itself. The surgeon should give you a clear explanation of everything that's going to happen and how to prepare. Here's what to expect before, during and after the surgery.
The surgeon should do a thorough evaluation of your eyes and ask about your medical history. They will measure the shape of the cornea and work out which parts of the eye need to be reshaped. They will use a kind of scanner that helps create a detailed 'map' of the surface of your eye.
During this meeting, they should also tell you how to prepare and answer any questions you have. This is a good opportunity to ask any and all questions you want answered. At this stage, you should ask for a clear breakdown of all the costs and fees (including for aftercare).
There isn't much you need to do to prepare for your surgery itself. If you normally wear eye makeup, avoid using it for at least a couple of days before the operation. Try and get a good night's rest beforehand. You can usually eat and drink on the day of the operation and can take any medication you normally do (but inform the surgeon what you've taken).
In Canada, most people who elect for laser eye surgery get LASIK eye surgery — although other methods could also be used. Whichever kind you get, the process is quite similar. You’ll lie back in a reclining chair, and anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes. A clip will hold your eyelids open, and a suction ring may be used to stop your eye from moving. You’ll be asked to focus on a light above you. If you're uncomfortable or really need to blink, you can let the surgeon know. If you're feeling very anxious and stressed, they might give you something to help relax.
The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. And the lasers are often used for as little as 60 seconds per eye. The surgeon will use a software‑guided laser to remove and reshape parts of the cornea. Some people notice a smell like burning hair when the laser is reshaping their cornea.
Your eyes will be a bit blurry and will feel sore for a few days after the operation. This might be concerning, but it doesn't mean the surgery wasn't a success. Most people need some time before they notice the improvement in their vision, and it can take several weeks for your eyes to fully recover.
You will probably feel some soreness, grittiness and discomfort in your eyes — over the counter pain medication can help with this. You might also be given eye drops and antibiotics which you should use as instructed. It's not safe to drive the day of the surgery, so you should book a taxi or get someone to pick you up.
You will normally have a follow‑up appointment with the surgeon a couple of days later, and may also need to go for further checks.
In Canada, laser eye surgery typically costs around $5000 for both eyes. However, different clinics charge different fees depending on the surgeon's experience and the technology they use. The final bill might also be affected by things like insurance, added extras, consultations, aftercare and so on.
LASIK eye surgery is the most widely used type of laser eye surgery. It stands for 'laser in situ keratomileusis'. In the procedure, one laser creates a flap on the outer surface of your cornea, which is then lifted up. A second laser then reshapes the tissue in the cornea below. The top 'flap' is then smoothed back down and reattaches on its own. One of the big benefits of LASIK is that the outer layer of the cornea remains in place. This means you experience less irritation and soreness during recovery, compared to types of laser eye surgery that burn off the top layer of the cornea.
In Canada, the typical LASIK cost is around $5000 for both eyes.
No, you shouldn't drive after laser eye surgery. Your vision is likely to be blurry immediately after the operation, and you may be affected by any medication you've been given. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic or book a taxi.
Yes, people are almost always awake when they get laser eye surgery. You will be given anesthetic eye drops that numb the eye, so you won't feel any pain. Surgeons prefer to keep people awake for a few reasons. Laser eye surgery is usually very quick, so it's not really necessary to put people 'under' for a long time. If you were given general anesthetic, the clinic would also need to employ a full‑time anesthetist, which would be very expensive. Being awake means the surgeon can talk to you and ask any questions if necessary. If you're worried about being conscious during the surgery, tell the surgeon. They might be able to give you medication to help you relax.
Most people who've had laser eye surgery say they're very happy with the results. If you've had vision problems for many years, this kind of surgery can really enhance your quality of life. Ultimately, deciding whether it's worth it is down to you. Some people will look at the costs (often $5000 or more), the slight chance of permanent eye damage, plus recovery time and decide it's not right for them. After all, glasses or contacts are far cheaper and come with no health risks at all. But other people find glasses or contact lenses really inconvenient. They don't like how they look, often break or lose them, or just find them annoying. Never having to think about them again can be very appealing.
Yes, laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure. The laser physically changes the shape of your cornea and its effects are long‑lasting. That being said, your eyes will continue to change as you get older, and so your sight could still change too. Later in life, you may need to start wearing glasses again.
If your operation is successful (and the vast majority are), then you shouldn't need to wear glasses any more after laser eye surgery. However, it won't mean you never need them again. Your cornea could change in a few years, which will make glasses necessary again. Also, you will develop presbyopia as you get older, which is when the lens in your eye becomes less flexible (laser surgery changes the cornea, not the lens), meaning you'll need reading glasses.
Independent optometrists at Specsavers can diagnose all kinds of sight problems. We can give you impartial advice on whether or not laser eye surgery would help you.
Bamashmus, M., et al. (2015) Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis for Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4302464/
CBC News (2002) One‑third of laser eye patients experience night vision problems: study Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/one‑third‑of‑laser‑eye‑patients‑experience‑night‑vision‑problems‑study‑1.327967
Mayo Clinic (2025) LASIK eye surgery Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests‑procedures/lasik‑eye‑surgery/about/pac‑20384774
Rai‑Roche, S (2018) Refractive surgery survey 2018 Available at: https://www.opticianonline.net/content/features/refractive‑surgery‑survey‑2018
WebMD (2023) A guide to refractive and laser eye surgery Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye‑health/overview‑refractive‑laser‑eye‑surgery
Eye exams play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Find out moreAn eye exam isn’t just about getting glasses, it’s also an important health check for your eyes.
Learn about eye examsAn eye exam helps ensure your eyes are healthy and you see as clearly as possible.
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