Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK?

LASIK is most commonly known as laser eye surgery. Full form of LASIK is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure which helps to reduce the eye sights such as 

1. Near-sightedness
2. Far-sightedness
3. An improper vision of the objects

LASIK decreases the dependency of an individual to wear glasses or contact lens. Mostly, there are four [4] types of LASIK methods and they are:

1. Wave optimized LASIK
2. Wavefront-guided LASIK
3. Topography-guided LASIK
4. All-Laser LASIK

What are the advantages associated with LASIK?

Advantages of LASIK surgery are the following:

1. It has a high success rate than other eye vision correction surgeries.
2. Very little pain and discomfort than other types of eye surgeries.
3. Correction of vision occurs immediately after the surgery or day after the surgery.
4. It does not use any blades to cut the cornea.
5. Adjustments can be made to correct the vision during aging.
6. May able to eliminate completely the need for eyeglasses or contact lens.

What are the indications of LASIK?

LASIK is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Myopia [visual condition where an individual can see the near objects clearly that the objects far away from the eye]
2. Hyperopia [visual condition where an individual can see far objects clearly and the nearby objects appear blurry]
3. Astigmatism [blurred vision due to irregular curvature in the lens in the eyes]

What is the preparation required for LASIK Surgery?

Following steps are required for an individual for preparation of LASIK surgery:

1. Should know all the benefits, risks, and complications associated with the LASIK surgery.
2. Prior to the surgery, your doctor will examine your eyes to be sure that they are healthy and free from infection.
3. Your doctor will also evaluate the shape and thickness of the cornea of the eye.
4. You will be allowed to undergo a wavefront analysis. 
5. Should stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lens as directed by your doctor.
6. Your medical history and health history are noted down by your doctor.
7. Take all the medications as instructed by your doctor.
8. Don't read, write, or use a cellphone or computer for about 30 minutes prior to the test.

What are the steps involved in LASIK?

Steps involved in the LASIK surgery are:

1. After preparing the patient for surgery, local anesthesia is given to the patient as eye drops.
2. Then, specialized equipment known as a microkeratome is used to create a thin hinged flap in the surface of the cornea of an eye.
3. Next, your surgeon will activate the LASIK laser, and by using it cornea is reshaped precisely to improve the vision of your eye. 
4. This is done while tracking and monitoring your eye with a computer.
5. After reshaping the cornea, the surgeon will replace the flap on your surface of the cornea without using any stitches.

What is the recovery care for LASIK Surgery?

Some instructions are to you by your doctor after the completion of surgery and they are:

1. Avoid bending your waist.
2. Avoid few fitness activities like aerobics and jogging.
3. Repeated neck movements should be avoided.
4. While sleeping, keep your head higher than your chest on the pillow.
5. Don't touch or rub your eyes.
6. Take all the prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
7. Avoid makeup, creams, and lotions during eye healing.

Who can perform LASIK?

LASIK can be performed by

1. An experienced Ophthalmologists with training in LASIK surgery:
2. Any MD [Doctor of medicine] with several years of training in LASIK.
3. Optometrists who completed LASIK training and performed successful surgeries.

What is the cost of LASIK in Pune?

The cost of LASIK in Pune may vary according to the following factors:

1. Doctor fee
2. Hospital charges
3. Medical condition
4. Type of LASIK planned to perform
5. Lab tests recommended

The minimum amount to be paid in Pune starts from Rs.22,000

The average charges in Pune can range approximately around Rs.65,000

The maximum price can be up to Rs.1,25,000

Is LASIK a major surgery or minor surgery?

LASIK Surgery can be either major or minor procedure depending on the patient's medical condition.

Who can undergo LASIK Surgery?

People who can undergo LASIK surgery are:

1. Individuals who are above 18years old with eyesight difficulties.
2. The cornea of the eye must have sufficient thickness.
3. Pupils of the eye must not be over large.
4. Individuals with a stable eye vision for almost a year.
5. Individuals who do not want to wear a contact lens or eyeglasses.

Who cannot undergo LASIK?

People who cannot undergo LASIK surgery are:

1. Individuals below 18 years old [depends on the severity of the eyesight].
2. Pregnant women.
3. Individuals with poor health or immune system.
4. Individuals who are satisfied with either eyeglasses or contact lens and do not want to get this procedure.
5. Individuals with a change in eye vision over a year.

What are the risks and complications involved in LASIK?

As with every surgery, LASIK also has its own benefits, risks, and complications and they are the following:

1. Temporary visual disturbances
2. Eye discomfort.Irregular healing of the outer layer of the cornea
3. Irregular astigmatism
4. Inflammation under the LASIK flap
5. Blurred vision
6. Seeing halos around the objects
7. Bulging of the eye surface [Keratectasia or Keratoconus]
8. Dry eyes
9. Eye infection
10. Poor night vision
11. Sensitive to light
12. Decreased sharpness of the vision
13. Rarely vision loss

How long does it take to complete LASIK Surgery?

It may take almost 10-40 minutes to complete the procedure and sometimes more time depending on the condition of the patient. 

What is the recovery time from LASIK Surgery?

Individuals who undergo LASIK Surgery may take 7 -25 days to recover completely.

What is the success rate of LASIK Surgery?

The success rate of LASIK surgery depends on:

1. The medical condition of an individual
2. Experience of the doctor in performing LASIK
3. Age of the patient

However, 99% of the patients who underwent LASIK achieve 20/40 vision and more than 90% have 20/20 vision. 96% of patients are satisfied with the outcomes of LASIK. 

Is LASIK painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain in the eyes during this process because eye drops or anesthetic drops will be applied to the eyes for which LASIK is needed.

Is LASIK permanent?

Usually, LASIK is a permanent procedure that helps in improving eye vision. However, in few cases due to changes in the eye lens, vision problems may reappear and can lead to blurred vision.

What are the long-term results associated with LASIK?

Long term outcomes of LASIK are 

1. Improve eye vision and has a lasting impact
2. Permanently corrects astigmatism, near-sightedness, and farsightedness
3. Change in the cornea of the eye
4. May cause blurred vision

Can LASIK surgery be detected in the future? 

Yes. LASIK can be detected in the future as the cornea becomes very thin. 

What if LASIK fails?

There are options available if the LASIK surgery is not successful and they are the following:

1. A LASIK enhancement
2. Retreatment with medications and diet
3. Additional eye surgery as discussed with your doctor
4. Reuse of contact lens or eyeglasses

What are the alternatives available for LASIK?

The following are the alternatives for LASIK surgery in Pune: 

1. LASEK
2. Phakic intraocular lens implants
3. Epi-LASIK
4. Refractive lens exchange surgery