Most people know about Lasik due to its popularity. But what exactly is Lasik? Where is it used? We will discuss some of these questions in this article, along with the basic and important one: how much does a Lasik cost? So, let’s land on our main thing without wasting more time. So, How Much Does Lasik Cost? Let’s check!
What is Lasik?
Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are some examples of refractive vision issues that can be treated surgically using LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis). The purpose of LASIK is to lessen or do away with a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses to have clear vision.
The LASIK treatment normally takes a few minutes per eye and is completed in an outpatient setting. The patient is given numbing eye drops before surgery to reduce pain.
Who should go for Lasik?
LASIK can be an effective vision correction option for many individuals who meet certain criteria. However, only some are suitable candidates for the procedure. The decision to undergo LASIK should be made in consultation with an experienced eye doctor or ophthalmologist. Here are some general guidelines for who may be a good candidate for LASIK:
1. Stable Vision
Before considering LASIK, candidates should have a steady prescription for at least a year. It is necessary to ensure that prescription adjustments have stabilized and the patient’s vision remains largely steady.
2. Age
Candidates should normally be at least 18 years old because, at this age, the vision tends to stabilize. Some ophthalmologists, however, advise waiting until a person is in their mid-20s because visual alterations can still happen to younger people.
3. Good Eye Health
Candidates should not have any serious eye conditions, infections, or traumas. Glaucoma, cataracts, corneal disorders, and extreme dry eye may prevent a person from having LASIK.
4. Refractive Errors
LASIK can treat Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Various factors may affect the level of refractive defect that can be corrected with LASIK.
5. Pupil Size
After LASIK, people with large pupils may be more likely to experience adverse effects such as halos, glare, and problems seeing at night. A thorough evaluation can ascertain the suitability of a person’s pupils for the treatment.
6. Corneal Thickness
Candidates should have enough corneal thickness to ensure enough tissue for laser reshaping. Other vision-correction options like PRK may be considered if the cornea is excessively thin.
7. Overall Health
Good overall health is essential for any surgical procedure, including LASIK. Candidates should inform their doctor of any medical conditions and medications.
8. Realistic Expectation
While LASIK can significantly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it may not guarantee perfect vision.
A thorough pre-operative evaluation is essential to determining a person’s eligibility for LASIK. A skilled eye doctor will do a complete eye exam, go over the advantages and disadvantages of the process, and assist the patient in selecting the best vision correction choice for them. An ophthalmologist may suggest different surgeries or vision correction techniques if a patient is not a good candidate for LASIK.
What is the Procedure of Lasik?
The LASIK procedure involves several steps to correct refractive vision problems. Here’s an overview of the LASIK surgery process:
1. Pre-operative Evaluation
You will get a thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon before the LASIK treatment. This examination confirms that your eyes are healthy and that your vision prescription has stabilized to assist in evaluating whether you are a good candidate for LASIK.
2. Numbing Eye Drops
On the day of the surgery, numbing eye drops are applied to your eyes to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. It will not let you sleep or close your eyes, but you will be awake throughout the surgery.
3. Creation of Corneal Flap
The LASIK procedure begins with creating a thin, hinged flap on the cornea. There are two common methods to create this flap:
a. Microkeratome: A mechanical device with an oscillating blade creates the corneal flap.
b. Femtosecond Laser: A high-energy femtosecond laser is used to create the corneal flap with greater precision and accuracy.
4. Flap Lifted
To reveal the corneal tissue beneath, the surgeon carefully raises the flap they’ve made. It reveals the stroma, the cornea’s middle layer, which will then be sculpted to address your refractive defect.
5. Corneal Reshaping
The surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the corneal stroma. The excimer laser emits cool ultraviolet light that precisely removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea based on your unique vision prescription.
– For myopia (nearsightedness), the cornea is flattened to reduce its curvature.
– For hyperopia (farsightedness), the cornea is steepened to increase its curvature.
– The cornea is reshaped for astigmatism to become more symmetrical and regular.
6. Flap Re-positioning
After the corneal reshaping, the surgeon gently re-positions the corneal flap back into place. The flap sticks automatically without the need for stitches.
7. Post-operative Care
You will receive extra eye drops after the treatment to aid in healing and lower your risk of infection. You could feel uncomfortable, but it should pass rather soon.
8. Recovery
After LASIK, healing typically takes place quickly. Most patients notice an improvement in their eyesight within a day or two, with their vision improving over the following few weeks.
9. Follow-up Visits
You will have follow-up visits with your eye doctor to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes heal properly.
What is the Cost of Lasik?
The clinic or eye center, the surgeon’s qualifications, the technology employed, the area or nation where the treatment is carried out, and the patient’s particular requirements can all considerably impact the price of LASIK. In India, the average cost of LASIK is between 80,000 and 1,50,000 lakhs per eye. The overall expense for both eyes would be 2,00,,000 to 4,00,000.
It’s vital to remember that this is only a ballpark figure, and the actual cost may vary based on the criteria mentioned above. While some clinics may have more expensive pricing because of cutting-edge equipment or the surgeon’s reputation, others may offer package offers, savings for both eyes or other services.
It’s important to exercise caution when selecting a provider for LASIK based purely on price while evaluating the cost of the procedure. Considerations such as the standard of care, the surgeon’s qualifications, and the application of cutting-edge technologies are also important. It’s important to put safety and effectiveness above cost when considering LASIK because it’s a surgical procedure that alters your eyesight.
Additionally, some clinics offer financing options, payment plans, or health insurance coverage for LASIK, so it’s worth checking with your eye doctor or the clinic to explore available options. It is advised to schedule a consultation with a skilled eye doctor or surgeon to receive an exact estimate of the cost of LASIK for your unique situation. They will evaluate your requirements, conduct a comprehensive eye examination, and offer you a customized treatment plan and a price quote.
The Final Outcome
We have provided every detail regarding Lasik’s surgery and hope you are satisfied. As mentioned above, it is important to contact your eye surgeon or doctor to get to know more details.
