India's remarkable achievements in laser eye surgery can be attributed to several factors, such as the availability of highly skilled ophthalmologists, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and advanced technology. In addition, the cost of medical procedures in India is significantly lower than that of Western countries, making it a desirable option for individuals who want quality eye care at affordable prices.

 What is Laser Eye Surgery and why is it done? 

Laser eye surgery, or refractive surgery, is a procedure aimed at correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (The cornea unevenly flattens or curls. This impacts both near- and far-sightedness). It involves reshaping the cornea using laser technology to improve vision and reduce the dependency on corrective eyewear like glasses or contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is done to enhance visual clarity, reduce dependence on corrective lenses, and improve the overall quality of life.

 Preparation for the Surgery 

Before undergoing laser eye surgery, patients are required to undergo a comprehensive eye examination to assess their candidacy for the procedure. This evaluation includes measuring the refractive error, assessing the thickness and curvature of the cornea, and evaluating overall eye health. Patients may be advised to discontinue contact lens wear for a specified period before the surgery to ensure accurate measurements.

Procedures 

There are several types of laser eye treatment procedures, including:

1.  LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):  LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery, involving the creation of a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The underlying corneal tissue is then reshaped using an excimer laser to correct the refractive error, and the flap is repositioned.

2.  PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):  PRK is an alternative to LASIK, where the corneal epithelium is removed entirely before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. Following surgery, the epithelium normally regenerates.

3.  SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):  SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves creating a small incision in the cornea to extract a lenticule, which, after being extracted through the incision, reshapes the cornea and fixes the refractive defect.

4. Contoura Vision: The most recent development in Laser Vision Correction's Specs Removal technology is Contoura Vision. Contrary to LASIK and SMILE, which simply correct power in your eyes, Contoura Vision corrects irregularities in your cornea while operating on the visual axis to produce considerably crisper results that are unsurpassed by these operations.

 What to Expect? 

-  Before Surgery:  Patients are briefed about the procedure and given pre-operative instructions. They may need to abstain from wearing contact lenses and certain medications before the surgery.

-  During Surgery:  The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and patients are awake throughout. The surgeon uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea based on the pre-determined treatment plan.

-  After Surgery:  Patients may experience mild discomfort, dryness, or blurred vision immediately after the surgery, which typically resolves within a few days. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and assess visual acuity.

 Best Hospitals in India for Laser Eye Surgery

• LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad
• Shroff Eye Hospital, Delhi
• Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai
• Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai
• Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore
• Dr. Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital, Kochi
• Ahaliya Eye Foundation, Ernamkulam
• Meitra Hospital, Calicut
• Al Salama Eye Hospital, Calicut
• Abate Eye Hospital, Calicut

 Best Surgeons for Laser Eye Surgery 

• Dr. Anitha Sethi, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, New Delhi

• Dr. Rahil Chaudhary, Eye7 Eye Hospitals, Delhi 
• Dr. Tony Fernandez, Dr.Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital, Kochi 
• Dr. Sameer Kaushal, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Dr. Batriti Shympliang Wallang, Medanta,The Medicity
• Dr. Varun Gogia, Medanta,The Medicity
• Dr. Nidhi Verma, Medanta,The Medicity
• Dr. Muhamed A. V, Meitra Hospital, Calicut

 Top Nations in Laser Eye Surgery 

Apart from India, countries like the United States, Germany, Thailand, Turkey and Singapore are also considered leaders in laser eye treatment, offering cutting-edge technology and world-class expertise.

 Cost Comparison 

The cost of laser eye treatment in India varies depending on factors such as the type of procedure, the reputation of the hospital, and the surgeon's expertise. On average, the cost of laser surgery in India can range from USD 400.

Delhi – USD 447

Chennai – USD 465

Mumbai – USD 476

Kochi – USD 540

While considering international destinations,

Turkey – From USD 800

Thailand USD 2000

Germany USD 800

Malaysia USD 1200  

 FAQ 

1.  Is laser eye treatment painful?

   - The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the surgery.

2.  How long does the procedure take?

   - Usually, the laser treatment only takes a few minutes for each eye. Still, patients should plan to spend a few hours at the clinic for pre-operative preparations and post-operative monitoring.

3.  Is laser eye treatment permanent?

   - Laser eye treatment provides permanent correction for many patients, although some may require additional touch-up procedures over time.

4.  Am I a candidate for laser eye treatment if I have astigmatism?

   - Yes, laser eye treatment can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

5.  What are the potential risks and side effects of laser eye treatment?

   - While rare, potential risks and side effects may include dry eyes, glare, halos, and fluctuations in vision. These usually resolve within a few weeks to months after the surgery.

6.  Can I drive home after the surgery?

   - Patients are advised to arrange for transportation home after the surgery, as their vision may be temporarily impaired.

7.  How soon can I resume normal activities after laser eye treatment?

   - Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the surgery, although strenuous activities and swimming should be avoided for a few weeks.

8.  Will I still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the surgery?

   - While many patients experience improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses after laser eye treatment, some may still require them for certain tasks or activities.

9.  Can both eyes be treated on the same day?

   - Yes, both eyes can typically be treated on the same day, although some surgeons may prefer to treat one eye at a time.

10.  Is laser eye treatment covered by insurance?

    - In most cases, laser eye treatment is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance, although some insurance plans may offer coverage for certain refractive surgeries.