LASER & ADVANCED PROCEDURES
Corneal laser procedures and treatments in Mumbai
Corneal laser procedures serve different purposes. Some reshape the cornea to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses; others, such as PTK, treat selected surface problems. At Truevision Eye Hospital in Opera House, Mumbai, Dr Jinish Upadhyay, ophthalmologist, can discuss options after assessing your eyes and vision. This article explains common procedures, how they differ, and questions to ask before deciding.
ABOUT CORNEAL LASER
What are corneal laser treatments?
Some corneal laser procedures reshape the clear front surface of the eye so light focuses more accurately, which can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for some people. Other laser procedures treat selected corneal surface conditions. The aim and expected result depend on the procedure and the reason it is being considered.
PROCEDURES
Which procedures may be discussed?
LASIK
A thin flap is created in the cornea, the underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser, and the flap is repositioned. Vision often clears relatively quickly, but healing and visual recovery differ between people. LASIK is not suitable for everyone.
PRK
The thin surface cell layer is removed before laser reshaping. That surface heals over several days. Early discomfort and a slower visual recovery than LASIK are common considerations; the ophthalmologist will explain the expected recovery for your eyes.
SMILE
A laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a small incision. It may be an option for some people with nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism. Availability and eligibility depend on the patient and the treating centre.
OTHER OPTIONS
Other corneal laser procedures
LASEK and TransPRK
These are surface laser techniques related to PRK. They differ in how the surface cell layer is moved or removed before the laser reshapes the cornea. Surface healing and visual recovery can take longer than after LASIK. The specific technique and recovery plan depend on the eye and the equipment used.
Topography-guided laser treatment
A treatment profile is planned using detailed maps of the cornea. In selected patients, it may be used to correct a refractive error and/or reduce certain corneal surface irregularities. Careful measurements and individual planning are essential; it is not suitable for every irregular cornea.
PTK (phototherapeutic keratectomy)
PTK uses an excimer laser to remove or smooth a limited amount of superficial corneal tissue. An ophthalmologist may consider it for selected surface problems, such as some superficial scars or opacities, surface irregularity, recurrent corneal erosions or certain corneal dystrophies. PTK is mainly therapeutic, rather than a routine way to correct a glasses prescription. It can change the prescription, and the underlying problem may recur.
Corneal cross-linking is different
Cross-linking is sometimes discussed alongside corneal procedures, including for progressive keratoconus. It uses riboflavin eye drops and ultraviolet-A light to strengthen corneal tissue; it is not a laser vision-correction procedure. Its goal is to help slow progression, not to remove the need for glasses.
CHOOSING AN OPTION
How is the right option chosen?
There is no single best procedure for everyone. An ophthalmologist assesses your prescription and whether it has been stable, corneal shape and thickness, eye health, tear film, general health, medicines and visual needs. Contact lens wear can affect corneal measurements, so follow the clinic’s instructions about when to stop wearing lenses before testing.
SUITABILITY
Who may not be suitable?
Laser correction may be unsuitable or need to be delayed with an unstable prescription, certain corneal conditions or inadequate corneal thickness, significant dry eye, some eye or general health conditions, pregnancy or nursing, or previous eye surgery. Only a complete assessment can determine suitability.
RISKS
What are the possible risks?
Temporary dryness, fluctuating or blurred vision, glare, halos, light sensitivity and difficulty with night driving can occur. Infection, inflammation, under- or over-correction, need for additional treatment, and rare serious loss of vision are also possible. Risks differ by procedure and patient. Ask your ophthalmologist to explain your personal risks, benefits and alternatives, including glasses and contact lenses.
BEFORE AND AFTER
What should I expect before and after?
Before treatment, attend the recommended eye measurements and discuss your goals, medicines, health history and alternatives. Arrange transport home if advised. After treatment, use prescribed drops exactly as directed, attend every follow-up, and follow instructions about rubbing the eyes, makeup, swimming, exercise and contact sports. Do not restart contact lenses unless your eye doctor says it is safe.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Will I never need glasses again?
Not necessarily. Laser treatment may reduce dependence on glasses, but it cannot promise glasses-free vision for every activity or prevent age-related changes such as difficulty focusing up close.
Is laser vision correction painless and risk-free?
Numbing drops are commonly used, but pressure or temporary discomfort may occur. No surgery is risk-free. Ask about the specific procedure proposed for you and take time to decide.
What is PTK eye surgery?
PTK, or phototherapeutic keratectomy, is an excimer laser treatment that removes or smooths selected superficial corneal tissue. It may be considered for certain corneal surface problems after an examination. It is different from PRK, which is primarily used to reshape the cornea to correct refractive error.
Does PTK correct my glasses prescription?
PTK is mainly used to treat selected corneal surface conditions, not as routine glasses-prescription correction. Because it removes tissue, it can change the eye’s focusing power; your ophthalmologist should discuss the possible effect on your prescription.
Where can I discuss corneal laser treatment in Opera House, Mumbai?
Start with a comprehensive examination and a discussion of your individual measurements, expected benefits, risks, recovery and alternatives. At Truevision Eye Hospital in Opera House, Mumbai, Dr Jinish Upadhyay, ophthalmologist, can discuss these questions with you; the appropriate treatment depends on clinical assessment.
CONTACT
Contact and next step
To discuss whether a corneal laser procedure or treatment may be appropriate, contact Truevision Eye Hospital in Opera House, Mumbai, to arrange an eye assessment with Dr Jinish Upadhyay, ophthalmologist. Recommendations follow an individual examination.
Medical disclaimer
This information is for general education and is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. It does not replace an examination or discussion with an ophthalmologist. Procedures, suitability, recovery and risks vary. Do not make a treatment decision based on this article alone.
Further reading
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, “What Is Refractive Surgery?”
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, “What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?”
- American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki, “Phototherapeutic Keratectomy”
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Corneal Cross-Linking”
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “LASIK” patient information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?”