LASIK Eye Surgery Cost

Have you ever wondered how much LASIK eye surgery costs? This revolutionary procedure has changed the lives of millions, freeing them from the daily hassle of glasses and contact lenses. LASIK procedure cost varies widely, depending on factors such as the clinic's location, the surgeon's expertise, and the technology used. Understanding the price is crucial for anyone considering this life-changing procedure.

In this comprehensive blog, let's explore the average laser eye surgery cost and what influences it. 

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a revolutionary refractive procedure that has transformed vision correction. This outpatient treatment uses laser technology to reshape the cornea, addressing common vision problems and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

This procedure affects how light enters the eye, improving visual clarity. If you undergo LASIK, you may no longer require glasses or contact lenses or need them only for certain situations, such as driving at night or reading.

What is LASIK laser treatment cost in India?

The price of this eye surgery in India varies and depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the region, and the hospital. Here's a breakdown of the approximate costs for different LASIK procedures:

• Conventional LASIK: Rs. 69,600 to Rs. 84,071
• SBK LASIK: Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,35,000
• Femto LASIK: Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000
• SMILE LASIK: Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 1,60,000
• Contoura LASIK: Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,35,000

Factors Affecting the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

The cost of LASIK eye surgery differs widely based on several key factors. Understanding these elements helps patients make informed decisions about their vision correction options.

• Doctor's Expertise: The surgeon's experience and reputation significantly impact the overall cost of LASIK surgery. Highly skilled doctors from premier institutes often charge higher fees than those with less experience. 
• Surgical Technique: The type of LASIK procedure used affects the laser eye correction cost. Standard or traditional LASIK tends to be less expensive, while advanced refractive procedures like SMILE and Contoura Vision are more expensive. 
• Geographical Location: The city where the treatment takes place influences the cost. Metro cities typically have higher prices due to more advanced healthcare amenities and infrastructure than tier 2 or tier 3 cities.
• Pre-surgery Evaluation: Before the procedure, patients undergo diagnostic tests to check refractive error, corneal thickness, and other eye health factors. These pre-operative evaluations contribute to the overall cost.
• Post-surgery Care: The cost includes post-operative care, which may involve medication, eye drops, and eye patches, depending on the patient's condition and the surgical technique used. Regular follow-ups are essential to ensure smooth recovery.
• Technology and Equipment: State-of-the-art equipment, such as femtosecond and excimer lasers, contributes to the success and safety of LASIK surgeries. Clinics with cutting-edge technology often charge higher fees, reflecting their investment in advanced equipment.
• Clinic Infrastructure: The location and facilities of the LASIK clinic affect the cost. Clinics in prime areas or with modern infrastructure may have higher operational costs, reflected in their pricing.
• Customisation and Additional Services: Personalised LASIK techniques like Wavefront-guided LASIK involve tailored eye mapping for more precise vision correction. These customised approaches and additional services may increase the overall cost.
• Potential Complications: In rare cases, complications like inflamed eye flaps or dry eyes may require additional treatment, adding to the total cost. For instance, treating an inflamed eye flap can cost around INR 2,500 - 3,000 or more.
• Vision Correction Outcomes: In cases of under-correction or over-correction, a second procedure may be necessary, potentially increasing the overall cost of treatment.

Who needs LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery has an impact on the lives of millions, offering a potential solution for those seeking freedom from corrective lenses. However, only some are suitable candidates for this procedure. Ophthalmologists carefully assess several criteria to determine if LASIK surgery is appropriate for an individual.

Firstly, LASIK surgery is typically recommended for adults aged 25 or older. This age requirement exists because vision tends to stabilise around this time. Younger individuals, particularly teenagers, often experience changes in their eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions yearly. Refractive errors must remain stable for at least 12 months before undergoing LASIK.

The procedure has the potential to correct several refractive errors:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): Up to -12 diopters
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Up to +6 diopters
• Astigmatism: Up to 6 diopters

Why is LASIK Eye Surgery Required?

LASIK eye surgery has become increasingly popular due to its ability to provide visual freedom and enhance quality of life. This procedure offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for those seeking to correct their vision.

