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Medically reviewed by Dr.Rushad Shroff, MS – Refractive and Cornea Surgeon, Shroff Eye Centre, Delhi NCR
LASIK Eye Surgery in India for Specs Removal: Types, Alternatives, Cost, Safety and Recovery Guide
For many people who have worn glasses for years, the same question eventually comes up: Is there a permanent way to remove spectacles?
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular options for correcting eye power (refractive errors) such as
myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism and removing specs.
However, LASIK is one of the many types of specs removal and vision correction surgeries (aka refractive surgeries) available in India. Depending on your corneal thickness, eye power, lifestyle and visual need. Refractive eye specialists at Shroff Eye Centre may recommend another equally effective specs removal procedure such as SILK, Streamlight, PRK or ICL to you instead.
Key Takeaways
- LASIK surgery permanently corrects common vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- There is no single “best procedure” for everyone. Eye power, corneal thickness and visual needs decide the right procedure.
- Procedures available to remove specs (refractive surgeries) in India: LASIK- Bladeless LASIK ( aka
Femto LASIK), Blade LASIK (popularly called Contoura LASIK), Klex procedures- (SILK, SMILE, CLEAR), Surface procedures- Streamlight & PRK, and lens based, surgical -ICL. - Even if you don’t qualify for LASIK, refractive procedures like SILK, Streamlight, PRK and ICL may still be possible.
- Cost of LASIK in India at Shroff Eye Centre varies from: Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 1.8 lakh for both eyes
depending on procedure and technology. - Recovery after LASIK is fast if all precautions are followed.
- A detailed pre-surgery eye checkup before LASIK is the single most important step before choosing specs removal vision correction eye surgery.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery which removes specs by correcting vision problems like myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye.
In people who need glasses, the cornea does not bend light properly onto the retina. This causes blurred vision. LASIK uses a highly precise laser to reshape the cornea so light focuses correctly, allowing clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK can treat three common refractive errors:
| Condition | Common Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Myopia | Short-sightedness | Distant objects are blurry; near vision is clear |
| Hyperopia | Long-sightedness | Near objects are harder to focus; far vision is clear |
| Astigmatism | Uneven cornea | Vision blurs or distorts at all distances because the cornea curves unevenly |
What are the Types of LASIK Surgery Available in India?
Several modern LASIK techniques for specs removal are available today.
Blade LASIK (popularly called Contoura Vision LASIK)
In Blade LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created using a microkeratome blade. A laser
then reshapes the underlying cornea to correct vision and remove specs. The flap is repositioned and heals
naturally without stitches.
Femto LASIK (Blade-Free LASIK)
Femto LASIK replaces the blade with a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap in the first step. The laser is extremely precise- This improves precision and consistency of LASIK, making the procedure safer and more predictable. Once the flap is created, the underlying cornea is treated with an excimer laser to correct cornea shape and this corrects eye power. The flap is replaced and heals naturally without stitches. There is no blade or stitches or injections involved).
What machine is used for LASIK?
LASIK can be performed on many platforms. At Shroff Eye Centre Delhi, LASIK is done with the help of the latest ELITA femto second laser platform and Wavelight platform giving amazing results to thousands of patients.
Who Is Considered a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is recommended only when clinical parameters meet safety standards. You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:
- You are 18+ years in age
- Your spectacle number has been stable for a year
- Your Corneal thickness, counts and shape fall within safe limits
- You have No other eye or chronic health conditions
- You Are not Not pregnant or lactating
If LASIK is not advisable, our eye specialists explain alternative procedures- if these are feasible- so patients can make informed decisions without pressure at Shroff Eye Centr
Quick Comparison of Specs Removal Procedures available in India:
| Procedure | How It Works | Best For | Vision Recovery | Cost for both eyes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade LASIK (“popularly known as Contoura LASIK”) |
Blade creates corneal flap; excimer laser reshapes tissue underneath. Excimer lasers platforms could be Contoura Wavelight, Mel, Amaris etc | Good results, most economical option | 24 to 48 hrs | Rs.35k – Rs.55k |
| Femto LASIK (Blade-Free) | Femtosecond laser creates flap, excimer corrects eye power, no blade used | Better precision & more predictable excellent results; fewer optical aberrations vs blade | 24 to 48 hrs | Rs. 90k – Rs1.2 lakh |
| SILK (Flapless) | No flap; biconvex lenticule created by latest ELITA SILK machine and then removed via a miniscule opening on cornea | Sportspersons, active lifestyles, combat professionals, stronger post-op cornea, excellent results | 24-48 hrs | Rs. 1.1 lakh – Rs. 1.5 lakh |
| Streamlight PRK (“incorrectly called touchless LASIK”) | Surface layer removed by a laser; laser reshapes cornea directly | Quicker recovery than conventional PRK, Thin corneas, sportspersons, combat professionals | 7-10 days | Rs. 55k – Rs. 75k |
| Conventional PRK / Epi-LASIK | Surface layer removed by a chemical; laser reshapes cornea directly | Thinner corneas, sportspersons, defence and NDA aspirants | 7-10 days | Rs. 45k-Rs. 65k |
| ICL (STAR Evo Lens) | STAR Evo lens implanted inside eye; cornea untouched | High myopia, thinner corneas, (LASIK ineligible patients) | 2 to 3 days | Rs. 1.5 lakh- Rs. 2 lakh |
| SMILE | No flap; lenticule created by Visumax machine and then removed via a small incision on cornea | Sports persons, active lifestyles, good results | 24-72 hrs | Rs. 1.2- Rs. 2.5 lakh |
| CLEAR | No flap;lenticule created by Z8 machine and then removed via a small incision on cornea | Sports persons, active lifestyles, good results | 24-72 hrs | Rs. 1.2- Rs. 2.5 lakh |
Which is the best procedure to correct eye power and remove specs?
