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 (far sightedness), myopia (near sightedness), or astigmatism.

The whole procedure is pain-free and requires less than 30 minutes to treat both the 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 get rid of lenses or glasses permanently. LASIK eye treatment can cost anywhere from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs depending on several factors.

Types of LASIK Eye Surgery with Cost

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

• Optimized LASIK Surgery: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35000
• Customized LASIK Surgery: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000
• Customized Femtosecond: Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 95,000  
• ReLEX Smile Treatment: Rs 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,20,000
• Laser Blended Vision Treatment: Rs. 10000 additional to either of the above treatment cost

The cost of the laser eye surgery will depend on the type of LASIK eye surgery you opt for. However, from 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.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in India

On average, the cost of a LASIK eye surgery costs around Rs. 60,000 for both eyes. Screening tests, medicine costs, follow-up session costs may cost over Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10,000 extra on top of the procedural expenses. Some important factors have been discussed below:

Technology Used

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

Procedure Used

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

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.

Surgery Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial part of this treatment and is often added by several clinics as a part of the package. This means that you can opt out of this. However, make sure to take proper care so that there are no complications.

Patient Care

The initial costs are usually carried out by an optician or an optometrist. This may help reduce the costs as compared to getting assessed by a surgeon. However, 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 a 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. Make sure to do a 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.

In a Nutshell,

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