• One of the primary reasons people opt for LASIK is the desire for visual freedom. The procedure allows individuals to engage in activities they love without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. 
• LASIK eye surgery corrects common vision issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK addresses these refractive errors, potentially providing better vision than what was achievable with glasses or contacts. 
• The convenience factor plays one of the biggest roles in the decision to undergo LASIK. The surgery eliminates the need to remember, clean, or replace contact lenses and glasses. This aspect is particularly appealing to travellers, as it reduces the items they need to pack and maintain while away from home.
• For some, LASIK has an impact on their professional lives. Certain careers in law enforcement, military, or aviation have strict vision requirements that may preclude using corrective eyewear. LASIK can open doors to these professions by meeting the necessary visual standards.
• LASIK also addresses the discomfort associated with long-term use of contact lenses or glasses. It can alleviate issues such as dry eyes, headaches, and the irritation caused by prolonged contact lens wear.
• From a financial perspective, LASIK can be seen as a long-term investment. While the initial cost may seem high, it often proves more economical over time than the ongoing expenses of glasses, contact lenses, and related accessories.
• The procedure is quick, typically taking about 15 minutes per eye, with minimal recovery time. Most patients observe improved vision immediately after surgery, with further enhancements occurring over the following days.

What are the Risks Associated with LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery impacts many lives, offering improved vision and freedom from corrective lenses. However, like other surgical procedures, it carries potential risks one should know before deciding to undergo the treatment.

• Dry eyes are a common side effect of LASIK surgery. The procedure temporarily reduces tear production, leading to dry eyes for up to six months post-surgery. This dryness can affect vision quality, and eye doctors often recommend eye drops to manage this issue. 
• Visual disturbances are another potential risk. Patients might experience glare, halos around bright lights, or double vision, particularly at night or in conditions with low light levels. 
• Undercorrections and overcorrections can occur during LASIK surgery. Undercorrections happen when the laser removes too little tissue, resulting in less vision improvement than desired. This issue is more common in nearsighted individuals and may require a follow-up procedure within a year. 
• Overcorrections, where too much tissue is removed, can be more challenging to address.
• Astigmatism is another potential complication caused by uneven tissue removal during the procedure. 
• Flap-related problems can arise during or after surgery. 
• Complications may include infection, excess tears, or abnormal growth of corneal tissue underneath the flap during healing. 
• A more serious, albeit rare, complication is corneal ectasia. This condition occurs when the cornea becomes too thin and weak, leading to bulging and deteriorating vision. 
• Regression is a less common but possible outcome where vision gradually reverts towards the original prescription. 
• In extremely rare cases, surgical complications can result in vision loss. Some individuals may experience decreased visual sharpness or clarity compared to pre-surgery vision.

Conclusion

While LASIK affects many people's lives by improving visual acuity and enhancing quality of life, it's crucial to consider the risks & consult with eye care professionals before proceeding. The procedure's long-term benefits, including improved vision and reduced dependence on corrective eyewear, often outweigh the initial costs for many patients. As technology advances, LASIK remains a viable option for those looking to address refractive errors and achieve clearer vision.

FAQs

1. Is LASIK surgery good for the eyes?

LASIK surgery has proven to be an effective way to permanently improve eyesight by correcting defects. 

2. Does LASIK permanently fix eyes?

LASIK surgery results usually last for many years, often extending into decades for some patients. The procedure permanently corrects your vision prescription at the time of surgery. However, it's important to note that LASIK doesn't prevent the development of other eye conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Age-related vision changes are natural and can occur despite having LASIK eye correction.

3. Is LASIK eye surgery risky?

While LASIK surgery has a good track record, there are some risks associated with the procedure. Complications that result in a loss of vision are rare. However, certain side effects are relatively common, including:

• Dry eyes
• Glare, halos, and double vision
• Under correction or overcorrections
• Astigmatism
• Corneal ectasia
• Flap problems
• Infection

4. How long does LASIK last?

LASIK eye surgery results usually last for many years, often extending into decades for some patients. 

5. What age is best for LASIK?

The ideal age for LASIK surgery is typically between 20 and 40. Patients should be at least 18 years old, as vision can continue to change throughout the teenage years. LASIK has no upper age limit, provided the eye is healthy and has no other associated conditions. 

6. Who is not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery?

Several factors can make a person unsuitable for LASIK surgery:

• Those with weakened immune systems or autoimmune disorders
• People with constantly dry eyes
• Individuals with recent changes in vision due to medicines, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Those with eye diseases or disorders such as keratoconus, glaucoma, or cataracts
• People with severe nearsightedness or huge pupils
• Individuals with age-related eye changes that cause vision to be less clear
• Those who participate in contact sports associated with blows to the face

7. Who should avoid LASIK?

The following groups should avoid or carefully consider LASIK surgery:

• People with unstable vision or fluctuating prescriptions
• Those with certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy or menopause), autoimmune diseases, and age-related vision degeneration
• Individuals taking medications that may affect healing, such as steroids
• People with corneal thinning or irregular cornea shape
• Those with blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Individuals with unrealistic expectations about the surgery's outcomes