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Key Takeaways:
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Vision correction has come a long way, and laser eye treatment has revolutionised the way people achieve clearer vision without dependency on glasses or contact lenses. If you are considering this treatment, it is important to understand what laser eye treatment is. Different types of laser eye surgery include LASIK, PRK, SMILE, SILK, Contoura, ICL, and Epi-LASIK, but the right choice depends on your eyes, age, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
In this guide, you’ll learn what is laser eye treatment, the main laser eye surgery types, simple aftercare steps and cost factors in India.
What Is Laser Eye Treatment?
Laser eye treatment uses a precise laser to reshape the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina and vision becomes clearer. It’s done with numbing eye drops (you feel pressure, not pain) and usually takes only a few minutes per eye.
These procedures correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism; for presbyopia (age-related near blur), doctors offer monovision/blended vision plans or other options.
Before surgery, a detailed screening checks your eye power stability, corneal thickness/shape, tear film (dry eye risk), and rules out conditions like keratoconus. The aim is sharp, comfortable vision with the safest technique for your eyes, not the fanciest label.
Why Should One Consider Laser Eye Treatment?
People choose laser vision correction to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts and to see well for daily life, work, and sports. Results are long-lasting, but eyes can still change with age (you may need reading glasses later), so realistic expectations matter.
Not everyone is a candidate; pregnancy, unstable power, unhealthy corneas, or certain medical/eye diseases may mean waiting or choosing a different option. As with any procedure, there are risks (dry eye, glare/halos at night, rare need for enhancement), which your surgeon will discuss with you.
Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Below are the different types of laser eye surgeries:
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Laser Eye Surgery Name |
What is it? |
Who does it suit? |
Recovery |
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LASIK |
Corneal flap made, laser reshapes cornea, flap replaced |
Stable power, adequate corneal thickness |
Fast (24-48 hrs for most) |
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Contoura Vision (Topo-guided LASIK) |
LASIK Surgery with corneal map, guided customization |
Irregular corneal surface needing fine-tuning |
Fast (similar to LASIK) |
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SMILE |
Flap-less; tiny keyhole, lenticule removed to reshape |
Myopia ± mild/moderate astigmatism; dry-eye prone |
Quick functional vision in 1-3 days |
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SILK |
Flap-less lenticule procedure with smooth micro-incision |
Candidates similar to SMILE based on mapping |
Quick (days) |
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PRK |
Surface laser after removing epithelium (no flap) |
Thin corneas, contact sports, dusty jobs |
Slower (comfort 3–5 days; vision clears over weeks) |
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Epi-LASIK |
PRK variant: epithelium lifted with separator, then replaced |
Similar to PRK candidates |
Slower than LASIK; like PRK |
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ICL |
Implantable lens placed inside the eye (no corneal reshaping) |
Very high powers, thin/irregular corneas, LASIK-ineligible |
Vision is sharp by the next day |
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SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)
SILK surgery (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is a newer, flap-less technique where the laser creates and removes a tiny lens-shaped piece (lenticule) through a small keyhole incision.
The appeal is minimal surface disturbance and offers quick comfort; candidacy depends on power range and corneal mapping.
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SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is also a flap-less and minimally invasive laser surgery that treats myopia and selected astigmatism by removing a lenticule through a 2-3 mm incision.
Many patients report a fast recovery and potentially less dry-eye symptoms than flap-based methods; it’s not ideal for high hyperopia.
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Contoura Vision
Contoura Vision is a topography-guided LASIK approach that customises treatment using your corneal “map” to address subtle irregularities.
Think of it as LASIK with extra personalisation; it may improve the quality of vision (night glare/halos) in suitable eyes. It’s still LASIK; screening and aftercare are the same family.
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LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common option for laser eye surgery.
The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap, reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser, and then replaces the flap.
Vision usually improves within 24–48 hours. Pros: quick recovery and comfort. Considerations: dry eye risk, rare flap-related issues, and not ideal for very thin corneas.
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ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is not a laser reshaping, but an internal lens is placed inside the eye (in front of your natural lens).
It’s useful for very high powers or thin corneas, where the laser isn’t suitable and is reversible.
You’ll need periodic checks for eye pressure and lens position; risks include cataract formation or pressure rise (uncommon with modern sizing).
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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surface procedure, no flap. The surface layer (epithelium) is gently removed, the cornea is reshaped, and the surface heals over a few days.
Pros: good for thin corneas, contact sports, or when a flap isn’t ideal. Expect more discomfort in the first 2–3 days and slower visual recovery than with LASIK.
