Femtosecond LASIK in Vietnam

Femtosecond LASIK is a form of laser vision correction used to treat refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism in suitable patients.

Unlike traditional LASIK techniques that may use a mechanical instrument to create the corneal flap, Femtosecond LASIK uses a highly precise laser for this stage of the procedure.

For international patients considering laser eye surgery in Vietnam, the most important question is not simply which technology is available, but whether LASIK is appropriate for their individual eyes, prescription and long-term vision needs.

What Is Femtosecond LASIK?

LASIK—Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis—works by reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye can be focused more accurately onto the retina.

With Femtosecond LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is gently lifted and a second laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to the patient’s refractive error. The flap is then repositioned.

The procedure is generally performed using anaesthetic eye drops rather than general anaesthesia.

What Can Femtosecond LASIK Correct?

Femtosecond LASIK may be considered for certain patients with:

• myopia;
• hyperopia; and
• astigmatism.

However, having one of these refractive errors does not automatically make someone suitable for LASIK.

Prescription strength and stability, corneal thickness and shape, tear-film quality, age, general eye health and other medical factors can all influence suitability.

Who May Be Suitable?

A potential candidate generally requires a stable prescription and healthy eyes, but candidacy can only be determined through a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment.

An ophthalmologist may consider factors including:

• age and prescription stability;
• corneal thickness and shape;
• degree and type of refractive error;
• dry-eye symptoms;
• previous eye surgery or injury;
• retinal and optic-nerve health;
• medications and medical history; and
• the patient’s expectations following surgery.

Some people will be advised that another form of vision correction—or continuing with glasses or contact lenses—is more appropriate.

Pre-Surgery Eye Assessment

A thorough assessment is one of the most important parts of the LASIK process.

Depending on the patient, testing may include measurements of visual acuity and refraction, corneal thickness, corneal curvature and topography, pupil size, tear-film quality and intraocular pressure.

The ophthalmologist may also examine the retina and other structures of the eye.

Patients should tell their specialist about previous eye conditions, surgery, medications and relevant medical conditions. Contact-lens wearers may also receive individual instructions about discontinuing lenses before measurements are taken.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Femtosecond LASIK is usually performed as a day procedure.

After the eye is prepared and anaesthetic drops are administered, the femtosecond laser is used to create the corneal flap. The ophthalmologist then lifts the flap and uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

The flap is repositioned after the laser treatment.

The actual laser treatment is generally brief, although patients should allow additional time for preparation, examinations and post-procedure assessment.

Exact techniques vary between systems and providers, and patients should ask their surgeon to explain the technology being recommended for them.

Recovery After Femtosecond LASIK

Many patients experience relatively rapid visual improvement after LASIK, but recovery varies.

Temporary symptoms can include blurred or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, watering, irritation or a gritty sensation. Dry-eye symptoms can also occur.

Patients are commonly prescribed eye drops and given instructions about protecting their eyes during the early recovery period.

Follow-up examinations are important so the treating ophthalmologist can monitor healing and identify potential complications.

International patients should not assume that rapid visual improvement means they can immediately fly home or resume every normal activity. Travel and activity restrictions should follow the treating ophthalmologist’s advice.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

LASIK is an established refractive procedure, but no eye surgery is risk-free.

Potential problems can include:

• dry-eye symptoms;
• glare, halos or difficulty with night vision;
• fluctuating vision;
• under-correction or over-correction;
• residual refractive error;
• infection or inflammation;
• problems associated with the corneal flap; and
• uncommon but potentially significant changes affecting the cornea or vision.

Some patients may still require glasses for particular activities after surgery.

Age-related changes in near vision can also occur independently of whether someone has previously undergone LASIK.

Individual risks should be discussed with the ophthalmologist before consent to treatment.

Femtosecond LASIK vs ReLEx SMILE

LASIK is not the only form of laser vision correction.

ReLEx SMILE—Small Incision Lenticule Extraction—reshapes the cornea through a small incision and does not involve creating the larger corneal flap used in LASIK.

Both approaches can be effective for appropriately selected patients, but they are not interchangeable in every situation.

The better option depends on factors such as the patient’s refractive error, corneal characteristics, eye health, lifestyle and the specialist’s clinical assessment.

Explore: ReLEx SMILE Surgery in Vietnam

Other Vision-Correction Options

Patients who are not suitable for Femtosecond LASIK may still have other options.

Depending on the individual, these could include another form of laser vision correction, lens-based procedures, glasses or contact lenses.

The purpose of a specialist assessment is therefore not simply to confirm LASIK eligibility. It should help determine which approach—if any—is appropriate for the patient’s particular eyes.

Travelling to Vietnam for LASIK

International patients should plan around the complete treatment pathway rather than the date of surgery alone.

Before booking flights, ask the provider:

• How many days should I be in Vietnam before surgery?
• What pre-operative testing is required?
• How long should I remain after treatment?
• When will the first follow-up examination occur?
• When can I safely fly?
• What activities should I temporarily avoid?
• What should I do if symptoms develop after returning home?
• Will I receive copies of my examination and procedure records?

Patients should also consider how they will travel from the hospital or clinic immediately after treatment, as vision may be temporarily blurred or uncomfortable.

Questions to Ask Your Eye Surgeon

Before deciding to proceed, consider asking:

• Why do you recommend Femtosecond LASIK for my eyes?
• Am I also suitable for SMILE or another procedure?
• What are the realistic visual outcomes in my particular case?
• What risks are most relevant to me?
• Which laser systems will be used?
• How frequently do you perform this procedure?
• What follow-up is included?
• How are complications managed?
• How long should I remain in Vietnam?
• What continuing eye care will I need after returning home?

A patient should feel comfortable asking questions before making a treatment decision.

Eye Surgery & Vision Care in Vietnam

Femtosecond LASIK is only one area of modern ophthalmology.

Patients can also explore information about cataract surgery, retinal conditions, glaucoma, corneal care, paediatric ophthalmology and other vision-care pathways through Medical Tourism Vietnam.

Explore: Eye Surgery & Vision Care in Vietnam

Considering Femtosecond LASIK in Vietnam?

Medical Tourism Vietnam can help international patients explore eye-care options and make preliminary contact with appropriate healthcare providers in Vietnam.

Where suitable, we can assist with understanding the information a provider may require before consultation and help facilitate communication about treatment pathways.

Contact Medical Tourism Vietnam

There is no obligation to proceed. Final medical suitability, treatment recommendations and quotations are determined by the treating healthcare provider following individual assessment.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a recommendation for a particular procedure or healthcare provider.

Suitability for Femtosecond LASIK can only be determined following individual assessment by an appropriately qualified eye-care professional. Risks, recovery and outcomes vary between patients.

About the Author

George Adams is the Founder and Editor of Medical Tourism Vietnam. Drawing on many years of experience living and working in Vietnam and across Asia, he develops patient-focused information designed to help international visitors better understand healthcare and medical-travel options in the region. Medical Tourism Vietnam also publishes broader healthcare, travel and Asia-focused features through Hanoi Trading Post.

Editorial Policy

Medical Tourism Vietnam aims to provide clear, balanced and patient-focused information about healthcare and medical travel. Provider inclusion does not constitute a guarantee of treatment suitability or outcome. Medical decisions remain between the patient and appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

Last Reviewed: 8 September 2026