Refractive & Lasik FAQ's
Yes, LASIK surgery is safe. It is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. However, like any surgery, there are some risks, so it’s important to consult with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
How is laser eye surgery done?
Laser eye surgery uses a special laser to reshape the cornea (the clear part of your eye) to improve vision. The procedure is quick, and you won’t feel pain during the surgery. It usually takes only a few minutes per eye.
Yes, LASIK surgery provides long-lasting results. However, your vision may change over time due to aging or other factors. Most people enjoy clear vision for many years after LASIK.
How long does laser eye surgery take?
Laser eye surgery typically takes around 10-15 minutes per eye. The actual laser treatment only takes about 5-30 seconds.
What happens in laser eye surgery?
In laser eye surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea so it focuses light properly onto the retina. This can correct issues like myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.
Can LASIK surgery cure myopia?
Yes, LASIK surgery can treat myopia (nearsightedness) by reshaping the cornea to allow light to focus correctly on the retina.
How long after laser eye surgery can you see clearly?
Many people notice clearer vision within a few hours after the surgery. Full recovery and stabilization of vision may take a few days to a few weeks.
Refractive surgery is typically recommended for people who have vision problems like myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism and wish to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
How long does refractive surgery last?
Refractive surgery provides long-lasting results, though your vision may change naturally over time due to aging.
Refractive surgery is a procedure used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, so you may no longer need glasses or contact lenses.
Which refractive surgery is best?
The best type of refractive surgery depends on your eye condition, age, and overall health. LASIK is the most common, but options like ReLEx SMILE or PRK may be better for some people.
What is refractive lens surgery?
Refractive lens surgery is an option for patients unfit for LASIK, and includes phakic IOL and refractive lens exchange(RLE). Phakic IOL involves placing an artificial lens in front of the natural lens to correct refractive errors. RLE involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to correct vision problems like severe myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing).
How is refractive surgery done?
Refractive surgery is typically done using a laser to reshape the cornea. The procedure is quick and relatively painless.
How much does refractive lens exchange surgery cost?
The cost of refractive lens exchange surgery varies depending on the type and quality of IOL implanted and the complexity of the procedure. On average, it can range from Rs. 18k-80k per eye.
What is the ideal age for refractive surgery?
The ideal age for refractive surgery is usually between 18 and 40 years old, when your eyes have stabilized. However, some people outside this age range may also be good candidates.
What is cataract refractive surgery?
Cataract refractive surgery is a procedure that removes a cloudy lens (cataract) and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens, at the same time often correcting vision problems like myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia.
What is LASIK refractive surgery?
LASIK refractive surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism.
What is refractive lens surgery?
Refractive lens surgery is an option for patients unfit for LASIK, and includes phakic IOL and refractive lens exchange(RLE). Phakic IOL involves placing an artificial lens in front of the natural lens to correct refractive errors. RLE involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to correct vision problems like severe myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing).
Is refractive lens surgery safe?
Yes, refractive lens surgery is generally safe. Like all surgeries, it comes with some risks, but it has a high success rate when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Is it safe to do LASIK surgery for distant myopia?
Yes, LASIK is effective for treating distant myopia (nearsightedness), helping you see clearly at long distances.
What is the difference between myopia and hyperopia?
- Myopia (nearsightedness): You can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Distant objects are clear, but close-up objects appear blurry.
What is the meaning of hyperopia?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition where light is focused behind the retina leading to poor vision correctable with glasses or refractive surgery.
How does a convex lens correct hyperopia?
A convex lens helps to focus light properly on the retina for people with hyperopia. It bends light rays inward so they focus correctly.
Can I have laser eye surgery if I have astigmatism?
Yes, laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to allow light to focus evenly on the retina.
Does cataract surgery fix astigmatism?
Cataract surgery can help correct astigmatism by replacing the natural lens with a special toric lens designed to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.
How much does LASIK eye surgery cost for astigmatism?
The cost of LASIK surgery for astigmatism is similar to the cost for other refractive errors, usually ranging from Rs. 35,000- 1,25,000 for both eyes.
Can LASIK eye surgery fix astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.
Is LASIK surgery good for astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK surgery is a great option for treating astigmatism and can improve vision clarity and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
Does cataract surgery correct astigmatism?
Cataract surgery can help correct astigmatism by replacing the natural lens with a special toric lens designed to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.
How to fix astigmatism with surgery?
Astigmatism can be fixed with surgery by reshaping the cornea using LASIK or by replacing the lens of the eye with a toric intraocular lens during surgery.
LASIK SMILE is a minimally invasive laser surgery that corrects myopia and astigmatism. It involves removing a small piece of corneal tissue without creating a flap, making it a less invasive option than traditional LASIK.
What is ReLEx SMILE eye surgery?
ReLEx SMILE is a newer type of laser eye surgery that treats myopia and astigmatism. It is similar to LASIK but uses a smaller incision and doesn’t require a flap to be created in the cornea.
What is LASIK blade, unbladed, and SMILE surgery?
- LASIK blade: Uses a blade to create a flap in the cornea before reshaping it with a laser.
- Unbladed LASIK: Uses a laser to create the flap instead of a blade followed by reshaping of cornea.
- SMILE surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t involve a flap, only a small incision to remove a layer of cornea.
How much does LASIK SMILE surgery cost?
LASIK SMILE surgery typically costs around Rs.1.1-1.5 lakhs for both eyes.
Is Femto LASIK better than LASIK?
Femto LASIK is a newer technique that uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap, offering more precision than traditional LASIK with a blade. It may have a slightly quicker recovery time and fewer complications.
Is Contoura better than LASIK?
Contoura is a topography-guided LASIK procedure that customizes treatment based on the unique shape of your cornea. It may provide more precise results than traditional LASIK, especially for people with irregular corneas.
What is the recovery time for Femto Contoura surgery?
The recovery time for Femto Contoura surgery is similar to traditional LASIK. Most people experience clearer vision within a day or two, but full healing may take a few weeks.
Is ReLEx SMILE better than LASIK?
ReLEx SMILE can be a better option for people who want a minimally invasive procedure with less discomfort and a quicker recovery. It is preferred in people with long screen hours or those involved in contact sports.
Why is ReLEx SMILE so expensive?
ReLEx SMILE surgery is more expensive due to its advanced technology, which requires specialized equipment and a highly trained surgeon.
Is iLASIK better than Stream Light LASIK surgery?
iLASIK and Stream Light LASIK are both advanced LASIK options that use custom mapping and advanced lasers indicated for different patients. Which is better for you should be decided by your surgeon after examination.
What is the difference between a phakic lens and an IOL?
- Phakic lens: A lens that is implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens. It’s often used for people who are not candidates for LASIK.
- IOL (Intraocular lens): A lens used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens when it becomes cloudy.
How long do phakic intraocular lenses last?
Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed to last a lifetime without needing replacement.
How serious is a refraction error?
Refraction errors like myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism are common and usually not serious. However, they can affect your vision and quality of life, so they are often treated with glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.
Is refractive error permanent?
Refractive errors are typically permanent, but they can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
What does a refractive error feel like?
Refractive errors can cause blurry vision, headaches, distorted vision and poor quality of life.
What are the types of refractive errors?
The main types of refractive errors are:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects)
Will I need to use eye drops for LASIK surgery?
You may be prescribed eye drops after LASIK surgery to help with healing, reduce dryness, and prevent infection.