Blurry mornings where you squint to read a text or scramble to find your glasses can be a familiar feeling for many. For thousands who walk into Nethradhama every year, these moments are history. Here, refractive surgery has helped people step into a world free from spectacles or contact lenses.
Refractive surgery is a medical procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive surgery helps people achieve clearer sight without relying on glasses or contact lenses by adjusting how light focuses on the retina.
In simple terms, it’s a safe, quick, and effective solution performed with precision laser systems or other specialised techniques to give you visual independence. While many procedures reshape the cornea, some, like lens-based surgeries, involve replacing the eye’s natural lens to correct vision.
At its core, refractive surgery reshapes the cornea, which is the transparent front part of your eye, to improve how light rays focus on the retina. A distorted or irregular corneal shape can scatter light unevenly, leading to blurred vision. By sculpting the cornea, surgeons correct this imbalance, offering you clearer sight.
The procedure usually involves laser technology. In laser refractive surgery, precise beams reshape the corneal tissue layer by layer, making the surface smooth and optimised for better focus. Some techniques, like refractive laser eye surgery, go even deeper, adjusting internal layers depending on your eye’s unique condition.
Advanced tools and detailed diagnostics are used before any treatment, guiding the surgeon to create a personalised approach for each patient. The result? Reduced dependency on glasses and sharper vision that feels natural.
Each pair of eyes is unique, and so are the solutions. At Nethradhama, we offer various types of refractive surgery options designed to suit different vision needs, lifestyles, and eye health conditions. From surface-based treatments to advanced laser techniques, each procedure is carefully selected to offer precise correction. Below are the key types available at our centre.
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is one of the earliest forms of refractive eye surgery. It involves removing the cornea’s thin outer layer and then reshaping the underlying tissue using an excimer laser. This technique is especially suited for patients with thinner corneas or those involved in contact sports. PRK is known for its safety profile and has helped countless individuals regain sharp vision. While the recovery may take slightly longer than other methods, the visual outcomes are highly rewarding and long-lasting.
SMILE is short for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a modern refractive surgery technique that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc-shaped tissue inside the cornea. This tissue is removed through a tiny incision, leaving most of the corneal surface intact. The minimally invasive nature of smile refractive surgery makes it a popular choice, especially for people with active lifestyles. Patients often experience quicker recovery times and less discomfort post-surgery.
SMILE Pro is a next-generation enhancement of smile refractive surgery, offering even faster treatment times and improved laser precision. It retains the small incision and lenticule removal technique of traditional SMILE but integrates upgraded laser systems to reduce the duration of the procedure. Patients undergoing SMILE Pro often benefit from improved comfort and a quicker return to daily activities.
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is perhaps the most well-known form of refractive surgery worldwide. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, lifting it, and then reshaping the underlying tissue using an excimer laser to correct vision problems. This technique is popular due to its quick procedure time and rapid visual recovery. Many patients experience clearer vision within a day or two. LASIK refractive surgery is suitable for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is also often recommended for those looking for minimal discomfort and lasting results, especially with today’s advanced LASIK technology.
Refractive Lens Exchange, also called clear lens extraction, is a form of refractive surgery often recommended for patients with high refractive errors or early signs of cataracts. Instead of reshaping the cornea, this procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens. This technique is particularly effective for those who may not be suitable candidates for laser-based surgeries due to thin corneas or extreme prescriptions. By addressing vision internally, refractive lens exchange offers long-term clarity and reduces the risk of cataract development later in life.
There’s more to refractive surgery than ditching your glasses. For many patients, it opens the door to everyday ease and lifelong improvements. Here’s how it can change your outlook—literally and emotionally.
Refractive surgery is best suited for individuals who meet certain medical and lifestyle criteria. Generally, people over 18 who have had stable vision prescriptions for at least a year are considered candidates. In such cases, procedures like implantable collamer lens implantation may be considered as alternatives to laser refractive surgery.
Ideal patients have healthy corneas and no active infections or inflammation. Those with realistic expectations about the outcome also tend to be satisfied with their results. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to postpone surgery due to fluctuating hormones.
A comprehensive eye exam will determine your suitability. Some may also undergo additional screening for conditions like glaucoma, retina issues, or corneal irregularities before proceeding with the procedure.
