LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in India

Before determining which type of LASIK surgery will be performed, the eye specialist runs a series of comprehensive eye examinations. This is done to identify the best-suited treatment method for the patient. 

The different types of LASIK eye surgery are explained below- 

1: LASIK (Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis)- It is the conventional LASIK eye surgery that is performed commonly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. There are more sophisticated variants of LASIK surgery also available. The standard excimer laser reshapes the cornea carefully and makes the necessary adjustments by removing the corneal tissues bit by bit. 

The conventional LASIK surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 69,600 to Rs. 84,071. 

2: SBK (Sub Bowman’s Keratomileusis)- It is a safer procedure than conventional LASIK eye surgery and costs less. It is a suitable technique for people who have thin corneas. In this technique, a more consistent and predictable flap is created with the help of a femtosecond laser or microkeratome. The cornea is adjusted accordingly and the flap is repositioned carefully. 

Preserving the flap means faster visual recovery and minimal chances of haziness, dry eyes, and discomfort in the eyes. SBK LASIK eye surgery costs around Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,35,000. 

3: Femtosecond LASIK- Femto Lasik, known as premium robotic bladeless LASIK surgery, it is a superior technique in terms of safety and efficacy to the conventional procedure. The flap creation is done using the ultrafast femtosecond laser and the cornea is cut using the excimer laser. 

The femtosecond laser eliminates the need of using a bladed surgical tool to create the flap. The Femto LASIK surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000. 

4: SMILE (Small  Incision Lenticule Extraction)- It is another premium type of LASIK eye surgery. Instead of raising the corneal flap, a small part of the cornea, called the lenticule, is removed to correct the refractive error. It is a superior technique for people who have dry eye syndrome. 

This method is ideal for high myopia and hyperopia only. The SMILE LASIK cost in India ranges from Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 approximately. 

5: Contoura Vision LASIK Surgery– The latest and most sophisticated type of LASIK eye surgery is Contoura LASIK. It involves corneal modification according to the patient’s needs and uses an advanced computer algorithm that divides the corneal surface into 22,000+ points.  Thus, the corneal ablation is done precisely and improved vision is achieved through the procedure. 

Contoura LASIK Surgery cost is around Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,35,000. 

There are various factors that influence the cost of LASIK eye surgery in India. Here are some of the key factors that determine overall LASIK operation cost. 

1: Doctor’s Fee

The fee charged by an eye specialist to perform LASIK surgery has a significant impact on the overall cost of treatment. From consultation to operation, a highly experienced doctor will charge more for the procedure as compared to a less experienced surgeon. 

2: Technology Used

One of the most important factors that determines how much does LASIK eye surgery cost in India is the technology used. As there are various techniques available for vision correction, including Contoura, Femtosecond, SMILE, SBK, or conventional LASIK. 

Based on the technique chosen for the patient, the overall cost of treatment will increase or decrease accordingly. 

3: Diagnostic Tests & Evaluation

A series of tests are performed to determine which LASIK technique would be most appropriate for the patient and to take other measurements, such as refractive error, spherical and cylindrical power, visual acuity test, corneal thickness test, etc. Each of these tests costs around Rs. 200 to Rs. 800 and contribute to increasing the overall cost of LASIK surgery.

4: City

Depending on the city, the price of LASIK treatment may fluctuate. The hospitals and clinics in metro cities often have state-of-the-art amenities, the latest technologies, superior infrastructure, and highly experienced staff. Due to all these services, the medical care at the top centers is also expensive. 

5: After Care

Even after having LASIK eye surgery, there are many things a patient needs to be careful about. The eyes will be very sensitive after the surgery due to which extensive care will be required. It includes the eye patch, eye protection cover, eye drops, and other medications that are essential to prevent infections and post-surgery complications. 

Each of these components will have a slight impact on the final cost of treatment. Besides these, post-surgery consultations are also required after LASIK surgery. These consultations may also be chargeable and not covered in the patient’s health insurance policy. 

Along with the above-mentioned factors, there are certain scenarios where a patient has to bear some additional expenses during the LASIK eye treatment. The most common scenario is when a post-surgery complication arises and the patient has to consult the eye specialist for treatment. 

