Laser eye surgery helps people see better without needing glasses or contact lenses. But which is a better destination for laser eye surgery: India or Australia? It’s important to think about the level of care you’ll get, which may be different in other countries.
In this article, we’ll explain laser eye surgery in India and Australia, things to consider before it, and where to go for high-quality care.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is one of the eye treatments that correct refractive errors. It reshapes the front part of your eye (the cornea) so light focuses better on the back of your eye. This can help reduce or even remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?
Doctors use lasers to reshape your cornea carefully. First, they use numbing eye drops so you don’t feel anything. Then, they use a laser to change the shape of your eye to fix vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery can help fix different vision problems. There are a few types of surgery that work in different ways. Here are the main types you can keep in mind:
LASIK
Laser eye surgery, as a term, is often used interchangeably with this treatment. It works by making a small flap in the cornea, the top layer of the eye. The eye doctor then uses a laser to reshape the cornea to help light focus better on the back of the eye.
Once the reshaping is complete, the doctor carefully places the flap back. This type of surgery is quick, and you may see clearly within a few days.
LASIK eye surgery is popular for people who want to reduce or remove their need for glasses or contact lenses.
SMILE
SMILE is a newer type of laser eye surgery. The word SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Unlike the LASIK procedure, SMILE doesn’t create a flap in the cornea. Instead, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the cornea and removes a small piece of tissue to reshape the eye.
This method can be a good option if you have dry eyes or have concerns about LASIK. It’s a gentler option, and you should heal quickly after this surgery.
PRK
PRK is another type of laser eye surgery that is often used for people with thin corneas. Unlike the LASIK treatment, PRK doesn’t involve making a flap. Instead, the doctor carefully removes the top layer of the cornea and reshapes the tissue underneath.
Because this process is a little different, it may take longer to recover than LASIK. But it’s an effective option for people who aren’t a good fit for LASIK.
PRESBYOND
PRESBYOND is laser eye surgery designed to help people see up close and far away. It’s especially helpful for people in their 40s or older who have trouble reading due to presbyopia.
During this surgery, the doctor uses a laser to create different focal points in the cornea. This technique helps the eye focus clearly at both near and far distances. This is a great option if you want to reduce or get rid of the need for reading glasses.
Each type of laser eye surgery has its benefits, and your doctor will help you choose the best one for your eyes and needs.
What Should You Consider Before Laser Eye Surgery?
Before deciding to have laser eye surgery, it’s important to think about a few things to make sure it’s the right choice for you:
Your Health
First, your eye health is very important. Are your eyes healthy? Have you noticed any changes in your vision recently? A doctor must check your eyes and medical history to see if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
They will also check if you have any conditions that could affect the surgery, like dry eyes or thin corneas. A thorough eye exam will help you find out if you are unsure.
Your Surgeon
One of the most important steps is choosing the right doctor. You should look for a doctor with experience in laser vision correction. Experienced surgeons know how to handle different types of eyes and can give you the best care.
They will guide you through the entire process and ensure your comfort with every step. You can ask the doctor about their training, experience, and the number of surgeries they have performed.
Technology
The technology used during the surgery is also very important. Look for clinics that use advanced laser technology, like the femtosecond laser. This type of laser is very precise and can be gentler on your eyes.
Using the latest technology helps improve the accuracy of the surgery, giving you better results and quicker recovery. Make sure the clinic you choose uses the best tools to get the best outcome for your eyes.
You can make a good decision by considering your health, choosing a skilled surgeon, and seeking advanced technology.
Laser Eye Surgery In India
Some Australians travel to India for laser eye surgery for two simple reasons:
Lower Costs: The overall laser eye surgery cost in India seems cheaper than in Australia.
Advertised Treatments: Many clinics in India offer the same types of procedures as in Australia, including LASIK and PRK.
What Are The Risks Of Going Overseas For Surgery?
While some people think about getting surgery overseas, including in India, there are a few risks to consider.
Different Standards
In Australia, strict rules ensure that all clinics meet high safety standards. These rules are set by AHPRA and other organisations, which helps ensure patients get the best care.
In other countries, the rules might not be as strict, which could mean the safety and quality of the surgery is different. The standards in other countries may not always match the high level of care you would get in Australia.
Follow-Up Care
After laser eye surgery, getting check-ups is important to ensure your eyes are healing properly. However, if you had surgery overseas, it might be harder to get these regular check-ups once you are back home.
In Australia, it’s easy to visit your doctor for follow-up care. But if you go overseas, you might have to deal with the cost and time of travelling back to the clinic.
Travel Concerns
can be difficult. Your eyes need time to heal, and flying long distances might make recovery harder or more uncomfortable.
The dry air on the plane may also cause discomfort, which could affect your healing. It’s important to consider how travelling might impact your recovery time and comfort.
By considering these risks, you can make a more informed decision about where to have your surgery. It’s important to consider the cost, as well as your care and comfort.
Why Choose Laser Eye Surgery In Australia?
Australia is known for its strict rules and high-quality care.
Quality Practices: Clinics follow clear rules to keep patients comfortable.
Advanced Technology: Australian clinics use some of the best laser machines, like femtosecond lasers.
Personal Care: Australian doctors take time to understand your needs, from the first consultation to follow-up care.
