In India, LASIK cost varies from center to center being as low as Rs 5,000/- per eye to as high as over a lakh of rupees. Many laser centers typically use older technology that is far cheaper with minimal medical safety protocols and quality control.

Lasik Surgery Procedure in India

LASIK eye surgery outcomes are consistently phenomenal when performed in the right hands, with the correct technology, and in the right environment. The popularity of the procedure continues to grow with approximately 450,000 procedures in India each year.

LASIK eye surgery hospital is often selected by those who wish to avoid wearing glasses or contact lenses, or by those who’ve had problems with either. Often the choice is made because of career choice, with many who wish to join the police force, military, or fire service (approved by the Home office in 2003) getting it done.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

Laser corneal sculpting could be a process that involves the utilization of optical devices to reshape the surface of the eye. this is often done to boost or correct nearsightedness (short-sightedness), longsightedness (long-sightedness), and astigmatism (uneven curvature of the eye’s surface). the primary laser sculpting procedures were performed over thirty years ago.

In one of the operations mistreatment of the excimer laser, the skinny outer layer of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium) is removed, and also the underlying layers are reshaped. This procedure is understood as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

In a more commonly used procedure, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created with another laser known as a femtosecond laser. The most widely used one is known as the IntraLase. This flap is then lifted out of the way. The excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue and the flap is replaced to cover the newly recontoured surface. Alternatively, an instrument with a very fine blade called a microkeratome can be used to make the flap before the excimer laser reshapes the cornea. This procedure is known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Another variation on the theme is that the ‘so-called’ SMILE. It additionally makes use of the unit of time optical maser to form an enclosed lenticule (like a pancake) of tissue within the tissue layer with a little incision (with the laser itself) at the sting of the cornea. The lenticule is separated from adjacent tissues employing a spatula (held by the surgeon) and force out through this incision.

Most Common Lasik Eye Surgeries For Different Eyesight Issues:

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)

This is the most common laser eye surgery procedure in India. It can be performed on short-sighted, long-sighted, astigmatic patients and those requiring reading glasses. Those with very high prescriptions (more than +5.00 or -8.00 may not be suitable and alternatives like the Implantable contact lens are a good alternative).

During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small flap of very thin corneal tissue with the Intralase femtosecond laser. The exposed tissue is then reshaped using the laser and the corneal flap is replaced.

During the procedure, the flap remains joined to the cornea like a hinge. This enables the tissue to be repositioned exactly, minimizing healing time. The flap is kept in place by natural suction.

PRK (PhotoRefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is the predecessor to LASIK eye surgery and is now only used for correcting the eyesight of individuals with weak prescriptions.

During the treatment the entire epithelial (outer) layer is removed to expose the area and, unlike LASIK, no flap is created. The laser is then used to reshape your cornea.

In contrast to LASIK surgery, the recovery time with PRK is longer as it takes some time for new epithelial cells to regenerate on the surface of the eye. Healing time is typically 5 to 7 days.

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis)

LASEK eye treatment uses a combination of methods used in LASIK treatment and PRK procedures. It is used to correct mild to moderate short sight and astigmatism.

As with PRK eye surgery, the corneal epithelium is separated but, instead of completely removing this tissue, the surgeon creates a flap – similar to the corneal flap made during LASIK eye surgery.

The laser is then applied to reshape the cornea. Once the laser eye surgery is finished, the epithelial tissue is repositioned and a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye by the surgeon to keep the epithelium in place as it heals.

Before and after your surgery

Before your surgery, you will have a consultation with your eye surgeon. During this consultation the surgeon will:

Perform a thorough eye examination
Talk you through the risks, side effects, and benefits of the treatment
Give you time to ask any questions
Determine if you are a good candidate and discuss your treatment options
Discuss what to expect before, during, and after your surgery

If you wear contact lenses, make sure you stop wearing them at least one week before consultation for soft lenses and 4 weeks before for hard lenses.

The day before your surgery:

Arrange your transport from the clinic. You may be given a sedative that will leave you unable to drive.
Stop using any makeup, lotions, creams, and perfumes as they can interfere with the surgical procedure

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain. You may want to rub your eyes but it’s very important to resist as this could dislodge the corneal flap. These symptoms will improve considerably within a few hours after surgery. Though recovery times are quick, you may want to consider taking a day or two off work.

Your eye doctor will give you eye drops to help prevent infection and decrease inflammation. You may also be advised to use artificial tears to help lubricate the eye. If you experience severe pain, redness or decreased vision you must contact your doctor immediately.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery? Lasik Surgery Procedure in India