LASIK Surgery

Types of LASIK Surgery in India - Different Laser Eye Procedures Explained

LASIK is a popular procedure for correcting vision. This short explains the main types of laser eye surgery you may be offered, from standard LASIK to more advanced techniques.

Standard and bladeless LASIK

The main difference between these procedures is how the corneal flap is created.

• Conventional LASIK. A small, handheld blade called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct your vision.
• Bladeless LASIK. Also known as femtosecond LASIK, this uses a high-precision laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap. This is often considered a more advanced and precise method.
• The correction. In both methods, after the flap is created, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea. The flap is then put back in place, where it heals naturally.

Advanced and alternative procedures

Beyond standard LASIK, there are other techniques that may be suitable for certain patients.

• Contoura Vision. This is a topography-guided LASIK procedure. It maps the unique surface of your cornea to create a highly personalised treatment plan.
• SMILE. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses a laser to create a small piece of tissue within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision.
• No flap created. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. This may reduce the risk of dry eyes for some patients.
• PRK / ASA. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is an option for people with thin corneas. The laser is applied directly to the corneal surface without creating a flap.

The most suitable type of laser eye surgery depends on your individual eye health, corneal thickness, and prescription. A final recommendation can only be made by a specialist after a detailed examination and review of your reports.