SILK Eye Surgery (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)

SILK eye surgery, also known as Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis, is one of the latest advancements in vision correction technology. This procedure uses an advanced femtosecond laser known as ELITA to reshape the cornea. It is designed to accurately correct common vision issues, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. SILK Laser is a minimally invasive, flapless surgery that offers patients a safe and efficient way to achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Are you looking for alternatives to glasses and contact lenses?

What is SILK Eye Surgery?

SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is a next-generation, minimally invasive vision correction procedure designed to treat refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, SILK creates an ultra-thin lenticule within the cornea using advanced femtosecond laser technology, which is then removed through a tiny incision. This flapless technique preserves more corneal strength, reduces the risk of dry eye, and ensures faster healing. SILK offers patients sharper vision, enhanced comfort, and improved safety with long-lasting results.

Benefits of SILK Eye Surgery

SILK eye surgery offers several advantages that make it an increasingly popular alternative to conventional vision correction procedures. Designed with advanced ELITA femtosecond laser technology, it focuses on both safety and precision, ensuring patients enjoy clear vision with minimal discomfort. Unlike LASIK, it avoids flap-related risks, making recovery smoother and outcomes more dependable. The procedure is particularly beneficial for those with thinner corneas or concerns about post-surgical side effects. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Flapless Procedure: Unlike traditional LASIK, SILK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it involves forming a thin lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. This reduces the risk of flap-related complications and allows for a quicker recovery.
  • High Precision: ELITA femtosecond laser technology ensures precise corneal reshaping. This level of accuracy leads to optimal visual outcomes, with over 95% of patients achieving 20/20 vision.
  • Reduced Risk of Dry Eyes: SILK surgery minimises the risk of dry eyes post-surgery, a common side effect of other procedures.
  • Quick Recovery: Patients can expect to resume most of their daily activities within one to two days, making it an ideal option for those with busy lifestyles.

Suitability for Thin Corneas: SILK is suitable for individuals who may not qualify for traditional LASIK due to thinner corneas.

SILK Eye Surgery Procedure (Step by Step)

SILK eye surgery is designed to be quick, minimally invasive, and highly effective, making it a preferred choice for vision correction. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes per eye and involves only a few precise steps. Using advanced laser technology, patients experience minimal discomfort and can expect noticeable improvements in vision soon after surgery. Below is a step-by-step guide to the process:

  • Pre-Procedure Preparation: Patients are given anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience.
  • Lenticule Creation: A femtosecond laser creates a thin lenticule within the cornea. This lenticule is a precise, disc-shaped tissue customised to the patient’s vision correction needs.
  • Lenticule Removal: The surgeon then makes a small incision in the cornea and removes the lenticule. This reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. This results in an improvement in vision.
  • Post-Procedure Care: Patients are advised to rest briefly after the SILK procedure. Protective shields may be placed over the eyes to aid healing, and it is recommended to follow your doctor’s instructions for a smooth recovery.

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within hours of the surgery, and the recovery process is generally quick, with minimal discomfort.

Eligibility for SILK Eye Surgery

While SILK eye surgery is a safe and effective vision correction procedure, it is not suitable for everyone. A detailed evaluation is essential to determine whether you meet the required medical and visual parameters. Factors such as age, prescription stability, corneal thickness, and overall eye health are carefully assessed. This ensures that only eligible patients undergo the silk eye treatment, maximising safety and achieving the best possible outcomes from the advanced SILK technique.

  • Age: Patients must be at least 18 years old.
  • Refractive Error Range: Myopia up to -12.00 D and astigmatism up to -6.00 D.
  • Stable Vision: Patients should have a stable prescription for at least six months before surgery.
  • Health Conditions: Patients must not be pregnant or lactating.
  • Eye Health: No previous history of intraocular or corneal surgery and no existing conditions such as glaucoma or severe dry eyes.

 An eye specialist at Centre for Sight will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm if SILK is the most suitable option for you.

Risks and Side Effects of SILK Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, SILK eye surgery carries certain risks and potential side effects. The good news is that these are usually minor, temporary, and can be effectively managed with proper care. Patients are advised to be aware of the following possibilities:

  • Temporary Discomfort: Some patients may experience mild discomfort or dryness after surgery, but this typically resolves within a few days.
  • Light Sensitivity: Patients might notice an increased sensitivity to light immediately after the procedure, which typically subsides within the first week.
  • Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Although rare, some patients may require an enhancement procedure if the desired visual outcome is not achieved initially.
  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a minimal risk of infection. However, following post-operative care and medication can lower this risk.

 It is essential to discuss any concerns with your surgeon before surgery to understand the risks and manage expectations.

Recovery & Precautions After SILK Eye Surgery

Recovery after SILK eye surgery is usually quick and smooth, with most patients noticing clearer vision within one to two days. However, following post-operative care is essential to ensure proper healing and long-term results. Most side effects, such as mild dryness or light sensitivity, subside within the first week. Here’s a general recovery timeline and recommended care tips:

  • Day 1: Avoid rubbing the eyes and use the prescribed eye drops to prevent infection. Protective shields may be worn while sleeping to avoid accidental rubbing.
  • Days 2-3: Most patients experience improvement in their vision. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities or swimming during this period.
  • First Week: Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright light and dust. Avoid using makeup and other products around the eyes.
  • First Month: Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress. Patients should continue using the prescribed drops and adhere to all instructions provided by their surgeon.

