success rate of lasik eye surgery in India: How Safe Is Eye Surgery In 2025?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery has become a preferred choice for vision correction, offering millions of people worldwide the opportunity to enjoy clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. But how successful is LASIK eye surgery in India, particularly in 2025? This blog covers the success rate of LASIK eye surgery in India, its effectiveness, potential risks, and who qualifies as an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Success Rates of LASIK Eye Surgery in India

India is home to some of the world’s top ophthalmology centers, providing high success rates for LASIK surgery. The overall success rate of LASIK surgery in India hovers around 96%-98%, which is on par with global standards. This statistic implies that the vast majority of patients experience significantly improved vision after the procedure.

How Risky is LASIK?

While LASIK surgery is considered safe, it’s essential to understand that like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. The risks associated with LASIK include corneal flap complications, night vision issues, dry eyes, and, in rare cases, vision loss. However, the failure rate of LASIK is less than 1%, and severe complications are extremely rare.

LASIK Failure Rate: What You Should Know

The LASIK failure rate is remarkably low, sitting between 0.3% to 0.5%. In cases where LASIK does not provide the expected results, enhancement procedures can often correct the issue. Though not 100% fail-proof, LASIK offers consistent results for most patients, and complications can usually be managed through follow-up treatments.

Is LASIK 100% Effective?

LASIK is highly effective, but it is not 100% foolproof. For some patients, there may be residual vision issues, such as slight nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, even after surgery. Moreover, individuals over 40 may still require reading glasses post-LASIK due to age-related vision changes (presbyopia).

Benefits and Drawbacks of LASIK Surgery

Benefits:

• Quick recovery: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours.
• High success rate: As mentioned earlier, India reports a success rate of 96%-98% for LASIK.
• Minimal pain: LASIK is performed under topical anesthesia, making the procedure virtually painless.
• No need for glasses or contacts: For many, the freedom from corrective lenses is life-changing.

Drawbacks:

• Temporary side effects: Blurred vision, dry eyes, or glare around lights may occur during the recovery phase.
• Potential for regression: Although rare, some patients may see a return of their refractive error over time.
• Not for everyone: People with certain medical conditions or unstable vision prescriptions are not ideal candidates for LASIK.

Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction

Most patients report high satisfaction with LASIK. The patient satisfaction rate for LASIK in India is about 95%. Numerous factors, such as the skill of the surgeon, preoperative screening, and the equipment used, contribute to these high levels of satisfaction.

Experience So Far: What Patients Say

The majority of patients who undergo LASIK in India report excellent experiences. Positive testimonials mention improved quality of life, better night vision, and an overall sense of freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses. Post-surgery care and following medical advice are crucial for a smooth recovery, reducing the risks of complications.

Common Side Complications of LASIK Surgery

Although LASIK is safe and effective, there are some common side complications:

• Dry Eyes: Some patients experience dry eyes post-surgery, requiring lubricating eye drops for relief.
• Halos and Glare: These effects, especially at night, are common immediately after surgery but usually diminish over time.
• Fluctuating Vision: Some patients may experience temporary fluctuations in their vision as their eyes heal.
• Under or Overcorrection: In some cases, the surgery may not completely correct vision, necessitating additional treatment.

Who is Eligible for LASIK?

Not everyone qualifies for LASIK surgery. You are a good candidate for LASIK if:

• You are over 18 years old.
• You have a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
• Your corneas are healthy and thick enough to undergo the procedure.
• You don’t have certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases or severe dry eyes.
• You are not pregnant or nursing.

Patients with high myopia, thin corneas, or certain corneal conditions may not be suitable for LASIK but could be eligible for alternative procedures like Contoura Vision or SMILE surgery.

LASIK in 2025: The Future is Bright

With advancements in technology, such as Contoura Vision and SMILE surgery, LASIK continues to evolve, offering safer procedures and quicker recovery times. The introduction of wavefront-guided LASIK in many Indian clinics has helped improve outcomes by providing a more customized surgical experience tailored to each patient’s unique corneal shape.

Final words: Is LASIK Worth It?

The success rate of LASIK in India remains high, with the majority of patients enjoying clear, sharp vision post-surgery. If you’re eligible and prepared for the potential risks, LASIK can be a life-changing solution for those looking to get rid of glasses or contacts.

Before deciding on LASIK, it’s important to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine whether you’re a good candidate. The key to a successful outcome lies in choosing a reputable clinic and adhering to pre and post-surgery care.

Dr Shital

Dr. Shital S. Lalwani is an experienced ophthalmologist and general physician in Pune with over 21 years of experience. He practices at Jeevan Sparsh Eye Hospital Market Yard, Kondhawa, NIBM . Dr. Lalwani completed his MBBS in 2002 and DNB in Ophthalmology in 2006.