Lasik Surgery Cost In India

In recent years, LASIK surgery has emerged as a revolutionary solution for individuals seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses. The procedure, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, involves reshaping the cornea to improve refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. As we delve into vision correction, one crucial aspect often stands as a barrier – the cost. Our blog, “LASIK Surgery Cost in India,” endeavors to demystify this financial enigma, offering a comprehensive guide for those seeking visual freedom.

Embarking on the journey to visual clarity raises a crucial question: what is the cost of LASIK surgery in India? Understanding the financial aspects of this transformative procedure is necessary for anyone considering this path to improved vision. With its world-class medical facilities and skilled ophthalmic professionals, India has become a sought-after destination for LASIK surgery, often offering competitive costs compared to many other countries.

The price of LASIK surgery in India can differ based on several factors. Firstly, the geographical location of the clinic or hospital plays a role, with metropolitan areas generally having slightly higher prices than smaller towns. Additionally, the reputation and expertise of the surgeon, the type of technology used during the surgery, and the pre and post-operative care provided can influence the overall cost.

It’s crucial to note that while cost is a significant consideration, potential LASIK candidates should prioritize the quality of care and the experience of the medical professionals involved. Many facilities in India offer comprehensive packages that include pre-operative evaluations, the surgery itself, and post-operative check-ups. Understanding the breakdown of these costs can help individuals make informed decisions about their investment in visual freedom.

In conclusion, the journey to visual clarity through LASIK surgery in India is not merely a medical procedure; it’s an investment in one’s well-being. Navigating the landscape of LASIK surgery costs in India requires a nuanced understanding of the various elements at play. This blog serves as your guide, providing insights, considerations, and valuable information to empower you to make a well-informed decision about LASIK surgery in India.

Lasik Eye Surgery Cost In India

The average Lasik surgery cost In India ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for both eyes. However, this is only an approximate figure, & the actual price may differ based on several factors, such as:

– The type of LASIK surgery: There are different types of LASIK surgery available in India, such as conventional LASIK, bladeless LASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK, wavefront-optimized LASIK, and topography-guided LASIK. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and may have a different price tag. For example, conventional LASIK is the cheapest option, while bladeless LASIK is the most expensive.

– The technology and equipment used: The quality and sophistication of the laser and other equipment used during the surgery can also affect the cost of LASIK eye surgery in India. Some clinics may use older or cheaper technology, while others may use newer or more advanced technology. Generally, more recent technology offers better results and fewer complications, but it also comes at a higher cost.

– The experience and reputation of the surgeon: The skill & expertise of the surgeon who performs the LASIK eye surgery can also influence the cost of the procedure. A more experienced and reputed surgeon may charge more than a less experienced or unknown surgeon. However, choosing a qualified & experienced surgeon can ensure a safer and more effective outcome.

– The location and facilities of the clinic: The cost of LASIK eye surgery in India may also vary depending on the clinic where you undergo the procedure. Some clinics may be in metro cities or prime areas, while others may be in smaller or remote towns. Similarly, some clinics may offer better amenities and services than others. These factors can affect the overhead costs and, hence, the price of the surgery.

– The pre-operative and post-operative care: The cost of LASIK eye surgery in India may also include the expenses for pre-operative and post-operative care. This may involve screening tests, consultations, medications, follow-up visits, etc. Depending on their needs and preferences, these costs may vary from clinic to clinic and patient to patient.

Types Of Lasik Eye Surgery In India & Their Cost In India

Different types of LASIK eye surgery are available in India, depending on the technology used and the degree of customization. The main types of LASIK eye surgery are:

– Conventional LASIK: This is the standard and most common type of LASIK surgery that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, depending on the patient’s prescription. Conventional LASIK is effective for mild to moderate refractive errors, but it may not correct higher-order aberrations (HOAs), which are subtle irregularities in the shape of the eye that can affect night vision, contrast sensitivity, and glare.

– Customized LASIK: This is an advanced type of LASIK surgery that uses a wavefront analyzer to measure the HOAs of the eye and create a personalized cornea map. The excimer laser then uses this map to perform a more precise and customized ablation of the corneal tissue. Customized LASIK can correct both lower-order aberrations (LOAs), which are the basic refractive errors, and HOAs, resulting in better visual quality and fewer side effects.

– Customized Femtosecond: This advanced type of LASIK surgery uses a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical blade to create the corneal flap. The femtosecond laser creates a thinner and more uniform flap that reduces the risk of complications such as flap displacement, inflammation, infection, or dry eyes. The excimer laser then performs a customized ablation based on the wavefront map of the eye. Customized femtosecond LASIK offers more accuracy, safety, and comfort than conventional or customized LASIK.

– ReLEX Smile: This is a newer and minimally invasive type of refractive surgery that does not require creating a corneal flap. Instead, it uses a femtosecond laser to make a small lenticular (a disc-shaped piece of tissue) inside the cornea and remove it through a tiny incision. This reshapes the cornea & corrects the refractive error without affecting its surface or biomechanics. ReLEX Smile is suitable for patients with high myopia or thin corneas who cannot undergo LASIK. It also has less risk of dry eyes, infection, or flap-related complications.