 Full visual stability may take up to a month, although most patients experience improvements almost immediately.

Cost of SILK Eye Surgery in India

SILK eye surgery cost in India generally depends on multiple factors and ranges between ₹1,10,000 and ₹1,40,000 for both eyes. At Centre For Sight, the procedure typically starts at ₹1,30,000, with the final price influenced by the patient’s prescription, case complexity, and additional services required. Factors such as hospital location, reputation, surgeon’s expertise, and the technology used also impact the cost. Most packages include pre-operative evaluations, the surgery itself, and post-operative follow-ups. Patients can also explore flexible payment options, including EMIs, to make the treatment more accessible.

Why Choose Centre for Sight for SILK Surgery in India?

Centre for Sight is a trusted name in eye care and a preferred destination for SILK surgery in India. With over 30 years of expertise and more than one million patients successfully treated across our nationwide centres, we combine advanced technology with patient-centric care to deliver superior outcomes and a seamless treatment experience. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Expert Surgeons: Our team includes some of the country’s top ophthalmologists with decades of combined experience in advanced refractive surgeries.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped with the latest technology, including the ELITA femtosecond laser, Centre for Sight ensures that each procedure is performed with the highest precision and safety.
  • Comprehensive Care: From the initial consultation to post-operative support, we provide a seamless journey, ensuring each patient receives personalised care tailored to their needs.
  • Commitment to Excellence: With a legacy of successful surgeries and thousands of satisfied patients, Centre for Sight continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted leader in vision correction.

By choosing Centre for Sight for your SILK surgery, you benefit from an exceptional blend of experience, technology, and compassionate care, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.

Get a thorough eye examination and achieve clearer vision.

DO YOU ALSO HAVE THESE QUERIES?

Is SILK better than Contoura?

SILK and Contoura Vision are both advanced refractive surgeries offering high precision and crystal clear vision, however, SILK holds an upper hand as it is a flapless procedure with better recovery, compared to Contoura Vision. It also provides long-term stable results with no chances of flap-related complications or side effects, such as dry eyes.

It is available at an affordable price of 1,30,000 for both eyes, though the price may vary based on the patient’s prescription, surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the surgery.

Yes, the results of SILK procedure last a lifetime, however, after 40-45yrs of age, individuals may require reading glasses.

 

Yes, Patients’ age must lie between 18-40 yrs along with stable power from the last six months to undergo SILK Surgery.

 

At Centre For Sight, laser eye surgery starts from an affordable cost of 20,500 per eye, though it may vary based on the patient’s prescription, type and complexity of the surgery.

SILK can be combined with other procedures like ICL depending on the need of the patient. The suitability for the same is best discussed with your doctor.

The SILK procedure, is an advanced refractive (spectacle removal) laser procedure currently considered as the latest among all available refractive surgeries. It uses the advanced Elita machine introduced by J&J Vision, specifically designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

The SILK Procedure is the safest among all spectacles removal procedures as it uses advanced second generation Femtosecond laser that emits ultra fast and precise laser shots, that minimizes risks as well as enhances the patient’s comfort. However, as with any surgical procedure, there may be potential risks and complications that should be discussed with your ophthalmologist.

Yes, an individual usually undergoes the SILK procedure on both eyes during a single session.

As suggested, one can resume using digital devices or reading within 1-2 days after the SILK eye surgery.

 

LASIK and SILK are both well-known refractive surgeries and have their own advantages; while LASIK is an old traditional method, on the other hand, SILK is the latest flapless and bladeless laser vision correction method.

SILK stands for smooth incision lenticule keratomileusis (a flapless procedure) and reshapes the cornea via lenticule extraction, a flapless procedure to correct common refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

People with specific eye conditions like history of glaucoma might not be eligible to undergo the SILK surgery, but a thorough evaluation by your ophthalmologist is essential to determine the eligibility after assessing your medical history. Patients with progressive cataract should opt for cataract surgery for spectacle removal.

Patients who went through SILK procedure can avoid direct exposure to sunlight and bright lights for the 1st day or two days. They can wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays and dust for a few days.

 

Yes, SILK eye surgery corrects cylinder power (astigmatism) up to 6D.

After the SILK Procedure, it is advisable to avoid swimming or participating in any water-related activities for a minimum of 2-4 weeks to minimize complications. Our eye specialists will offer guidance on when it’s appropriate to resume such activities.

The SILK procedure addresses refractive issues like myopia (nearsightedness) up to -12D and astigmatism up to 6D. However it does not have the capability to correct hyperopia or “plus” powers.

The SILK procedure is well-known for its rapid recovery feature. Most patients can resume their work and normal activities within 24 hours after undergoing it; however prior consultation with your surgeon for a complete recovery is essential.

Though there are no strict restrictions on exposure to sunlight or room light after the SILK surgery, it is advisable that one must wear sunglasses during outdoor visits to protect your eyes from dust as well as harmful UV rays for a few days/weeks.

Yes, you can wear contact lenses but since the SILK surgery offers 6/6 vision acuity, you won’t require to wear contact lenses; however, if you want to wear coloured lenses for fashionable purposes, you can do so a few weeks after the procedure. It is suggested to consult with your eye surgeon to get the best guidance on when it’s safe to wear contact lenses and which type of contact lenses will be suitable.

SILK Surgery

Elita SILK Surgery