REFRACTIVE & VISION CORRECTION

Refractive Surgery in Kolkata

Freedom From Spectacles Starts With the Right Evaluation

Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism can make spectacles or contact lenses a regular part of everyday life.

Refractive surgery uses laser or lens-based techniques to reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses by correcting the way light is focused by the eye.

At Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, different vision-correction options—including LASIK, PRK, Phakic IOL/ICL and SILK—may be considered depending on your eye health, corneal measurements, refractive error, age, lifestyle and visual requirements.

Book a Refractive Consultation Check Your Eligibility

Vision Correction Personalised assessment

Corneal Evaluation Detailed measurements

Specialist Care Treatment planning

Multiple Vision-Correction Options Different approaches for different eyes

Detailed Pre-Surgical Evaluation Comprehensive eye assessment

Personalised Treatment Planning Based on your visual requirements

Specialist Refractive Care Specialist-led vision correction

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Dr. Doel Biswas

Refractive Surgery / Cornea

Reviewed by a qualified ophthalmologist

REVIEWED BY Dr. Doel Biswas

SPECIALITY Refractive Surgery / Cornea

Reg. No. 77520 (WBMC)

This page provides general information about refractive surgery. Whether a procedure is appropriate for you can only be determined after a comprehensive eye and corneal evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist.

UNDERSTANDING REFRACTIVE ERROR

What Is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery refers to procedures designed to correct refractive errors and reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses.

A refractive error occurs when the eye does not focus light precisely on the retina.

The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's individual eye characteristics, refractive error and visual requirements.

Myopia

Distant objects appear blurred while near objects may be clearer.

Hyperopia

Near objects may appear blurred, although the effect can vary depending on age and degree of hyperopia.

Astigmatism

Irregular curvature of the cornea or other optical structures can cause blurred or distorted vision.

Presbyopia

Age-related changes in the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects typically become noticeable after the age of 40.

One treatment does not suit every eye.

Different refractive procedures address different combinations of these conditions. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's individual eye characteristics.

VISION CORRECTION OPTIONS

What Refractive Procedures Are Available at Susrut?

Different vision-correction procedures are available for different eye conditions and patient requirements. Your suitability can only be determined after a comprehensive refractive evaluation.

LASER VISION CORRECTION

LASIK

Laser-based corneal reshaping

Suitable for selected patients with healthy corneas and appropriate refractive errors.

SURFACE LASER PROCEDURE

PRK

Flap-free laser vision correction

An alternative laser procedure in which the corneal epithelium is removed before the excimer laser reshapes the cornea.

LENTICULE-BASED CORRECTION

SILK

Flapless lenticule-based vision correction

A small lenticule is created within the cornea using a femtosecond laser and removed through a small incision.

LENS-BASED CORRECTION

Phakic IOL / ICL

Lens-based vision correction

An artificial lens is placed inside the eye while the natural lens remains in place. It can be considered for selected patients with high refractive errors who may not be suitable for corneal laser procedures.

Which procedure is right for you?

Suitability depends on factors including your eye health, corneal measurements, refractive error, age, lifestyle and visual requirements. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most appropriate option after a detailed evaluation.

LASER VISION CORRECTION

LASIK Surgery

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision-correction procedure that reshapes the cornea so that incoming light can be focused more accurately on the retina.

According to Susrut's current page, LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying corneal tissue using an excimer laser and repositioning the flap without stitches.

Personalised laser correction

The amount of corneal reshaping is determined according to the patient's refractive correction following a detailed pre-operative evaluation.

THE PROCEDURE

How LASIK Works

Corneal Flap

A thin flap is created in the cornea.

Laser Reshaping

An excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to the patient's refractive correction.

Flap Repositioning

The flap is repositioned and allowed to heal naturally.

SUITABLE REFRACTIVE ERRORS

What Can LASIK Correct?

LASIK can be used for selected patients with:

Myopia

Hyperopia

Astigmatism

Suitability matters. Whether LASIK is appropriate depends on the patient's eye health and detailed pre-operative evaluation.

LASIK ELIGIBILITY

Who May Be Suitable for LASIK?

A patient may be considered for LASIK after a detailed assessment of their eye health, corneal measurements and visual requirements.

Appropriate Age

Are an appropriate age for the procedure.

Stable Prescription

Have a stable spectacle prescription.

Healthy Corneas

Have healthy corneas suitable for laser vision correction.

Appropriate Corneal Thickness

Have corneal thickness appropriate for the planned procedure.

Suitable Eye Health

Do not have certain active or significant eye diseases.

Realistic Expectations

Have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcome.