Potential complications that can arise after LASIK eye surgery include- 

• Inflammation in the flap– If this complication arises, it can hinder vision and also lead to vision loss. Thus, the inflamed tissues have to be removed to prevent further damage to the eye. This removal may cost around Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000. 
• Dry eyes– This complication arises when the tear duct in the eyes is damaged during the surgery. In earlier stages, eye drops may be prescribed to the patient which will cost around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,500. However, if the problem doesn’t resolve with medicines, the patient may have to undergo surgery that will cost around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. 
• Undercorrection or Overcorrection- If the ideal vision is not achieved during the LASIK surgery, the doctor may have to perform another procedure which may or may not increase the LASIK surgery cost. In some medical centers, the cost of additional correction is covered under the basic price whereas, in other centers, the patient might have to pay separately. 

Other complications, such as glare, halos, double vision, etc. are most likely to resolve on their own after some time. If other eye conditions arise after LASIK surgery, such as cataracts or glaucoma, then they will require specific treatments whose cost has to be borne by the patient separately.

Until recently, LASIK eye surgery was considered an elective procedure that was not medically necessary. But due to the prevalence of vision problems, the insurance policies were updated. As a result, LASIK eye surgery cost is now covered under insurance under certain conditions, i.e., the refractive power should be higher than 7.5 Diopters. 

As long as the patient meets this condition, the insurance company will cover LASIK operation cost and provide quick approval. 

The overall cost of LASIK in India is around Rs. 69,600 to Rs. 84,071 which is slightly expensive for a middle-class income individual. In such scenarios, the insurance policy can help a lot and allow the person to undergo LASIK eye surgery without worrying about the cost. 

LASIK eye surgery is also included in the health insurance plans in the following circumstances- 

• If eye surgery is recommended due to refractive error caused by an injury or accident. 
• If the refractive error developed due to another surgical procedure. 
• When eye surgery is recommended due to high refractive error. 

While purchasing an insurance policy, it is important to discuss the inclusions and exclusions of refractive eye surgeries to avoid inconvenience during the claim filing and settlement process. 

Here is a list of the best health insurance plans that provide coverage for LASIK eye surgery. 

The cost of LASIK surgery, like any other surgical procedure, remains one of the primary concerns for patients. However, the good thing is that the cost of LASIK in India is easier on the pockets compared to other countries. However, people still look for ways to reduce the overall expense of LASIK treatment. 

Typically, it may be difficult to cut down the cost but Pristyn Care can help in this aspect. We provide comprehensive care and services that actually reduce the expense for the patient. Such services include- 

• Free consultation 
• No-Cost EMI service 
• Free cab facility for pick and drop 
• Free post-surgery follow-ups 
• These services benefit the patients and help to save the cost. Contact Pristyn Care to get a clear understanding of these services. 

Many people who aspire to undergo LASIK eye surgery wonder if LASIK is worth the cost. Well, the answer can be given in two aspects- safety and cost-saving. 

If a person sticks to eyeglasses or contact lenses, the cost associated are-

• Cost of Contact lens- Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 4,000 monthly
• Cost of Solution for Lenses- Rs. 100-200 monthly
• Cost of Eyeglasses- Rs. 499 to Rs. 13,000 every two years or earlier

Accounting for these costs, the overall expense of using spectacles or contact lenses will be around Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 approximately. In between, there are also possibilities that the lens or glasses may get lost or damaged. It will further increase the expense. 

Compared to these expenses, LASIK eye surgery is a one-time investment that will provide a stable vision for almost 10 years or more. And in most cases, the LASIK surgery cost is between Rs. 69,600 to Rs. 84,071 which is clearly less expensive in the long-term. 

Talking about safety, LASIK is one of the safest elective surgeries with a lower than 0.03% complication rate. The technology and equipment used for vision correction are USFDA-approved and the surgery is carried out by an experienced surgeon. Thus, safety is not compromised and the success rate is more than 95%. So, it can be said that LASIK is worth it.

To get rid of spectacles, many people see an eye specialist without having proper knowledge of the treatment methods. Currently, LASIK, SMILE, and Contoura LASIK are three of the most popular forms of laser vision correction surgery. Hence, doctors often get queries from the patients who want to know which procedure is better. 

However, there is no fixed answer to this question. The various techniques are developed to address the variety of conditions that people face. Thus, the doctor diagnoses the patient and then determines the most suitable technique. 

In some aspects, one treatment method is superior to the other which is displayed below-

Based on the effectiveness of these vision correction procedures, the cost for respective treatment varies. From the above comparison table, it is quite clear that Contoura LASIK is a superior technique to improve vision. And that’s why Contoura LASIK surgery cost is the highest.

To learn more about the various types of LASIK procedures and the cost of LASIK surgery, get in touch with an eye specialist.