Freedom from glasses

Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism are errors of focus. They can be corrected by reshaping the cornea, or by placing a lens inside the eye.

A close-up of a grey-blue eye with its lashes — Photograph: Andrew Lvov, Unsplash

Three operations, each for a different kind of eye.

The choice is made by tests, not by preference.

Not everyone is suited, and we say so.

Three ways to correct focus

LASIK

A thin flap of the cornea is lifted, a laser reshapes the layer beneath, and the flap is laid back. Recovery is quick.

PRK

The laser reshapes the surface directly, with no flap. It can suit thinner or more fragile corneas, and healing takes a little longer.

ICL

A thin implantable collamer lens is placed inside the eye, behind the iris. It is used for high powers, or for corneas that should not be reshaped.

Are you suited?

A glasses-free result starts with a careful look at the eye. We check that your prescription has been stable, and map the shape and thickness of your cornea. We check the surface of the eye for dryness, and count the cells that line the cornea.

A prescription that has not changed for a while.
Corneas that are thick enough and regular enough to reshape.
A healthy eye surface, without much dryness.
No condition, such as keratoconus, that makes reshaping unsafe.

A patient with her chin on the rest of a slit lamp, the applanation tonometer beside her — Every refractive assessment begins with a full examination.

When the answer is no

Some people are not suited to any of these operations, and some are better suited to another. If surgery is not right for you, we say so, and tell you what will serve you better.

Keep reading.

An examination room at Arihant Netralaya: a slit lamp and auto ref-keratometer on one table, and a chair unit

Corneal mappingThe shape of the cornea, and its cells.

A wooden case of trial lenses, in rows of red and black rims, used to find the exact glasses power

Refraction and glasses powerFinding your exact glasses power.

A close-up of a brown eye, the cornea catching the light

Cornea and keratoconusInfections, keratoconus, transplants and injuries.

Book an eye consultation.

Ask for a time, or leave your number and we will call you.

Book an eye consultation Call me back WhatsApp

Or call 1800 210 0108, toll-free.

Quick answers.

Is laser surgery painful?

You are given numbing drops. Most people feel pressure and see lights, not pain, and the laser itself works for seconds. The eyes can feel gritty and watery for a day or so.

Which is best, LASIK, PRK or ICL?

None is best for everyone. The thickness and shape of your cornea and the size of your prescription decide it.

Will I never need glasses again?

Many people do not need them for distance. Reading glasses are still usually needed in the mid-forties and after, whatever is done to the eye.

What are the risks?

Dryness, glare at night and, rarely, a result that needs a touch-up or a further procedure. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to your eye before you decide.

Pictures not taken by the hospital: Andrew Lvov, Unsplash.