What is an EyeSight Operation?
Refractive surgery is a procedure that aims to eliminate or reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses and is commonly referred to as an eye operation for vision correction. These surgeries correct vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. With technological advancements, modern laser and lens-based procedures have made these operations highly effective and safe.
Types of EyeSight Operations
1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
One of the most popular laser eye surgeries, LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. It is a quick, outpatient procedure with a fast recovery time.
Benefits of LASIK:
- Quick recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
- Pain-free procedure: performed under local anesthetic eye drops.
- High success rate: Over 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) For EyeSight Operation
PRK is the predecessor to LASIK and is ideal for people with thin corneas. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the surgeon removes the outer layer and reshapes the underlying tissue with a laser.
PRK Advantages:
- Good for thin corneas—no flap creation, reducing complications.
- Excellent long-term vision correction—though recovery is longer than LASIK, results are comparable.
3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
This is a minimally invasive laser eye surgery used primarily for myopia correction.
SMILE Benefits:
- Less corneal disturbance: Only a small incision is made.
- Faster healing and fewer dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK.
4. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL surgery involves placing a biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct vision. It is ideal for patients with high refractive errors who are not candidates for laser surgeries.
ICL Benefits:
- Reversible procedure: The lens can be removed if needed.
- Suitable for extreme prescriptions—works well for high myopia or astigmatism.
5. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
In RLE, the surgeon replaces the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision, similar to cataract surgery.
RLE is recommended for:
- Presbyopia patients who need both near and distance vision correction.
- People with severe refractive errors unsuitable for laser surgery.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for EyeSight Surgery?
EyeSight surgery is ideal for individuals who:
- Are above 18 years of age (as vision should be stable).
- Have a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
- Have no severe eye diseases like glaucoma or keratoconus.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding (hormonal changes can affect vision).
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Pre-Operative Assessment and Preparation For EyeSight Operation
Before undergoing an eye operation, patients must undergo a thorough eye examination, including:
- Corneal thickness measurement: determines suitability for LASIK.
- Pupil size evaluation: ensures night vision will not be significantly affected.
- Tear film test: Identifies risk of dry eyes post-surgery.
- Retinal examination: Ensures a healthy retina before surgery.
Pre-Surgery Instructions:
- Stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before surgery to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape.
- Avoid eye makeup and lotions on the day of surgery.
- Arrange transportation as vision may be blurry post-operation.
What Happens During EyeSight Surgery?
The exact steps depend on the procedure, but a general process includes:
- Numbing eye drops are applied to prevent discomfort.
- A device is used to keep the eye open during surgery.
- Laser or surgical tools reshape the cornea or replace the lens.
- A protective contact lens or bandage may be placed to aid healing.
- The entire process takes 10-20 minutes per eye.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery For EyeSight Operation
After the surgery, patients need to follow strict aftercare guidelines to ensure optimal healing:
Immediate Post-Surgery Care:
- Rest for a few hours after surgery and avoid straining your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and dryness.
- Wear protective sunglasses to shield the eyes from dust and UV rays.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes for at least a month.
Recovery Timeline:
- First 24 hours: Mild discomfort and blurry vision are common.
- 1 week: Most patients achieve improved vision.
- 1 month—Vision stabilizes.
- 3-6 months: full healing and optimal vision clarity.
Risks and Complications of EyeSight Surgery
While vision correction surgeries are safe, some risks include:
- Dry eyes: common after LASIK, typically resolves in a few months.
- Glare and halos—especially at night, but usually temporary.
- Undercorrection/Overcorrection: May require enhancement surgery.
- Infection or inflammation—rare but treatable with medication.
How Much Does an EyeSight Operation Cost?
The cost varies based on procedure type, technology used, surgeon expertise, and location.
- LASIK: $1,500 – $3,000 per eye
- PRK: $1,200 – $2,500 per eye
- SMILE: $2,000 – $3,500 per eye
- ICL: $3,500 – $5,000 per eye
- RLE: $3,000 – $5,000 per eye
Conclusion: Is EyeSight Surgery Worth It?
For individuals looking to achieve clear, glasses-free vision, an eye operation is a life-changing decision. With a high success rate, minimal downtime, and long-lasting results, it is an excellent choice for those eligible. However, choosing the right procedure and surgeon is crucial for achieving the best results.
Author Details:
Dr. Sushruth Appajigowda holds a prominent position as a cornea, cataract, glaucoma, and LASIK surgeon in Bangalore. He serves as the chief cataract and refractive surgeon at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore. Renowned as one of the finest LASIK surgeons nationwide, he brings with him over 12+ years of experience across multiple LASIK platforms, including ZEISS, ALCON, SCHWIND, AMO, and Bausch and Lomb. Dr. Sushruth has successfully conducted over 5000 LASIK procedures and holds the title of Certified Refractive Surgeon and Fellow of the All India Collegium of Ophthalmology. Furthermore, he stands as a distinguished speaker at various national and international forums, using his expertise to guide you in selecting the most suitable procedure based on your health requirements.
http://vijayanethralaya.com/link-in-bio/
FAQ:
1. Who can undergo EyeSight surgery?
Individuals who meet the following criteria may be eligible:
- Age: Usually 18 years or older
- Stable Prescription: No major vision changes in the past year
- Healthy Eyes: No severe dry eye, corneal disease, or infections
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not currently pregnant or nursing
2. Does EyeSight surgery hurt?
No, numbing eye drops are used, making the procedure painless. Some patients may feel mild pressure, but discomfort is minimal.
3. How long does the procedure take?
Most EyeSight correction surgeries take about 10 to 15 minutes per eye, but total time at the clinic may be 1 to 2 hours including preparation and post-operative checks.
4. How long is the recovery period?
- Initial Recovery: 24 to 48 hours
- Significant Improvement: Within a few days
- Complete Healing: A few weeks to months, depending on the procedure
5. When can I resume daily activities?
- Work & Screens: Usually within 1-2 days
- Driving: Often within 24-48 hours
- Makeup: Avoid for at least a week
- Swimming & Exercise: Avoid for 2-4 weeks
6. Is EyeSight surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance policies do not cover LASIK as it is considered an elective procedure. However, cataract surgery is usually covered by medical insurance.
7. Where can I get an EyeSight operation in Bangalore?
If you are looking for expert vision correction surgery, Vijaya Nethralaya offers advanced procedures performed by experienced eye specialists.
