LASIK in Kolkata: who it suits, and who it doesn't
LASIK reshapes the front of the eye with a laser so you can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. It is an excellent operation for the right eyes. The first appointment is a careful assessment, and part of Dr. Das's job is telling some people not to have it.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ananyabrata Das, MBBS, DOUpdated 21 October 2026
Are you a candidate?
You are likely to be suitable if:
- You are 18 or older, and your glasses power has not changed by more than about 0.5 D in the last year
- Your power is within the range the cornea can safely correct (for most people up to around −8 D of myopia, less for hyperopia)
- Your cornea is thick enough and regular in shape on mapping
- You don't have keratoconus, uncontrolled diabetes, active eye infection or severe dry eye
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
If LASIK isn't safe for your eyes, there are often other ways to get rid of glasses: PRK, SMILE, or an implantable contact lens (ICL). Some people are best left with glasses or lenses, and you deserve to hear that too.
What the assessment checks
- Refraction: your exact power, checked with and without dilating drops.
- Corneal topography and tomography: a map of the cornea's shape and thickness. This is the test that catches early keratoconus, the main reason people are turned down.
- Pachymetry: corneal thickness, which decides how much tissue can safely be reshaped.
- Tear film and dry-eye check: LASIK can worsen dry eye, so it is treated first.
- Dilated retina examination: high myopes in particular can have thin areas in the retina that need attention before any surgery.
LASIK, SMILE, PRK or ICL?
| Procedure | How it works | Often chosen when |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / Femto-LASIK | A thin flap is lifted, the cornea beneath is reshaped by an excimer laser, the flap is laid back. | Most myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Fast visual recovery. |
| Topography-guided LASIK | Laser treatment customised to your cornea's map. | Irregular corneas or a wish to reduce night-time glare. |
| SMILE | A small lens-shaped piece of tissue is removed through a tiny keyhole. No flap. | Myopia with or without astigmatism; contact sports. |
| PRK | The surface layer is removed and the cornea is reshaped directly. No flap. | Thinner corneas. Slower, more uncomfortable first week. |
| ICL | A thin lens is placed inside the eye, in front of your natural lens. | High power or a cornea too thin for laser. |
Which one suits you is decided by the assessment, not by the brochure.
The day itself
You'll lie down under the laser, the eye is numbed, and a small clip keeps it open. You'll look at a blinking light. The laser part takes seconds per eye; the whole procedure, minutes. Vision is foggy for a few hours, then clears. Most people see well enough to watch TV that evening.
Recovery
- Sleep with the shields on for a week. Don't rub your eyes.
- Drops: antibiotic and anti-inflammatory for about a week, lubricants for a few months.
- No swimming, eye make-up or dusty work for two weeks.
- Screens are fine after the first day, with frequent breaks and lubricant drops.
- Follow-up: day 1, week 1, month 1 and month 3.
Risks and side-effects
Dry eye for the first few months is common and usually settles. Some people notice halos or glare around lights at night, which also fades in most. Less commonly, the correction is slightly over or under target and a small enhancement is needed. Serious flap or corneal problems are rare, especially when the assessment is thorough.
LASIK corrects the power you have now. It does not stop the need for reading glasses after 40, which comes from the natural lens ageing.
Cost
The price depends on the technique (standard, femto, topography-guided, SMILE or ICL) and is the same for both eyes in most packages. See what decides LASIK cost in Kolkata.
Questions
Is LASIK permanent?
The reshaping of the cornea is permanent. Your eyes can still change with age, and most people need reading glasses after their mid-forties, LASIK or not.
Does LASIK hurt?
No. Numbing drops are used. You'll feel some pressure for a few seconds. Afterwards, the eyes can sting and water for a few hours.
Can I have LASIK with a power of −8 or more?
Sometimes. It depends on your corneal thickness and shape. Above a certain power, an ICL is usually safer and gives better quality of vision.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism (cylindrical power)?
Yes, in most cases, along with myopia or hyperopia.
What is the right age for LASIK?
18 at the earliest, once power is stable. Most people have it between 20 and 40. After 40, reading-glasses needs and early cataract change the conversation.