Pterygium: Symptoms, Causes, and Modern treatment options
Clear vision is no longer just a dream for those with myopia (nearsightedness). Thanks to advanced surgical options like LASIK and SMILE, millions of people have said goodbye to glasses and contact lenses. But what really happens during and after myopia surgery? If you’re considering taking the leap, understanding the entire process can help ease anxiety and prepare you for the journey ahead.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after myopia surgery so you can make an informed and confident decision.
What is myopia surgery?
Myopia surgery is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct nearsightedness by reshaping the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—so that light rays focus directly on the retina. The most common procedures include:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Your ophthalmologist will determine the most suitable procedure based on your eye health, corneal thickness, and lifestyle.
Before surgery: How to prepare
1. Comprehensive eye evaluation
You’ll undergo a detailed eye exam to measure:
- Corneal thickness and shape.
- Pupil size.
- Refractive error.
- Eye pressure and overall health.
2. Stop wearing contact lenses
You’ll be advised to switch to glasses for at least 1–2 weeks before the evaluation, as contact lenses can alter your corneal shape.
3. Medical history review
Inform your doctor about any medications or systemic health conditions.
4. Discussion of expectations
Your surgeon will explain:
- Benefits and risks.
- Likely outcomes.
- Realistic expectations. (e.g., some may still need reading glasses after 40)
During surgery: Step-by-Step experience
Most myopia surgeries take less than 15 minutes per eye and are painless, thanks to numbing eye drops.
LASIK:
- A thin flap is created on the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
- The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue.
- The flap is repositioned—no stitches needed.
SMILE:
- A small lenticule (disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue) is created inside the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
- The lenticule is removed through a small incision.
- The cornea reshapes naturally—no flap required.
PRK:
- The surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed.
- The underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser.
- A bandage contact lens is placed to aid healing.
What you may feel:
- Mild pressure on the eye.
- Light flashes or blurred vision during the procedure.
- No pain due to numbing drops.
After surgery: Recovery and Results
Immediate aftercare:
- Vision may be blurry or hazy for the first few hours.
- Mild discomfort, burning, or tearing is normal.
- You’ll rest at the clinic briefly before going home.
First 24–48 hours:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and dryness.
- Wear protective eye shields while sleeping.
First week:
- Avoid makeup, swimming, dusty environments.
- Most people can resume work within 1–3 days (especially after LASIK or SMILE).
Recovery Timeline After Myopia Surgery:
- Day 1: Improved vision begins.
- Week 1: Vision stabilizes, though some dryness may persist.
- Month 1–3: Final vision clarity is achieved.
- 6 Months: Full healing occurs, and vision becomes stable.
Risks and Side effects
While modern myopia surgeries are safe and effective, every procedure carries some risk:
- Dry eyes. (usually temporary)
- Glare or halos around lights at night.
- Under or overcorrection. (rare)
- Infection or delayed healing. (very rare)
Choosing an experienced eye surgeon and following post-op care strictly can greatly reduce risks.
When to call your doctor?
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Severe eye pain or redness.
- Sudden drop in vision.
- Persistent halos or glare.
- Discharge or swelling.
Is myopia surgery right for you?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You’re 18+ with stable vision for at least a year.
- Your cornea is healthy and thick enough.
- You don’t have uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
- You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Myopia surgery is a life-changing step toward visual freedom. Whether you choose LASIK, SMILE, or PRK, understanding what to expect helps you make informed choices and eases the recovery process. With advanced technology and expert care, achieving clear vision is more accessible than ever.
At Krisha Eye Hospital, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced laser systems, and the skilled hands of experienced ophthalmologists to deliver superior outcomes. From initial consultation to complete recovery—we’re with you every step of the way.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a glasses-free life!
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
While results are long-lasting for most people, in some cases—especially with high myopia or unstable prescriptions—vision changes can occur over time, and a touch-up surgery may be needed.
Most candidates are 18 years or older with a stable prescription. However, people above 40–45 should be evaluated carefully, especially if they have presbyopia or other age-related eye conditions.
Yes, but your ophthalmologist may recommend treating dry eye syndrome before surgery to ensure better healing and reduce postoperative dryness.
The cost varies depending on the procedure (LASIK, SMILE, PRK), technology used, and the clinic’s expertise. On average, it ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1,20,000 per eye.
Most patients enjoy glasses-free vision after surgery. However, you may still need reading glasses after age 40 or mild correction for high-performance tasks (e.g., night driving).
Light exercise like walking is okay after 2–3 days, but avoid swimming, gym workouts, and contact sports for at least 2–4 weeks depending on your surgeon’s advice.
Yes, in most cases, both eyes are treated on the same day, especially with LASIK and SMILE. PRK may sometimes be done one eye at a time due to longer recovery.
Long-term side effects are rare. Some people may experience night glare or dry eyes for a few months, but permanent complications are extremely uncommon with modern techniques.