A Surgeon’s Perspective on Laser Vision Correction Safety and Recovery

Priyanka Sood, M.D.

Credit: Grady Health

When Priyanka Sood, M.D., a refractive surgeon and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Emory University, decided to get laser vision correction at age 41, it wasn’t just a professional decision — it was deeply personal.
After decades of wearing contacts and glasses, she opted for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) instead of LASIK due to the thinness of her corneas. Now on the other side of the procedure, Sood shares her experience, offering insights into what it’s like to be both a surgeon and a patient.

What motivated you to get laser vision correction, and how has it changed your life?

Priyanka Sood, M.D.: I didn’t get my laser vision correction until I was 41 because I needed to find time to recover from PRK, which has a longer healing process than LASIK. My corneas were too thin for LASIK, but the outcomes are similar between both procedures. I had worn contact lenses since I was a preteen and was moderately nearsighted (a minus-four myope). I couldn’t function without correction — I was legally blind.

As a surgeon, I had seen firsthand how life-changing this procedure could be. I remember doing PRK on my attending’s brother early in my career and how meaningful that was. Over the years, seeing patient after patient thrilled with their freedom from glasses and contacts, I knew I wanted that too. Traveling, swimming, even simple things like not needing to pack lenses or solution — it all became easier after the procedure. My eyes are even whiter now, likely because they aren’t irritated by contacts anymore.

What was it like being on the patient side of the procedure?

PS: It was surreal. I had a staff member record the procedure. Even though I’ve done thousands of these surgeries myself, experiencing it as a patient made me more empathetic. Everyone’s experience is a little different, and I always try to give my patients a range of what to expect. Recovery with PRK takes longer, and I needed a full week off. But overall, it went exactly as expected — and it was exciting.

Did your professional knowledge influence your decision and expectations?

PS: Absolutely. I felt very confident because I’ve seen how well it works for patients. I still took the Valium — why not? But having performed the procedure so many times, I trusted the process. Many of my ophthalmology peers have also had laser correction themselves, which speaks volumes about its safety and effectiveness.

How do you explain the safety of laser vision correction to patients?

PS: No procedure is completely without risk. But laser vision correction is incredibly safe, especially when the preoperative evaluation is thorough. We look at pupil size, dry eye status and other health factors. Our technology today is highly advanced — the laser adjusts for small eye movements and stops if you move too much.

That said, if a complication occurs — even with a low risk percentage — it’s 100% real for that patient. That’s why the physician-patient relationship is so important. They need to know they’ll be supported through every step.

What does recovery typically look like?

PS: It depends on the procedure. With LASIK, most patients are 20/20 the next day and can return to work. There might be some light sensitivity or dryness, but it’s short-lived. With PRK, recovery takes longer. I listened to audiobooks and took it easy for about a week. My vision wasn’t crystal clear at first, especially around days 3 to 4, but I was functional within a week and back to work shortly after. Vision continued to stabilize over the next month.

Sood’s experience offers a rare look at laser vision correction through the eyes of a surgeon-patient — someone who understands both the technology and the transformative results it can offer. Her advice? Find a surgeon you trust, ask questions and know that with today’s tools, freedom from glasses or contacts is more achievable than ever.

This transcript was edited for clarity.