The journey through refractive surgery is both scientific and personal. At Nethradhama, we guide you through every stage, making the process clear and comforting. Here’s how your procedure typically unfolds.
Recovery after refractive surgery is often quicker than many expect, but it still requires care and patience. In the first few hours, you might notice mild discomfort, a gritty feeling, or sensitivity to light. These sensations usually ease within a day or two.
Over the next week, your vision steadily sharpens as the cornea heals. You’ll be advised to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or strenuous activities during this period. Using prescribed eye drops helps reduce dryness and prevents infection.
Most patients resume normal routines within a few days, but follow-up visits are key to monitoring healing. Whether you’ve had advanced LASIK, SMILE, or PRK, aftercare is tailored to your chosen technique.
Like any medical procedure, there are potential refractive surgery risks. Most side effects are temporary, but understanding them can help you make an informed choice. Some people experience dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights, especially at night. These symptoms often reduce as the eyes heal.
In rare cases, under-correction or over-correction of vision may occur, which could require enhancement surgery. Infection and inflammation are uncommon but possible, especially without proper aftercare. More serious complications like corneal ectasia (a thinning and bulging of the cornea) are rare with modern techniques.
Pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma or retinal issues may influence your risk profile. At Nethradhama, every patient undergoes detailed screening to reduce the likelihood of complications.
The good news? Most patients recover well and achieve the clearer, more stable vision they hoped for.
The cost of refractive surgery can vary depending on the technique used, the complexity of your eye condition, and the technology involved. Options like advance LASIK, SMILE, or PRK may each have different pricing, influenced by the level of customisation and equipment required.
At Nethradhama, we strive to offer competitive pricing while delivering world-class care. Our focus is on affordability, the provision of the highest safety standards, and the latest advancements in refractive laser eye surgery.
When considering refractive surgery cost, it’s important to weigh the long-term value—freedom from glasses, fewer ongoing expenses on lenses, and improved quality of life. During your consultation, our team will discuss available options transparently, helping you select a solution that suits both your vision needs and budget.
Clearer sight should feel like a smart, empowering investment—and we’re here to make that possible.
At Nethradhama, refractive surgery is a personal experience shaped by care, technology, and trust. Our super speciality eye hospital is equipped with the latest advancements, including refractive laser eye surgery systems and advanced diagnostics.
What sets us apart is our commitment to patient comfort. From detailed consultations to post-operative care, our expert surgeons and compassionate team walk with you every step of the way. We tailor solutions based on your unique eye condition, whether it’s glaucoma, a thin cornea, or complex retinal concerns.
The first NABH accredited hospital in India for maintaining national quality standards.
Nethradhama Eye Hospital has introduced many state-of-the-art equipment that were firsts both nationally and globally.
One of the lowest surgical complication rates worldwide with the help of highly experienced and skilled doctors
Efficient day care procedures with a low turn around time to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
We have implemented comprehensive hygiene and safety protocols to provide a safe and clean environment for everyone.
Our patients always come first, and we strive to provide personalized and compassionate care to each and every patient who walks through our doors.
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Most people feel no pain during refractive surgery thanks to numbing eye drops. You might notice slight pressure or mild discomfort, but it’s brief and manageable. After the procedure, a mild gritty sensation or dryness may occur, but these symptoms typically fade within a few days.
For most people, refractive surgery provides long-term results. Once your vision stabilises after healing, the improvement often lasts for decades. Some people may notice slight changes with age, but serious regression is rare with techniques like advanced LASIK or SMILE.
Anyone struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism could benefit from refractive surgery. It’s also helpful for those tired of relying on glasses or contacts daily. Athletes, frequent travellers, and people in visually demanding jobs often explore it as a lifestyle upgrade.
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery, but there are several other options, like PRK or SMILE. The “better” choice depends on your eye health, corneal thickness, and lifestyle. Your surgeon at Nethradhama will recommend what’s most suitable after a full assessment.
Most people resume light activities within two or three days of refractive surgery. However, full healing and visual sharpness can take a few weeks. Techniques like SMILE often result in quicker recovery compared to surface-based treatments like PRK.
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