– Laser Blended Vision: This type of presbyopia correction uses a customized femtosecond LASIK to create a monovision effect. Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects near vision and makes it difficult to read or see close objects without glasses. Monovision is a method that corrects one eye for distance vision & the other eye for near vision, creating a balance between the two. Laser blended vision is a refined version of monovision that uses a wavefront analyzer to optimize the depth of field and reduce the contrast between the two eyes. Laser blended vision can help presbyopic patients reduce their dependence on reading glasses.

Here is a table that shows the approximate cost of different types of LASIK eye surgery in India for both eyes:

Type of LASIK	Cost (in Rs.)
Conventional LASIK	20,000 to 30,000
Customized LASIK	25,000 to 30,000
Customized Femtosecond	85,000 to 1,50,000
ReLEX Smile	1,00,000 to 1,50,000
Laser Blended Vision	15,000 additional to either of the above

Lasik Eye Surgery Side Effects

While LASIK is generally considered safe & effective, it carries potential side effects and risks like any surgical procedure. It’s important to note that most people who undergo LASIK are satisfied with the results, but individual experiences can vary. Some common side effects and risks associated with LASIK include:

1. Dry Eyes: Many people experience temporary dry eyes after LASIK. This can usually be handled with lubricating eye drops, but in some cases, it may persist.

2. Glare and Halos: Some individuals may notice increased sensitivity to light, glare, or halos, especially at night. These effects are often temporary but can persist in some cases.

3. Blurry Vision: Temporary blurred vision is not uncommon immediately after the procedure but usually improves as the eyes heal.

4. Fluctuating Vision: Vision may fluctuate during the healing process, and it can take some time for the eyes to stabilize.

5. Undercorrection or Overcorrection: In some cases, the desired vision correction may not be fully achieved, leading to undercorrection or overcorrection. Additional procedures may be needed to fine-tune the results.

6. Corneal Haze: A haze may develop on the cornea, affecting vision. This is more common in people with higher levels of nearsightedness.

7. Infection: Though rare, there is a risk of infection after LASIK. Following post-operative care instructions is crucial to minimize this risk.

8. Regression: The treated vision may sometimes regress over time, requiring additional procedures.

9. Epithelial Ingrowth: The cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) can sometimes grow abnormally under the flap, affecting vision. This may require further treatment.

10. Corneal Ectasia: A rare but severe complication where the cornea becomes weakened and bulges, causing a change in vision. This may require corneal transplantation.

It’s essential for individuals considering LASIK to undergo a thorough preoperative examination and discuss potential risks and benefits with their eye surgeon. The success of LASIK often depends on factors such as the patient’s eye health, refractive error, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. 

Lasik Eye Surgery Recovery Time

The average time it takes to recover from LASIK surgery differs from person to person. It can take up to six months for people’s vision to fully stabilize. As your eyes completely heal, you’ll gradually notice your vision improving.

However, most people experience a significant improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours after the surgery. Many people can resume daily activities, such as driving and working, the day after their LASIK procedure.

Your eye doctor will evaluate your progress and advise you when to resume certain activities, such as sports, swimming, and wearing makeup. You will also need to follow some precautions and guidelines to protect your eyes and prevent complications.

What Is Lasik Eye Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a medical procedure that can permanently improve your vision by reshaping your cornea, the clear front layer of your eye. LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, means utilizing a laser to slit a thin flap in your cornea & reshape the underlying tissue. By changing the form of your cornea, LASIK can improve refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, & astigmatism.

LASIK is an outpatient surgery that usually takes less than 15 minutes per eye. You will be awake during the procedure but will receive numbing eye drops and possibly a sedative to help you relax. The surgeon will use a device known as a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to develop a circular flap in your cornea. Then, they will lift the flap & use an excimer laser to remove some corneal tissue according to your prescription. The excimer laser uses cool ultraviolet light beams to precisely vaporize tiny amounts of tissue without damaging the surrounding area. After the laser treatment, the surgeon will reposition the flap and smooth it out. The flap will act as a natural bandage and heal on its own without stitches.

Is Lasik Eye Surgery Safe?

LASIK is a safe and effective surgery performed for over 25 years. As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 90% of people with LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better, & more than 99% achieve 20/40 vision or better. LASIK can also reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, improving your quality of life and saving you money in the long run.

However, LASIK is not for everyone. You need to meet certain criteria to be a good candidate for LASIK, such as having a stable prescription, healthy eyes, and realistic expectations. You also need to be aware of the potential risks and complications of LASIK, such as infection, inflammation, flap problems, under correction, overcorrection, regression, or loss of vision. 

Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

LASIK involves three main steps:

– Creating a flap: The surgeon uses a device known as a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to make a thin, circular flap in the outer layer of the cornea. The flap is then lifted and folded back to expose the underlying part of the cornea (the stroma).

