Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and dreaming of a life with clear, unaided vision? With modern advancements in eye care, several procedures can help correct your vision and reduce your dependency on corrective lenses. As a leading Phaco and LASIK surgeon in Mumbai, Dr Seema Behl has performed numerous successful eye surgeries and is here to explain the most popular vision correction methods available today.
Understanding Where the Power Lies: How Vision Works
Before diving into the procedures, let’s take a quick look at where vision power comes from. The clarity of vision depends on how light is focused onto the retina. Two main parts of the eye handle this: the cornea and the lens. When light focuses on the retina’s surface, we see things clearly. But if the light focuses incorrectly, it leads to vision issues like:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): When light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects blurry.
- Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): When light focuses behind the retina, making close objects blurry.
- Astigmatism: When light focuses at multiple points due to an irregular cornea, causing blurry or distorted vision.
1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
The first method of vision correction, PRK, is a cornea-based procedure. During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the underlying cornea is reshaped using a laser. This helps to refocus the light correctly onto the retina. Afterward, a contact lens is placed on the cornea for protection, which is removed after a few days.
Why Choose PRK?
- Works well for thin corneas or those with scars.
- No flap creation, so fewer complications related to corneal nerves.
- Less incidence of dry eye compared to other procedures.
Things to Consider:
PRK has a longer healing time. It can take two weeks or up to six months for vision to stabilize. Some mild discomfort may occur for the first few days, but this usually subsides quickly. The success rate for number correction is around 95%, but slight variances can occur depending on how the body heals.
Cost in Mumbai: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 for both eyes.
2. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
You’ve probably heard of LASIK, one of the most popular procedures for vision correction. In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea, which is lifted to allow a laser to reshape the corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned and naturally reattaches.
Types of LASIK:
- Routine LASIK: The flap is created using a microkeratome.
- Femto LASIK: The flap is created using a laser (Blade-less LASIK).
- Contoura LASIK: The most advanced version, providing even more precise results.
Why Choose LASIK?
- Fast recovery: Most patients experience clear vision within 24 hours.
- Minimal discomfort: Slight discomfort or mild pain lasts for less than a day.
- Vision stabilizes quickly, and 100% clarity is often achieved within a month.
Things to Consider:
Since LASIK involves creating a flap, there is a rare chance of flap-related complications. Additionally, because corneal nerves are cut during the procedure, it may take 1-6 months for full nerve regeneration, potentially causing temporary dryness.
3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
The newer, more advanced procedure for vision correction is SMILE. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not involve creating a flap. Instead, a small incision is made, and a lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) is removed from within the cornea to reshape it.
Why Choose SMILE?
- No flap means fewer chances of complications.
- Less post-surgery dryness.
- Ideal for people involved in adventure sports or those who want a safer option without worrying about flap issues.
4. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL is an alternative to LASIK and PRK for people with very high numbers or thin corneas. Think of ICL as a permanent contact lens, but instead of placing it on the surface of the eye, it is inserted inside, in front of the natural lens. This provides a stable and long-term solution to vision correction.
Why Choose ICL?
- Perfect for people with high numbers or thin corneas.
- Provides excellent vision quality without removing any corneal tissue.
Both foreign-made and Indian-made ICLs (IPCL) are available, offering flexibility in cost and suitability.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
The choice of procedure depends on several factors, including the thickness of your cornea, the severity of your prescription, and your lifestyle. It’s important to undergo a complete eye examination before deciding which procedure suits you best. Dr. Seema Behl ensures personalized recommendations based on your unique vision needs.
Ready to See the World Clearly?
If you’re considering vision correction surgery, it’s time to take the first step towards a life without glasses or contacts. Whether you’re looking for fast recovery with LASIK or a more advanced option like SMILE, Dr. Seema Behl offers comprehensive eye care to help you achieve crystal-clear vision.
Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Seema Behl and explore the best options for your vision correction. Your journey to perfect vision starts here!