About LASIK:

LASIK surgery involves the treatment of one’s eyes with the help of laser, be it for an eye surgery or vision correction. It helps to cure MYOPIA, HYPEROPIA and ASTIGMATISM. The LASIK surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a laser or microkeratome to reshape the structure of one’s eye’s cornea in order to improve visual efficiency. For most people, LASIK provides a long- lasting alternative to spectacles or contact lenses.

Pros. and Cons. of LASIK surgery:

• LASIK is a quick process but it’s not for everyone, specially older people having Presbyopia.
• The results come very quick but there might be some risks like dryness of the eyes, which might stay for long.
• A permanent freedom from Contact lens and spectacles but the flaps are injured during the process
• The vision is greatly improved but one might need another surgery soon.

Average cost of a LASIK surgery in India:

The cost of a LASIK surgery depends on the hospital one is getting treated at and the respective doctor. There are a lot of different factors that come into deciding during a Lasik surgery one needs regarding the suitable type and this includes things like one’s eye sight, visual power, age and other health conditions. Most doctors suggest and recommend the right Lasik surgery looking at these factors. However, to get an idea, Zyoptix ultimate (blade surgery) costs between Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000 and Femto Lasik (blade free surgery) costs about Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 Lakh in India. This can be even costlier depending on hospitals as well. The best advice will be to consult with the doctor and figure out what is best for the patient.

Risks to be considered:

Certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances, are fairly common. These usually clear up after a few months, and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem.

• Dry eyes. LASIK surgery causes a temporary drop in tear production. For the first six months or so after your surgery, your eyes may feel unusually dry as they heal. Dry eyes can reduce the quality of your vision. It is recommended that one uses an eye-drop during this time. If one experiences severe dry eyes, one could opt for another procedure to get special plugs put in your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away from the surface of the eyes.
• Glare halos and double vision. After surgery one may have difficulty with night visions. One might notice glare, halos around bright lights or double vision. This generally lasts a few days to a few weeks.
• Under-corrections. If the laser removes too little tissue from the eye, one won’t get the clearer vision results. Under-corrections are more common for people who are near-sighted.
• Over-corrections. It’s also possible that the laser will remove too much tissue from your eye. Overcorrections may be more difficult to fix than under corrections.
• Astigmatism.  Astigmatism can be caused by uneven tissue removal. It may require additional surgery, glasses or contact lenses.
• Flap problems. Folding back or removing the flap from the front of your eye during surgery can cause complications, including infection and excess tears. The outermost corneal tissue layer (epithelium) may grow abnormally underneath the flap during the healing process.
• Vision loss or changes.  Rarely, you may experience loss of vision due to surgical complications. Some people also may not see as sharply or clearly as previously.

Conditions that increase risks:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• A weakened immune system caused by immunosuppressive medications or HIV
• Persistent dry eyes
• Unstable vision due to medications, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breast-feeding or age
• Keratitis, uveitis, herpes simplex affecting the eye area, glaucoma, cataracts, eye injuries or lid disorders

LASIK is usually not advisable if one

• Has an eye disease called keratoconus, or if you have a family history of it
• Has fairly good overall vision
• Has severe near-sightedness
• Has very large pupils or thin corneas
• Has age-related eye changes that cause you to have less-clear vision (presbyopia)
• Participates in contact sports that may be associated with blows to the face.

Rate of success of LASIK surgery in India:

If you are thinking about LASIK or another laser eye surgical procedure in India, it is best to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure so you can make an informed decision. The procedure reshapes the cornea so that light travels through it properly and allows you to focus like your eyes were meant to. There are no blades involved and the recovery is fairly quick – with long- term results. There is always a high success rate. This surgery is proven to correct vision and post- surgical enhancements can further improve vision. There is very little pain involved with the procedure. The surgeon will use numbing drops to alleviate any discomfort too. Your vision is corrected almost immediately or by the day after. You do not have to wear awkward bandages and there are no stitches. Adjustments can be made to correct any vision changes due to aging and often, at no cost to you. You may be able to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts completely or reduce your vision correction prescription dramatically.