Will I Feel the LASIK Flap After Surgery?
Will I Feel the LASIK Flap After Surgery?
This is a very common question and an understandable one.
The short answer is: No, you will not feel the LASIK flap once it has settled.
Most patients are not aware of it at all.
Here's why.
What Happens to the LASIK Flap After Surgery?
During LASIK, a very thin flap is created on the cornea and gently repositioned after the laser reshapes the eye. Once placed back, the flap naturally adheres without stitches.
Within the first 24–48 hours, the flap begins to seal and stabilise. As healing continues, it becomes part of the corneal surface.
That is the amazing part of the cornea- it has the ability to regenerate in 24-48 hours.
Will I Be Aware of the Flap?
In everyday life, no.
You won't:
- Feel it when blinking
- Notice it when moving your eyes
- Sense it during exercise or daily activities
- Even notice that its there
The cornea doesn't have the same sensation awareness as skin, so once healing begins, the flap isn't something you can physically feel.
What Might I Feel Instead?
In the first few days after surgery, some patients notice:
- Mild grittiness
- Dryness
- A scratchy or foreign-body sensation
This feeling is not the flap — it's part of normal surface healing and dryness, which improves as the eye recovers.
Lubricating eye drops usually relieve this quickly.
Can the Flap Be Felt Long-Term?
No. Once healing is complete, the flap does not cause ongoing sensation or discomfort.
If someone ever feels irritation weeks or months later, it's far more likely related to:
- Dry eye
- Environmental factors
- Screen time
But not the flap itself.
When Should I Be Concerned?
You should contact your eye care team if you experience:
- Persistent discomfort that doesn't improve
- Pain (not expected after LASIK)
- Sudden changes in vision
These are uncommon, but follow-up care ensures everything is healing as it should.
Bottom Line
You won't feel your LASIK flap after surgery.
Once healing begins, it becomes stable, comfortable, and essentially unnoticeable — allowing you to focus on enjoying clearer vision, not thinking about your eyes.
Not Sure If LASIK Is Right for You?
The easiest first step is to check your suitability online.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
