Can LASIK eye surgery cause dizziness?

You might have read that some people feel a bit dizzy or disoriented after LASIK.
It’s not super common—but it can happen.

Let’s talk about what causes this, how long it lasts, and what you can do to feel better fast.

Can LASIK cause dizziness?

Yes—but only for a short time for some people.

Most patients feel fine immediately after LASIK. But a few may experience mild dizziness or light-headedness in the first few hours to a few days after surgery. It’s not dangerous and usually goes away quickly.

Why might you feel dizzy after LASIK?

There are a few possible reasons:

• Your brain is adjusting to your new way of seeing. This is especially true if you had very different prescriptions in each eye before surgery
• You’re seeing better in one eye than the other at first—this imbalance can make you feel “off.”
• Temporary dryness after surgery can blur your vision slightly, which might throw off your balance
• Tension or anxiety can also make you feel dizzy. LASIK is quick, but nerves can play a part
• Fatigue or dehydration—remember, it’s a medical procedure. Rest and fluids help

How long does it last?

For most people, any dizziness is mild and short-lived.
It may last for a few hours or—at most—a few days.

Once your eyes finish healing and your vision stabilises (usually within a week), any dizziness typically disappears completely.

What can you do if you feel dizzy?

• Rest your eyes. Take breaks from screens or reading
• Use your eye drops as directed to avoid dryness
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water
• Avoid strenuous activity in the first day or two
• Lie down or close your eyes if you feel light-headed
• Avoid driving until your vision is clear and stable

If dizziness is severe, persistent, or paired with other unusual symptoms, get in touch with your eye surgeon.

When should you worry?

In general, dizziness after LASIK isn’t serious. But contact us if you also have:

• Severe eye pain
• Vision loss or shadows
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme light sensitivity.

We’ll make sure everything is healing properly.

Is LASIK still safe?

Absolutely. LASIK has a strong safety record and high satisfaction rate. Dizziness is a rare and temporary side effect—not a sign that something is wrong.

What’s the best way to know if LASIK is right for you?

Start with our free self-test. It takes just a minute and helps you find out if LASIK could be a safe and effective option for your vision.