The answers you need when planning for laser eye surgery.
What are the side effects of LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL, or RLE?
At BEACH CITIES LASER | VISION in Torrance, true side effects are rare. Most symptoms are part of normal healing, such as mild vision fluctuations, glare or halos at night, or temporary dryness or discomfort. These typically improve within days to weeks as your eyes heal.
Which vision correction surgery is best for me?
The best surgery depends on your age, glasses prescription, eye health, and visual goals. We offer:
- LASIK, SMILE, PRK – quick, precise, safe procedures that often replace the need for glasses or contacts.
- EVO ICL – ideal for higher prescriptions, dry eye concerns, 'reversibility', or corneas not suited for laser reshaping.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – best for patients with early lens changes or presbyopia. A comprehensive exam will confirm your safest and most effective option.
How long does recovery take?
Your recovery will depend on the surgical technique used. As a general rule, you can return to work and your normal daily routine according to the following timelines:
- LASIK, SMILE, ICL, RLE: Most patients return to work and daily life in 1–2 days.
- PRK: About 1 week for functional vision, with continued improvement over several weeks.
What are the aftercare instructions?
Most patients use prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for at least one week to promote healing. We provide you a combination drop included with your procedure fee. You’ll also be advised to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or heavy exercise for a short period after surgery.
When can I drive after surgery?
For most LASIK, SMILE, ICL, and RLE patients, vision is good enough to legally drive by the next day. PRK patients may need to wait longer until vision clears.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
Most patients achieve 20/20 distance vision and do not need glasses for everyday activities like driving, sports, or reading signs. After age 40–45, reading glasses may still be needed due to natural aging of the eye, unrelated to the procedure.
When can I wear eye makeup again?
Eye makeup should be avoided until your eyes have healed—usually 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the procedure.
How long will my results last?
Vision correction results are permanent for a stable prescription. However, normal eye aging can still occur over time, such as presbyopia or cataract development, which may require treatment later.
Are there any potential complications of surgery?
The procedures we perform are extremely safe with a low complication rate. Rare complications are usually treatable with eye drops, minor adjustments, or additional procedures.
Can I have cataract surgery after LASIK?
Yes. If cataracts develop later, we can perform cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange to restore clear vision.