There is no single best surgery. Each person’s eyes are different- what is best for one person is not necessarily the best for another. A detailed pre-operative eye checkup at Shroff Eye Centre determines the safest and most effective procedure to correct eye power and remove specs for your specific eyes.
What Tests Are Done Before LASIK Surgery?
Every patient undergoes a full diagnostic work-up before any refractive procedure. No surgery type is fixed until eyes are examined and test results are seen. Here is what gets checked and why:
| Test | What It Checks | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Refraction | Eye power | To check actual eye power currently |
| Eye Pressure Test | Intraocular (eye) pressure | Elevated pressure can indicate glaucoma and needs management |
| Slit lamp Examination | The anterior structures of the eye are checked | To make sure the front of the eye is structurally ok and catch other eye problems like corneal scars |
| Slit lamp Examination | The anterior structures of the eye are checked | To make sure the front of the eye is structurally ok and catch other eye problems like corneal scars |
| Corneal Topography | Exact shape and surface map of the cornea | Spots any irregularity that affects laser planning or rules out LASIK |
| Pachymetry | Corneal thickness at multiple points | Confirms enough tissue exists to operate safely – thin corneas need a different approach |
| Tear Film Analysis | Quality and quantity of tear production | Dry eye worsens after flap-based LASIK; this test flags it before surgery |
| Pachymetry | Corneal thickness at multiple points | Confirms enough tissue exists to operate safely – thin corneas need a different approach |
| Retinal Examination | Peripheral and central retina health | High myopia patients carry a higher retinal risk; this rules it out |
What are the Alternatives to LASIK: What If LASIK Is Not Right for You?
LASIK gets most of the attention but it is not the right surgery for every eye. If your evaluation shows LASIK is unsuitable, here is what Shroff Eye Centre may recommend instead:
| Your Situation | Recommended Procedure | Why This Works Better |
|---|---|---|
| Thin corneas | SILK, Streamlight or PRK | All are flapless and reach the same visual outcomes without needing the tissue depth LASIK requires. |
| High myopia or hypermetropia | ICL (STAR Evo Lens) | A lens placed inside the eye corrects eye power |
| Active sportsperson or defence role | SILK Or Streamlight or PRK | A LASIK flap always carries a small risk of displacement. High-impact contact puts your eyes. No-flap procedures are better in such situations. |
Confused about which specs removal option to choose? Book your appointment and Meet our LASIK experts. At Shroff Eye Centre, we have one of the most experienced refractive surgery teams with over 30 years of experience in refractive procedures like LASIK.
Are PRK and ICL types of LASIK?
No. They are not LASIK procedures, but they are alternative refractive or vision correction procedures for people who are not eligible for LASIK. Both have excellent long term vision results.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a surface-based laser treatment where the outer layer of the cornea is removed and the laser reshapes the cornea directly. It is often used for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes.
ICL (Implantable Contact Lens)
ICL is not a laser procedure. Instead, a powered lens is implanted inside the eye to correct your vision. It is commonly recommended for people with very high spectacle power or corneas too thin for laser surgery.
What Is the Cost of Specs Removal Surgery in India?
The final cost is determined only after a detailed pre-LASIK evaluation. LASIK is a customised procedure and suitability is assessed carefully based on corneal health, eye power, and long-term safety.
