What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in India?

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK is among the safest and most common eye surgeries. Performed to correct vision problems, it is a type of refractive surgery used to correct hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), or astigmatism.

The whole procedure is pain-free and requires less than 30 minutes to treat both eyes. The procedure reshapes the cornea of the eye so that the light entering can focus on the retina without any contact lenses or glasses.

Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery in India

With more than 1 lakh people undergoing laser eye surgery in India, LASIK is a very common procedure for people who want a clearer vision. It also helps them to get rid of lenses or glasses permanently. However, the cost of the surgery may be expensive in some cases.

Usually, LASIK eye treatment can cost anywhere from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh depending on several factors. On average, the cost of a LASIK eye surgery costs around Rs. 60,000 for both eyes. Moreover, screening tests, medicine costs, follow-up session costs, etc. may cost Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10,000 extra on top of the procedural expenses.

Types of LASIK Eye Surgery with Cost

There are various types of LASIK eye surgeries performed in India. They have been briefly mentioned below along with the cost of treatment for both eyes:

• Conventional LASIK Surgery: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000
• Customized LASIK Surgery: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000
• Customized Femtosecond: Rs. 85,000 to Rs. 1,50,000
• ReLEX Smile Treatment: Rs 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,50,000
• Laser Blended Vision Treatment: Rs. 15,000 additional to either of the above treatment cost

The cost of aser eye surgery will depend on the type of LASIK eye surgery you opt for. However, depending on the doctor's fee, age of the patient, chances of post-surgical complications and any additional lab tests or examinations may increase or decrease the cost of your treatment.

Note: The cost of LASIK eye surgery mentioned above may differ from one hospital/clinic to another. You are advised to check the surgery cost with your hospital/clinic before undergoing the surgery.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in India

Some of the most important factors influencing the cost of LASIK eye surgery in India have been discussed below:

1. Technology Used

Clinics using the latest equipment or renowned technology will charge higher for LASIK surgery than a clinic with substandard technology.

2. Procedure Used

Minimally invasive procedures will cost more than regular procedures. Similarly, non-standard procedures, such as the ReLEX Smile treatment, will cost more.

3. Location of the Clinic

The price of your laser eye surgery will vary a lot with the city and locality. Big metro cities will be more expensive as compared to non-metro cities as the cost of setting up in bigger cities is higher.

4. Surgery Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial part of this eye surgery and is often added by several clinics as a part of the package. This increases the overall cost of the surgery. Thus, the LASIK surgery package with aftercare service will be more expensive than the ones with no aftercare included. In case, you can opt out of aftercare service, make sure to take proper care so that there are no complications.

5. Patient Care

The initial examinations are usually carried out by an optician or an optometrist. This may help reduce the costs as compared to getting assessed by a surgeon. In case you get the initial examination carried out by a surgeon, your LASIK eye surgery cost will increase. However, make sure to get it done by a qualified person as there may be risks that may not be clear due to a lack of proper screening.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Covered by Health Insurance?

With skyrocketing expenses, medical costs in India are equally high. Even though it is pretty affordable compared to countries abroad, LASIK eye surgery is still very expensive for many people who need it urgently. Luckily, laser eye surgery is covered by several health insurance plans available in India.

Just a few years ago, many insurers considered it cosmetic surgery and did not offer any coverage benefits. However, things have progressed a lot and there are several mediclaim that cover the cost of this surgery. Although, the LASIK eye surgery cost will be covered under health insurance only if the refractive error is 7.5 dioptres or more.

Make sure to do thorough research and opt for a plan suited to your needs. Another important thing to remember is that if this is a pre-existing disease, then there is usually a waiting period that will be applicable. Therefore, make sure to read the terms and conditions of your health policy before raising a claim.

In a Nutshell

With some of the best ophthalmologists in the world, LASIK eye surgery is a very safe and helpful procedure. However, the surgery costs may vary considerably due to the overall health of the patient and other factors. So don't forget to secure yourself under a comprehensive health insurance plan.