LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is the most common and popular eye surgery for the correction of refractive vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism through laser reshaping of the cornea.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Eye examination: Physicians conduct tests such as corneal mapping, pupil measurement, dry eye tests, and wavefront analysis in order to assess suitability.
Surgery: Eye-numbing drops are used. A thin flap is made in the cornea, and the laser reshapes the tissue underneath. The surgeon then gently repositions the flap back over the cornea.
Time: The whole procedure usually takes approximately 10–20 minutes.
Quick Recovery: Many people return to daily activities in a few days, though full stability may take a few weeks.
Popular Hospitals & Clinics in Tamil Nadu
• Aravind Eye Hospital-Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry region: A trusted institution with balanced pricing.
• Sankara Nethralaya, with branches in Chennai and Coimbatore, is highly reputed and offers affordable treatment options.
• Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital—with multiple branches, offering advanced technologies such as SMILE.
Services can also be provided at a lower cost by smaller or local clinics: MN Eye Hospital and Vishnu Eye Clinic in Anna Nagar.
Who Is Eligible?
• People aged above 18-21 years with a stable prescription for at least 1-2 years.
• Healthy cornea thickness, free from eye infections or severe dryness.
• Non-pregnant individuals—generally pregnancy is a temporary ineligibility.
Benefits of LASIK
• Significant reduction in reliance on glasses or contact lenses, with many achieving complete independence.
• Quick procedure, usually less than 15 minutes.
• Fast return to routine life, usually within 2–5 days.
Risks & Precautions
Though generally considered harmless, it’s important to know possible complications:
• Temporary dryness, glare, or halos, especially at nighttime.
• Rare complications may include flap dislocation, under- or over-correction, regression, or long-term chronic issues.
• The proper screening and choosing of the right procedure is crucial.
Aftercare & Recovery Tips
• Avoid rubbing your eyes and get plenty of rest.
• Wear recommended eye drops and protective shields initially.
• Avoid water, steam, or eye makeup for ~1–2 weeks.
• Follow-up visits are necessary and scheduled over weeks to months.
Final Tips for Residents of Tamil Nadu
• See multiple consultations before choosing a clinic, as your suitability and ideal procedure may differ.
• Compare costs, aftercare services, and surgeon experience—not just price.
• Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Pondicherry host several popular LASIK clinics.