What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery?
If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Here’s what happens during the surgery:
Before The Surgery
Before the surgery, the doctor will check your eyes to make sure they are healthy and ready for the procedure. They will ask about your medical history and explain everything you need to know about the surgery.
The doctor will also tell you how the surgery works and answer any questions you might have. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident before going ahead with the procedure.
The Procedure
When the surgery is over, the doctor will use numbing eye drops. So, is laser eye surgery painful? Not to a great extent. With these drops, you’ll feel comfortable during the surgery.
For LASIK surgery, the doctor will carefully use a laser to create a tiny flap on the surface of your cornea (the front part of your eye). Once the corneal flap is created, the doctor will use the laser to reshape the cornea underneath.
This helps to fix vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. The laser is precise and works quickly, so the whole process usually takes little time.
After The Surgery
Once the surgery is finished, you will rest for a short time at the clinic. The doctor will ensure everything is going well and you’re feeling okay. After a brief rest, you can go home the same day.
The doctor will give you lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable while they heal. You will also get instructions for caring for your eyes after the surgery.
These instructions will help you avoid rubbing your eyes, getting water in them, and other things that might affect your healing. Follow them carefully to get the best possible results.
After surgery, you may notice improved vision quickly, but it might take a few days for your eyes to heal fully. You can go back to your normal activities in a short amount of time.
Side Effects Of Laser Eye Surgery
Like any surgery, laser eye surgery can have some side effects. Here are a few you might notice:
Dry Eyes
After the surgery, your eyes might feel dry or itchy. This is common and happens because the surgery can affect the small nerves in your eyes that help them produce tears.
Your doctor will give you lubricating eye drops to help keep your eyes comfortable while they heal. This dryness usually goes away after a few weeks.
Blurry Vision
Your vision might be slightly blurry for the first few days after the surgery. This is normal as your eyes heal and adjust to the changes. After a few days, you should start to see more clearly, but your vision can take a few weeks to fully stabilise.
Light Sensitivity
After the surgery, you might notice that your eyes are more sensitive to light, especially bright lights or sunlight. This can be uncomfortable, but it usually goes away as your eyes heal. You might need to wear sunglasses for a while to protect your eyes from the light.
Halos Or Glare
You may notice halos or glare around lights, especially at night. This can make it harder to see clearly when driving at night. The halos or glare usually go away as your eyes heal, but it might take a few weeks to improve.
Eye Discomfort
You might feel some discomfort or a mild scratchy feeling in your eyes right after the surgery. This is normal and should get better within a few hours or days. If you feel any pain, be sure to tell your doctor.
Infection
Though less common, infections can occur after any surgery. To reduce this risk, it’s important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions, including using the eye drops they give you and avoiding touching your eyes.
While side effects are possible, most people recover quickly and feel much better after their eyes heal. If you notice any problems that worry you, contact your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery?
After laser eye surgery, you may not need glasses or contact lenses anymore. Yet, you might still need them for things like reading or driving at night. Your doctor will tell you what to expect based on your needs.
Can I have eye laser surgery if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, you can have laser eye surgery if you wear contact lenses. But you must stop wearing them for a few weeks before the procedure. This is because contact lenses can modify the shape of your eyes, and the doctor needs to measure your eyes accurately.
How do I know I am a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
To be a good candidate, your eyes must be healthy, and your vision should have been stable for at least a year. You must also have no serious eye problems, like thin corneas or eye diseases. Your doctor will give you a full eye check-up and review your medical history to decide if laser eye surgery suits you.
Can I drive after laser eye surgery?
You should not drive right after the surgery. Your vision may be blurry for a few hours or days. Most people can drive again after a day or two when their vision gets better. It’s important to check with your doctor to make sure you’re ready to drive safely.
What is the femtosecond laser?
The femtosecond laser is an advanced laser used in surgeries like bladeless LASIK. It is precise and gentle on the eyes, helping you heal faster and achieve better results. Many clinics use this advanced technology to provide the best possible care.
Can I have eye laser surgery if I have cataracts?
If you have cataracts, your doctor might suggest having cataract surgery first. After that, laser eye surgery can help improve your vision even more. Your doctor will discuss the best possible choice for you based on your situation.
Can I have eye laser surgery if I have dry eyes?
Having dry eyes doesn’t always mean you can’t have laser eye surgery. But your doctor will need to check your eyes carefully and may treat your dry eyes first. Surgery can sometimes worsen dry eyes, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before deciding.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery in India might seem tempting because it costs less, but there are some risks. These include different practice rules and not enough follow-up care. In Australia, strict rules ensure that treatments are precise and of high quality.
If you are seeking laser eye surgery, talk to an experienced Australian eye doctor to learn about your options. Choosing a clinic in Australia means you will get ongoing care, use advanced technology, and have peace of mind.
If you’re ready to learn more about laser vision correction and how it can help you, reach out today! Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment for your needs. Call Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 to start your journey to a better vision!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources
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Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
Healthdirect Australia 2024. Laser eye surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
WebMD Editorial Contributors 2022. Am I a Candidate for Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/candidate-refractive-laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
Williams F 2021. What to know about LASIK and dry eyes. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lasik-dry-eyes [Accessed January 8, 2025]
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