Below are indicative ranges at Shroff Eye Centre Delhi. Please call Shroff Eye Centre on +91-9910956780 to know exact cost:
| Procedure | Approx. Cost (Both Eyes) |
|---|---|
| Blade LASIK | Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 1 lakh |
| SILK | Rs. 1.2 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh |
| Streamlight, PRK / Epi-LASIK | Rs. 85,000 |
| ICL (STAR Evo Lens) | Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 1.8 lakh |
These are indicative ranges only. No procedure recommended without a clinical assessment.
How Safe Is LASIK Surgery in India?
LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgical procedures in the world. When patients are properly screened, published research consistently reports satisfaction rates above 95 percent.
Most patients may experience some mild effects in the first few days, including dry eye, light sensitivity, and halos around lights at night. These are usually temporary and settle on their own or with prescribed drops in some time. Less common outcomes include minor under-correction that may need an enhancement after a few months. Serious complications are rare and include ectasia and infections.
Shroff Eye Centre is NABH accredited and follows world class levels of patient safety, sterility and infection control.
Is LASIK Surgery Permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping done during LASIK, SILK, or PRK is permanent. However you may still need specs in the future. Age-related changes can still affect vision over time. Presbyopia typically develops after 40 and cataracts may occur after 55 to 60. These happen in the natural lens, not the cornea, and are completely unrelated to the LASIK procedure but you may need specs. In a very small percentage of patients, a small reversal of number may occur due to individuals’ biomechanics and healing process.
Safety and Recovery After LASIK Surgery
Most patients notice their vision improving quite quickly after specs removal surgery. Vision usually begins clearing within a few hours, but it’s important to give your eyes proper rest and avoid screens, rubbing the eyes, or exposure to dust and bright light.
In the first 24 hours, it’s normal to experience mild blurriness, watery eyes, or some light sensitivity. Vision rapidly clears after this. Over the next couple of days, vision continues to improve and many people with desk jobs are able to return to work within 2 to 3 days. Activities like swimming, contact sports, or eye makeup should still be avoided for a few weeks till your doctor gives you the go ahead. Some patients may notice temporary halos around lights at night in the early weeks, which usually settle as the cornea heals.
Most people achieve stable vision within a few weeks, with follow-up visits helping the doctor ensure everything is healing well. For a detailed list of precautions and recovery tips after LASIK, SILK, or PRK surgery, you can also watch our video on after LASIK care or read guide on specs removal aftercare and recovery.
About Dr. Rushad Shroff :
Dr. Rushad Shroff is one of India’s leading eye surgeons at Shroff Eye Centre, known for his precision, patient-centric approach, and deep expertise in advanced vision correction procedures. He’s widely published and has received many international and national prestigious awards in ophthalmology.
Specializations: Cataract & IOL Surgery,SILK, LASIK & ICL (Refractive Surgery), Corneal Disorders.
See full profiles of our LASIK eye specialists
.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Contoura LASIK?
Contoura Vision is a topography-guided LASIK procedure that maps thousands of points on the corneal surface. This allows the laser treatment to be customised to each eye’s unique shape, improving visual quality and reducing issues like glare or halos. It’s done using the Wavelight Platform and is available at Shroff Eye Centre.
Q: What is the difference between LASIK and ICL?
LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea. ICL implants a biocompatible lens inside the eye without touching the cornea at all. ICL may be recommended when LASIK is not suitable due to high spectacle power or thin corneas.
Q: What does LASIK treat?
LASIK can usually treat Low to moderate Myopia, low hyperopia and astigmatism depending on adequate corneal thickness, counts and shape. Only after a detailed eye checkup by refractive eye specialists can it be decided if LASIK can treat your eye power and remove specs.
Q: Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can correct astigmatism. It maps the unique surface of your cornea and customises the laser treatment to correct astigmatism precisely.
Q: What does specs removal surgery cost in Delhi NCR?
At Shroff Eye Centre, the cost ranges from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 1.8 lakh for both eyes depending on the procedure and technology used. The final amount is confirmed only after your pre-operative evaluation.
Q: How soon can I go back to work after LASIK?
Most desk-job patients return within 2 to 3 days. Screen use can be usually restarted gradually from Day 2.
Q: What are the side effects and risks of LASIK surgery?
Dry eye, mild halos, and light sensitivity for the first few days are common and resolve on their own. Serious complications are rare when proper pre-operative screening is done at an accredited centre.
Q: Is LASIK or SILK covered by health insurance in India?
Some private insurance companies may cover LASIK or SILK but Most standard health insurance plans classify them as an elective procedure and do not cover it. ICL may be covered in some plans. Check your policy carefully.
Q: Are there any payment plans to help cover cost of LASIK?
Many hospitals offer EMIs to help patients. At Shroff Eye Centre, we offer EMI option via Zero-pe platform.
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