– Reshaping the cornea: The surgeon uses another device called an excimer laser to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the stroma. The excimer laser emits a cool ultraviolet light beam that vaporizes the tissue without damaging the surrounding area. The amount and pattern of tissue removal depend on your prescription and your eye shape. The goal is to make the cornea more spherical for nearsightedness, more flattened for farsightedness, or more symmetrical for astigmatism.

– Repositioning the flap: The surgeon carefully places the flap back over the treated area of the cornea and smooths it out. The flap adheres naturally to the underlying tissue without stitches or glue. The flap acts as a natural bandage and protects the healing cornea.

What To Expect Before & After Lasik Eye Surgery?

Before LASIK surgery:

– You must have a complete eye exam to decide if you are a good candidate for LASIK. Your eye doctor will measure your eye shape, size, curvature, thickness, and prescription. They will also check for any eye diseases or conditions that may affect your surgery outcome or recovery.

– You must stop wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks before your surgery date. Contact lenses can alter your corneal shape and interfere with your measurements and results.

– You will need to consult with your eye medic about your expectations, goals, risks, and benefits of LASIK. You will also be required to sign an informed consent form that states you understand and agree to undergo LASIK.

– You will be asked to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself because your vision will be blurry, and you may be given medication to help you relax.

After your LASIK surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and help you rest for a few hours. You may feel some discomfort, such as burning, itching, or a foreign body sensation in your eyes. You may also have some tearing, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. These are normal and temporary side effects that usually subside within a few hours or days.

Your eye medic will give you eye drops to use after your surgery. These may include:

– Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection

– Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation

– Lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness

You will need to use these eye drops as prescribed by your doctor for several weeks or months after your surgery. 

You should also avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can interfere with the healing process.

You will also need to wear a protective shield over your eyes at night for the first few days or weeks after your surgery. This will limit you from accidentally injuring your eyes while sleeping.

You will have a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor within 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. Your physician will check your vision and eye health and make sure everything is healing correctly. You will also have regular follow-up visits for up to six months or longer, depending on your case.

How to Aid Your Recovery After LASIK Surgery

To ensure a smooth & successful recovery after LASIK surgery, you should follow these tips:

– Follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all your follow-up appointments

– Use your eye drops as suggested & avoid any eye medications that your doctor does not approve

– Avoid any activities that can increase the chances of infection or injury, such as swimming, contact sports, gardening or using cosmetics

– Wear sunglasses or a hat when going out to safeguard your eyes from sunlight and dust

– Drink plenty of liquid & eat a balanced diet to support your overall health and hydration

– Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can affect your healing and vision

– Rest your eyes frequently and avoid straining them with prolonged screen time or reading

– Consult your eye doctor immediately if you face any severe pain, vision loss, infection signs, or other complications

Benefits Of Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a popular medical procedure used to improve vision problems, particularly nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Here are some of the benefits associated with LASIK:

1. Improved Vision: The primary benefit of LASIK is the improvement of vision. Many people experience a significant reduction in their dependence on glasses or contact lenses after going through LASIK surgery.

2. Quick Results: LASIK surgery often provides rapid results. Many individuals notice improved vision immediately or within a day or two following the procedure.

3. Long-lasting Results: LASIK surgery typically provides long-lasting results. While individual experiences may vary, many people find their vision stable for years after the procedure.

4. Reduced Dependency on Glasses and Contacts: After LASIK, many people need glasses or contacts less frequently or not at all, depending on the severity of their initial vision impairment.

5. Convenience: Not having to deal with the hassle of glasses or contacts can be a significant convenience in daily life, especially for activities like sports, swimming, or simply waking up and being able to see clearly without reaching for glasses or putting in contact lenses.

6. Improved Quality of Life: The overall improvement in vision and the reduced reliance on corrective lenses can lead to an enhanced quality of life. Many people report increased confidence and a sense of freedom after LASIK.

7. Quick and Painless Procedure: LASIK is generally considered a quick and relatively painless outpatient. The actual laser treatment usually takes only a few minutes for each eye.

8. Safety: LASIK is a safe and well-established procedure by a skilled and experienced eye surgeon. Serious complications are rare.

9. Customization: LASIK can be customized to the individual’s specific vision needs. Advanced technologies like wavefront-guided LASIK allow for more personalized treatment, potentially improving the outcomes.

10. Rapid Recovery: Most people experience a quick recovery after LASIK, with minimal discomfort. Vision may continue to improve in the days and weeks following the procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the cost of LASIK surgery in India unveils a promising landscape for those seeking vision correction. The blog highlighted the affordability factor, showcasing how India provides high-quality LASIK procedures at a minimal cost compared to many Western countries. From cutting-edge technology to skilled surgeons, the Indian healthcare system offers a cost-effective yet top-notch solution for individuals looking to bid farewell to glasses and contact lenses. Overall, the blog sheds light on the accessibility of LASIK surgery in India, making a clear vision a tangible and budget-friendly reality for many.

While Lasik surgery is a life-changing procedure, its high cost often becomes a significant roadblock for those who need it the most. A fundraising platform democratizes access by allowing individuals to share their stories and invite support from friends, family, and even compassionate strangers.