LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery by Brit Indo Medical Concierge

• LASIK eye surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve eyesight.
• It treats myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
• Many patients reach 20/20 vision or close to it and reduce or stop using glasses and contact lenses.
• Brit Indo Medical Concierge helps patients from the UK, USA and other countries compare clinics, get quotes, and plan affordable LASIK surgery in India.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

• LASIK is a quick outpatient eye surgery that takes about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes.
• The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap, reshapes the corneal tissue with an excimer laser, then repositions the flap.
• The cornea bends light more accurately, so images focus properly on the retina.
• It is a refractive surgery, meaning it corrects how the eye focuses light.
• The flap heals naturally without stitches.

Who Needs LASIK Surgery?

Ideal Candidates

• Adults aged 18 or above (most clinics prefer 21+) with a stable prescription for at least 12 months.
• People with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism within treatable limits.
• People tired of glasses dependency or contact lens discomfort.
• Those with healthy corneas, adequate corneal thickness and no active eye disease.
• Professionals such as pilots, sportspersons, defence aspirants and models who need clear vision without glasses.
• People in good general health with realistic expectations.

Who Should Avoid LASIK?

• Patients with keratoconus or a very thin cornea.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, because hormones can change vision.
• People with uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease or severe dry eye syndrome.
• Those with glaucoma, cataract or recurrent eye infections.
• Anyone whose eye power keeps changing.
• Your ophthalmologist will confirm your eligibility after a detailed eye examination.

Types of LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery

Traditional (Conventional) LASIK

• Uses a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap.
• Trusted for decades, with a good success rate and a lower price.
• Suitable for most standard prescriptions.

Femto LASIK (Bladeless LASIK)

• Uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap, so no blade is involved.
• Offers higher precision, safety and faster healing.
• Often called all-laser LASIK or iLASIK.

Custom Wavefront-Guided LASIK

• Maps your eye’s unique imperfections using wavefront technology.
• Gives sharper vision with fewer night-time glare and halos.
• A good option for high-order aberrations.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

• A minimally invasive laser procedure with a tiny 2 to 4 mm incision and no flap.
• Lower risk of dry eyes, and a good choice for active people.
• Usually costs more than standard LASIK.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• A surface laser treatment with no flap, where the outer layer is removed.
• Better for thin corneas, but recovery takes longer.

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

• A phakic lens implant for very high prescriptions or thin corneas.
• Reversible, but it is a different kind of surgery from laser treatment.

LASIK Surgery Cost Comparison: India vs UK vs USA

Approximate prices per eye (clinic, technology and surgeon experience affect the final price):

• LASIK cost in India is often 60 to 80% lower than in the UK or USA.
• Lower cost does not mean lower quality. Leading Indian eye hospitals use FDA-approved lasers and internationally trained refractive surgeons.
• Most prices include pre-operative tests, surgery and follow-ups, but always confirm what is covered.
• Femto LASIK and SMILE cost more than conventional LASIK in every country.
• LASIK is usually considered cosmetic or elective, so insurance rarely covers it in the USA or UK.
• Savings can fund medical tourism travel and stay and still leave money to spare.
• Prices change often, so please request a personalised quote from Brit Indo Medical Concierge.

Before LASIK Surgery: Preparation Checklist

• Book a comprehensive eye test covering corneal topography, pachymetry, pupil size, eye pressure and dry eye assessment.
• Stop wearing contact lenses: 1 to 2 weeks for soft lenses, and 3 to 4 weeks for hard or toric lenses.
• Share your medical history and medications with your surgeon.
• Ask about the laser technology, flap type and expected results.
• Avoid eye makeup, creams, perfume and lotions on the day of surgery.
• Arrange a companion to take you home afterwards.
• Wear comfortable clothes and eat lightly.
• Medical tourists should plan to stay in the city for 3 to 7 days for check-ups.

During LASIK Surgery: Step-by-Step Procedure

• Numbing eye drops are applied, so you feel no pain, only slight pressure.
• A small eyelid holder keeps your eye open.
• The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap with a femtosecond laser or microkeratome.
• You look at a fixation light while the excimer laser reshapes the cornea in seconds.
• The flap is gently repositioned and heals without stitches.
• The whole LASIK procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
• You may see blurry or hazy vision right after, and many people notice a big improvement within hours.

After LASIK Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare

• Rest your eyes for the first 24 hours, and sleep if you can.
• Use prescribed eye drops (antibiotic, steroid and lubricating drops) exactly as directed.
• Wear protective eye shields at night for about a week.
• Do not rub your eyes, as this can displace the flap.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, dusty places and eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Limit screen time at first, and take regular breaks.
• Skip contact sports and heavy gym workouts for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Attend all follow-up visits (usually day 1, week 1 and month 1).
• Dry eyes, glare and halos are common early on and usually improve in weeks to months.
• Most people return to work in 1 to 3 days, with stable vision in about 3 to 6 months.

Risks and Side Effects to Know

• Dry eyes (the most common effect, usually temporary).
• Night vision problems such as glare, halos and starbursts.
• Under-correction or over-correction, which may need an enhancement procedure.
• Rare issues include infection, flap complications and regression.
• Choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon and a well-equipped eye centre greatly lowers these risks.

Why Choose Brit Indo Medical Concierge?

• Guidance on choosing top LASIK eye hospitals and experienced ophthalmologists.
• Transparent cost estimates with no hidden surprises.
• Help with appointments, travel, accommodation and local transport.
• Pre-surgery and post-surgery support for international patients.
• A smooth medical tourism experience built around your comfort and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is LASIK eye surgery safe and painful?

• LASIK is considered safe for suitable candidates, with high satisfaction rates.
• It is not painful because numbing drops are used. You may feel pressure or mild irritation afterwards.

2. How long do LASIK results last?

• Results are generally long-lasting, often permanent.
• Natural ageing can still cause presbyopia (reading glasses need after 40s) and later cataracts, which LASIK does not prevent.
• A small number of people need a touch-up after some years.

3. Is LASIK cheaper in India than in the UK or USA?

• Yes. LASIK in India costs about 60 to 80% less than in the UK or USA.
• Modern laser technology and skilled surgeons are available at lower prices, which is why many overseas patients choose LASIK in India.

4. How soon can I see clearly and resume normal life?

• Many people notice clearer vision within 24 hours.
• You can usually return to work in 2 to 3 days and drive once your surgeon approves.
• Full vision stabilisation may take a few months.

5. What is the difference between LASIK, SMILE and PRK?

• LASIK uses a corneal flap and offers quick recovery.
• SMILE is flapless with a tiny incision and less dry eye risk.
• PRK removes the surface layer, suits thin corneas, and takes longer to heal.
• Your eye specialist will recommend the best option for your eyes.

Final Thoughts

• LASIK eye surgery can free you from glasses and contact lenses with a short, safe procedure.
• Compare LASIK cost, technology, surgeon experience and aftercare before deciding.
• With expert support from Brit Indo Medical Concierge, you can get quality laser eye treatment at an affordable price.
• Contact the team for a free consultation and personalised LASIK quote today.