Important

Being over 18 does not automatically make someone eligible for LASIK. A detailed corneal and eye-health assessment is essential.

READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?

Find out whether LASIK may be suitable for you.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

FLAP-FREE LASER VISION CORRECTION

PRK Vision Correction

What Is PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision-correction procedure that does not create a corneal flap.

Instead, the surface epithelium is removed and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea.

Susrut's existing refractive page describes PRK as an alternative for selected patients, including some people with thinner corneas or certain corneal conditions. It also notes that discomfort and visual recovery can be greater than with LASIK.

No Corneal Flap

PRK reshapes the cornea without creating the flap used in LASIK.

PATIENT SELECTION

PRK May Be Considered When

A Flap-Based Procedure

A flap-based procedure may not be appropriate.

Corneal Thickness or Shape

Corneal thickness or shape needs to be taken into account.

Certain Corneal Conditions

Certain corneal conditions are present and PRK may be considered appropriate.

Individual assessment is essential

The final decision should be made by the refractive surgeon after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's eyes.

FLAPLESS LENTICULE-BASED CORRECTION

SILK Eye Surgery

A flapless refractive procedure designed to reshape the cornea through the creation and removal of a small corneal lenticule.

UNDERSTANDING SILK

What Is SILK Eye Surgery?

SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is a flapless refractive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule within the cornea.

The lenticule is removed through a small incision, altering the corneal shape to correct the refractive error.

APPROX. 2–3 mm Incision

THE PROCEDURE

How SILK Works

Femtosecond Laser

The femtosecond laser is used as part of the procedure.

Lenticule Creation

A small lenticule is created within the cornea.

Small Incision

Access to the lenticule is created through a small incision.

Lenticule Removal

The created lenticule is removed through the small incision.

Corneal Reshaping

Removing the lenticule alters the corneal shape to correct the refractive error.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES

What May SILK Offer?

Depending on patient suitability, the procedure may offer:

Flap-Free Treatment

SILK is performed without creating a conventional corneal flap.

Small Incision

The lenticule is accessed and removed through a small incision.

Reduced Spectacle Dependence

The procedure may reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses in suitable patients.

Suitability is individual. Whether SILK is appropriate depends on your eye health, corneal characteristics, refractive error and detailed pre-operative assessment.

LENS-BASED VISION CORRECTION

Phakic IOL / ICL

An alternative vision-correction approach for selected patients who may not be suitable candidates for corneal laser procedures.

UNDERSTANDING PHAKIC IOL

What Is Phakic IOL Surgery?

A Phakic Intraocular Lens (Phakic IOL) is an artificial lens implanted inside the eye while the patient's natural lens remains in place.

It can be considered for selected patients with high refractive errors who may not be suitable candidates for corneal laser procedures.

NATURAL LENS REMAINS IN PLACE

PATIENT SELECTION

Potential Candidates May Include

Phakic IOL may be considered for selected patients following a comprehensive eye evaluation.

High Myopia

Patients with high levels of myopia may be considered for lens-based correction.

Corneal Limitations

Patients with corneal thickness or shape unsuitable for laser correction may be considered.

Reduced Spectacle Dependence

Selected patients who want to reduce their dependence on spectacles may be considered.

Important

Phakic IOL surgery is an intraocular procedure and therefore has a different risk profile from corneal laser procedures. A detailed evaluation is essential before deciding whether it is appropriate.

The right procedure depends on your eyes.

Your refractive surgeon will assess your refractive error, corneal characteristics, eye health and visual requirements before recommending an appropriate vision-correction option.

PERSONALised TREATMENT PLANNING

How Do We Decide Which Procedure Is Right for You?

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Refractive Surgery

The best procedure is not necessarily the newest procedure. Your ophthalmologist will consider your individual eye characteristics, visual needs and expectations before recommending a treatment option.

WHAT WE CONSIDER Your Individual Eye & Lifestyle Factors

Age

Spectacle Power

Prescription Stability

Corneal Thickness

Corneal Shape

Tear-Film / Dry Eye

Overall Eye Health

Retinal Health

Lifestyle

Occupational Requirements

Visual Expectations

THE DECISION PATHWAY

From Evaluation to Treatment

Eye Examination

A comprehensive assessment of your eyes and visual needs.

Corneal Imaging & Measurements

Detailed assessment of corneal structure and measurements.

Assessment of Refractive Error

Your refractive power and prescription are assessed.

Evaluation of Eye Health

Other relevant eye conditions and retinal health are considered.

Procedure Selection

The most appropriate option is selected based on the complete clinical picture.

Informed Consent

The recommended procedure, benefits, limitations and risks are discussed before treatment.

