LASIK Eye Surgery
Overview
LASIK is the most popular elective eye surgery worldwide and a leading procedure in medical tourism. Patients save 50-70% compared to US prices while accessing the same femtosecond laser technology at internationally accredited eye centers.
Who May Need This Procedure
LASIK corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. Candidates should be over 18, have stable vision for at least a year, have healthy corneas of sufficient thickness, and not be pregnant or nursing.
How It Is Performed
A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. An excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue beneath. The flap is repositioned and heals naturally without stitches. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye.
Benefits
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Recovery is rapid — functional vision returns within 24 hours. No bandages, no stitches. Long-term results with high patient satisfaction (96%+).
Risks
Dry eyes (most common, usually temporary), night glare or halos, undercorrection or overcorrection, flap complications, and rarely, infection or vision loss. Serious complications are very rare in experienced hands.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Before proceeding, discuss these questions with your healthcare provider:
- 1. What are the risks and potential complications specific to my case?
- 2. How many of these procedures have you performed, and what are your outcomes?
- 3. What type of anesthesia will be used, and what are the risks?
- 4. What does recovery look like — how long until I can return to normal activities?
- 5. What are the alternatives to this procedure?
- 6. How should I prepare in the weeks before surgery?
- 7. What follow-up care will I need after returning home?
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Contact your medical team immediately if you experience any of the following after surgery:
- • Signs of infection: fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), chills, increasing redness, warmth, or discharge at the surgical site
- • Sudden increase in pain not controlled by prescribed medication
- • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or rapid heart rate
- • Unusual swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg (possible blood clot)
- • Any symptom that feels severe, unexpected, or concerning to you
If you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or signs of eye infection after LASIK, contact your eye surgeon immediately.
🚨 If you have a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. Do not wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients save 50-70%. LASIK in India costs $500-$1,000 per eye vs $2,000-$4,000 per eye in the US. Many patients get both eyes done abroad for less than the cost of one eye at home.
References
This section lists sources supporting the information on this page. Content is periodically reviewed for accuracy.
- • American Academy of Ophthalmology — LASIK Guidelines