LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure under topical anaesthetic eye drops, taking approximately fifteen minutes per eye. A thin corneal flap of approximately ninety to one hundred microns is created using either a femtosecond (bladeless) laser or a mechanical microkeratome. The flap is folded back to expose the corneal stroma, which is then ablated by an excimer laser according to a pre-calculated treatment map derived from wavefront aberrometry and corneal topography measurements. The flap is repositioned over the treated surface and adheres without sutures by virtue of natural surface tension.

Candidacy depends on stable refraction for at least twelve months, minimum corneal thickness (typically above 480 to 500 microns) with adequate residual stromal bed after ablation, and corneal topography showing no signs of pre-existing ectasia or keratoconus. Patients with very high refractive errors, dry eye disease, or irregular corneas may be better served by alternative procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), SMILE, or phakic intraocular lens implantation.

Visual recovery after LASIK is characteristically rapid: most patients achieve functional vision within twenty-four hours and notice a marked improvement within the first day. The review appointment at twenty-four to forty-eight hours is important for confirming flap position and early visual acuity. Most patients are advised to use preservative-free lubricating drops for several months to manage the transient dry eye that is nearly universal post-LASIK. Night vision disturbances (halos, starbursts) are common in the first weeks and typically improve over three to six months.

LASIK pricing may be quoted per eye or as a bilateral (both eyes) package. Bilateral pricing is generally more economical and is the relevant comparison when evaluating clinics, as the vast majority of patients treat both eyes. The quoted price typically covers the procedure itself with the specified laser platform, pre-operative topography and aberrometry measurements, and immediate post-operative care including the twenty-four-hour review.

Items that may not be included are the pre-operative consultation and suitability assessment, additional pre-operative measurements such as corneal pachymetry or endothelial cell count, post-operative lubricating eye drops (a recurring cost for several months), and enhancement procedures if required. Enhancement rates in modern LASIK series are typically one to five per cent, but patients with higher prescriptions face a higher enhancement likelihood. Some clinics include a lifetime enhancement guarantee within their fee; others charge separately. Patients should clarify the enhancement policy and associated costs before committing.

The first twenty-four to forty-eight hours are characterised by fluctuating vision, mild light sensitivity, and a gritty or watery sensation in the eyes. These effects are normal and typically resolve within the first day. The mandatory post-operative review at twenty-four to forty-eight hours confirms flap position and measures early visual acuity; most patients see well enough to drive by this appointment, though they should arrange transport for the day of surgery and the following morning. Lubricating eye drops — preservative-free — should be used frequently during the first weeks and continued for as long as dryness persists.

Vision stabilises progressively over one to three months as the cornea heals and the refractive result settles. Night-time visual disturbances such as halos and glare around lights are common in the early weeks and usually improve by three months, though they may persist at a low level thereafter in some patients. Swimming and water sports should be avoided for two weeks to reduce infection risk, and eye-rubbing must be avoided for at least one month to prevent flap displacement. A formal refraction check at three months confirms whether the outcome is within target; if an enhancement is indicated, it is generally deferred until the refraction has been stable for several months. Dry eyes may persist for up to three to six months before fully resolving.

LASIK is one of the procedures most amenable to medical tourism. Visual recovery is typically rapid, the procedure involves no surgical wounds requiring ongoing management, and the principal post-operative requirements are lubricating drops and a review appointment at twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Patients can feasibly have the procedure performed, attend the mandatory twenty-four to forty-eight hour review, and fly home within two to three days of surgery.

Before departure, patients should confirm that their vision is stable and that the operating surgeon is satisfied with flap position and early visual acuity at the post-operative review. Flying before this review is inadvisable. Cabin air is desiccating and may exacerbate post-operative dry eye; frequent use of lubricating drops during the flight is recommended. Patients should bring sufficient lubricating drops and any prescribed medications for at least one to two weeks beyond their return. If enhancement is required — detectable only after three to six months when the refraction has stabilised — this would likely need to be arranged either at the original clinic (requiring a return trip) or with a local surgeon, who will need complete operative records including ablation profiles.