Your eyes determine the procedure — not the trend.

LASIK, PRK, SILK and Phakic IOL / ICL are different approaches. The most appropriate option should be selected only after a detailed individual assessment.

BEFORE REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Your eyes need more than a spectacle-power test.

Your Eyes Need More Than a Spectacle-Power Test

Before refractive surgery, your surgeon needs to establish whether your eyes are suitable for the procedure.

Susrut's current page specifically mentions Orbscan, Pentacam and eye scans as part of its pre-surgical evaluation.

Orbscan

Pentacam

Eye Scans

WHAT MAY BE ASSESSED

Comprehensive Eye Evaluation

Detailed Refraction

Assessment of your refractive error and spectacle prescription.

Corneal Topography / Tomography

Assessment of corneal shape and structure.

Corneal Thickness Measurement

Measurement of corneal thickness as part of suitability assessment.

Tear-Film & Dry-Eye Assessment

Evaluation of tear-film status and dry-eye concerns.

Eye-Pressure Measurement

Assessment of intraocular pressure where appropriate.

Anterior-Segment Examination

Detailed examination of the front structures of the eye.

Retinal Examination

Assessment of retinal health before proceeding with treatment.

Spectacle-Power Stability

Review of whether the refractive prescription has remained stable.

The purpose is not simply to decide whether you can have LASIK.

A refractive surgery consultation is an assessment of which procedure, if any, is appropriate for your eyes.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE

What Happens During Refractive Surgery?

The exact procedure depends on the treatment selected. Each vision-correction procedure uses a different approach to correct the refractive error.

LASER PROCEDURE

LASIK

01 Corneal Flap

A thin corneal flap is created.

02 Laser Reshaping

An excimer laser reshapes the cornea.

03 Flap Repositioning

The flap is repositioned to heal naturally.

FLAP-FREE LASER

PRK

01 Surface Removal

The surface epithelial layer is removed.

02 Laser Reshaping

An excimer laser reshapes the cornea.

03 Surface Healing

The corneal surface heals after treatment.

LENTICULE PROCEDURE

SILK

01 Lenticule Creation

A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule.

02 Small Incision

A small incision provides access to it.

03 Lenticule Removal

The lenticule is removed to reshape the cornea.

LENS-BASED PROCEDURE

Phakic IOL

Customised Lens Insertion

A customised lens is inserted inside the eye while the natural lens remains in place.

Different procedures, different techniques.

The procedure performed depends on the treatment selected after your eye examination, measurements and suitability assessment.

AFTER REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Recovery After Refractive Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure and the individual patient. Your surgeon will guide you through each stage of the healing process.

01 · LASER PROCEDURE

LASIK

Generally faster visual recovery

Many patients experience relatively rapid visual recovery, but the exact timeline varies from person to person.

02 · FLAP-FREE LASER

PRK

Generally slower recovery

Visual recovery is generally slower than LASIK because the corneal surface needs time to heal.

03 · LENTICULE PROCEDURE

SILK

Recovery varies

Visual recovery varies according to the patient and the individual procedure.

04 · LENS-BASED PROCEDURE

Phakic IOL

Individual healing

Recovery depends on the intraocular procedure and the patient's individual healing process.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

Your Recovery Instructions

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on the procedure performed and your individual recovery.

Eye Drops

Eye Protection

Screen Use

Swimming

Exercise

Contact With Water

Follow-Up Appointments

Returning to Work

Driving

Recovery is different for every patient.

Many patients experience rapid improvement in vision after some laser procedures, but recovery varies according to the procedure and the individual patient.

SAFETY & RISKS

Is Refractive Surgery Safe?

Refractive surgery uses established surgical techniques, but no eye procedure is completely risk-free. Possible risks vary by procedure and patient.

Dry-eye symptoms Glare or halos Vision fluctuations Under / over-correction Additional treatment Corneal complications Infection / inflammation Visual-quality changes

Your surgeon should discuss the benefits, limitations and risks relevant to your eyes before you make a decision.

EXPECTATIONS AFTER SURGERY

Will I Never Need Glasses After Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is designed to reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses, but spectacle independence cannot be guaranteed for every patient.

Original refractive error

Eye anatomy

Procedure selected

Age

Healing response

Other eye conditions

PRESBYOPIA Reading glasses may still be needed later in life.

As people age, the natural lens of the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on near objects. Therefore, someone who undergoes distance vision correction may still require reading glasses later in life.

AGE-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATION

Refractive Surgery for People Over 40

Patients over 40 need a more detailed discussion because presbyopia becomes increasingly relevant.