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Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK is a PRK variant that lifts a very thin epithelial sheet with a special separator and replaces it after laser reshaping.
Outcomes are similar to PRK; the choice depends on surgeon preference and your corneal profile.
Post-Surgery Care: What You Need to Know
The first few weeks set the tone for clear, comfortable vision.
Think “clean hands, calm eyes, steady routine.”
Follow your surgeon’s plan exactly and use the following simple rules to help healing feel smooth, not stressful.
- Don’t rub or press your eyes.
Mild itch, grit, or watering is normal; resist touching.
If it bothers you, use the lubricating drops your doctor advised and blink gently.
- Use your prescribed drops on time.
Infection-preventing and anti-inflammatory drops keep healing on track.
Wash hands, don’t let the bottle tip touch the eye or lashes, and wait 5–10 minutes between drops so each one works.
- Wear your eye shield at night (and naps) for the first week.
It stops accidental rubbing and keeps pillows and hands away.
Wearing Sunglasses outdoors helps with light sensitivity and provides UV protection.
- Keep water out of your eyes for 5–7 days.
Shower from the neck down first, then tilt your head back to wash your hair; don’t splash or let shampoo get in.
No eye makeup for at least 1–2 weeks (mascara and liner are the biggest irritants).
- Go easy on screens for the first few days.
Short sessions with frequent breaks (20-20-20 rule) are fine; build up time if eyes feel comfortable.
Use artificial tears to fight dryness.
- Skip swimming, hot tubs, and dusty or smoky places for 2 weeks.
Lakes, pools, and steam rooms carry germs that can irritate or infect healing eyes.
- Pause heavy exercise and contact sports.
Gentle walking is fine from day 1; avoid weight-lifting, high-impact workouts, and contact sports for 1–2 weeks (or as your doctor says).
- Avoid alcohol and driving on day 1.
Vision can fluctuate early and drops can blur briefly; drive only after your surgeon clears you and you feel confident.
- Protect from irritants.
Wind, smoke, and strong fumes (such as cleaners and hair dye) can sting; step back from them in the first week.
- Expect some ups and downs.
Vision may be hazy in the morning and clearer by afternoon. Dryness can cause fluctuations, which is common as the surface settles.
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Follow-up schedule matters: Most surgeons see you on day 1, around week 1, and month 1 (and beyond if needed). Go sooner if you notice increasing pain, redness, a sudden drop in vision, light sensitivity that worsens, or many new floaters/flashes. |
Conclusion
Most people recover quickly after laser vision correction when they follow simple aftercare and drop schedules. Choosing among the types of laser eye surgery depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and goals, not on a single “best” label.
Results are long-lasting, but since eyes continue to age, realistic expectations and follow-ups keep you happy with the outcome.
With careful screening and a steady recovery routine, complications are uncommon and vision is usually clear and comfortable.
FAQs
How will I feel after laser eye surgery?
After laser eye surgery, you will feel mild scratchiness, light sensitivity, and fluctuating vision for a few days, which usually settles as the surface heals and drops do their job.
Is it good to do laser eye surgery?
Yes, it is advisable to undergo laser eye surgery when your eyes are healthy, your power is stable, and screening indicates you are a safe candidate for the desired benefits.
How many days’ rest is required after laser eye surgery?
The rest required after laser eye surgery is a few days of light activity, with most people back to routine tasks in 2–3 days (PRK takes longer for comfort, about 3–5 days).
Is laser eye surgery 100% successful?
No, laser eye surgery is not 100% successful; most people get excellent vision, but a small number may need extra drops, temporary glasses, or a touch-up later.
Can laser eye surgery go wrong?
Yes, but rarely; possible problems include dryness, glare/halos at night, infection, or under/over-correction, which your surgeon discusses before consent.
What is the age limit for laser eye surgery?
The age limit for laser eye surgery is generally 18+ with a stable prescription for 12 months, with no strict upper limit; older adults may still be candidates depending on cornea health and lens changes.
What is the best type of laser eye surgery?
The best type of laser eye surgery is the one that matches your corneal thickness/shape, prescription, dry-eye risk, and lifestyle (e.g., LASIK/Contoura for fast recovery, SMILE/SILK for flap-less comfort, PRK for thin corneas, ICL for very high powers).
What is the cost of laser eye surgery?
The cost of laser eye surgery is between ₹25,000–₹50,000 per eye for standard LASIK/PRK, ₹45,000–₹85,000 per eye for topo-guided options like Contoura, and ₹60,000–₹1,00,000+ per eye for SMILE/SILK, varying by city, technology, and surgeon expertise.