Near Vision Matters

If you are over 40, your refractive consultation should include a discussion about near vision and presbyopia.

Depending on your eyes and visual requirements, your surgeon may discuss different approaches to managing both distance and near vision.

HIGH REFRACTIVE ERROR

Refractive Surgery for High Spectacle Power

Patients with very high refractive errors may not always be suitable for corneal laser procedures. In selected cases, Phakic IOL / ICL may be considered.

SELECTED PATIENTS Phakic IOL / ICL

A lens-based vision-correction option that may be considered when corneal laser procedures are not suitable.

WHAT INFLUENCES THE DECISION

Degree of refractive error

Corneal characteristics

Anterior-chamber anatomy

Overall eye health

Retinal status

Patient expectations

WHY SUSRUT

Why Choose Susrut for Refractive Surgery?

Vision correction begins with understanding your eyes, your visual needs and which treatment is appropriate for you.

Multiple Vision-Correction Options

Susrut's current refractive service includes LASIK, Phakic IOL and SILK, with PRK also described as an available refractive procedure.

LASIK PRK SILK Phakic IOL

Detailed Pre-Surgical Evaluation

The current service page highlights corneal imaging including Orbscan and Pentacam as part of pre-operative assessment.

Corneal imaging & eye scans

Personalised Procedure Selection

The focus is on selecting an appropriate procedure based on the patient's eyes rather than promoting one procedure for everyone.

Treatment based on individual suitability

Specialist Refractive Care

Susrut's doctor listings include ophthalmologists with refractive and corneal training across its network.

Refractive & corneal expertise

The right refractive procedure depends on your individual eye characteristics, visual requirements and clinical evaluation.

OUR SPECIALISTS

Meet Our Refractive Surgery Specialists

Consult our ophthalmologists with expertise in refractive surgery, corneal evaluation and personalised vision-correction treatment planning.

Dr. Diptesh Das

Cataract & Cornea, Lasik & Refractive

Reg. No.: 64686 (WBMC)

Berhampore, Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

Dr. Alok Agrawal

Cataract & Cornea, Retina & Vitreous, Lasik & Refractive

Reg. No.: 68668 (WBMC)

Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

Dr. Anirban Kundu

Cataract & Cornea, Retina & Vitreous, Lasik & Refractive

Reg. No.: 55127 (WBMC)

Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

Dr. Ayan Chaudhuri

Cataract & Cornea, Lasik & Refractive

Reg. No.: 55120 (WBMC)

Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

Dr. Doel Biswas

Cataract & Cornea, Lasik & Refractive

Reg. No.: 77520 (WBMC)

Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

Dr. Navajyoti Goswami

Glaucoma Care, Lasik & Refractive, Cataract & Cornea, Oculoplasty

Reg. No.: 71709 (WBMC)

Saltlake

Book an appointment Call to book: 033 4050 6500

01 What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery includes procedures that correct refractive errors and can reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses.

02 What is LASIK?

LASIK is a laser vision-correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct selected refractive errors.

03 Is LASIK suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on factors including age, prescription stability, corneal thickness and shape, eye health and other individual factors.

04 What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

LASIK creates a corneal flap before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue. PRK does not create a flap; instead, the surface epithelium is removed before laser treatment. PRK generally has a longer visual recovery period.

05 What is SILK eye surgery?

SILK is a flapless refractive procedure in which a femtosecond laser creates a corneal lenticule that is removed through a small incision.

06 What is an ICL?

An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a phakic intraocular lens placed inside the eye while the natural lens remains in place.

07 Can ICL be used for high spectacle power?

Phakic IOLs can be considered for selected patients with high refractive errors, particularly when corneal laser procedures may not be appropriate.

08 How long does LASIK take?

The procedure itself is relatively short, but the complete visit includes preparation, evaluation and post-operative instructions. The exact time varies.

09 Can I undergo LASIK if I have dry eyes?

Significant dry-eye disease may affect suitability for refractive surgery. Your surgeon should evaluate the condition before recommending a procedure.

10 Can my spectacle power come back after LASIK?

Residual or recurrent refractive error can occur in some patients. The likelihood varies according to the original prescription, age, corneal characteristics and individual healing response.

11 Will I need reading glasses after LASIK?

Possibly. Presbyopia develops with age and can affect near vision even after successful distance refractive correction.

REFRACTIVE CARE AT SUSRUT

Ready to Explore Life Beyond Spectacles?

Refractive surgery can reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses — but the right procedure begins with the right evaluation.

Find out whether you are a candidate for refractive surgery at Susrut.

Book a Refractive Consultation Check Your Eligibility

Call Susrut