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It offers quick and reliable vision correction. Across India, it has become one of the most sought-after procedures, especially among young adults who dream of living without the constant dependence on spectacles. At its core, LASIK is a laser surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. By changing the way light enters and focuses on the retina, the procedure corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The appeal lies in its promise of sharp vision almost immediately, with only a short recovery period. WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM LASIK? Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, and that's where expert screening becomes crucial. "The cornea must have enough thickness and shape to allow safe reshaping," Dr. Prabhakar G. V., Consultant Cataract Cornea LASIK at Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, tells IndiaToday.in, explaining that the surgery works best for adults above 18 years of age with stable eye power for at least a year. He adds that patients should not have ongoing infections, dry eye disease or uncontrolled conditions like keratoconus. According to Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Bangalore, healthy eyes and overall good health are essential. "Anybody with a very thin cornea, abnormalities in its shape, severe dry eyes, cataract, glaucoma, or systemic issues like uncontrolled diabetes is not suitable for LASIK. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also temporary disqualifiers," she explains. Age too plays a role. LASIK is usually recommended between 20 and 40 years, when the eye power is stable and before age-related changes like presbyopia (difficulty reading up close)begin. "Beyond 60, cataracts become more common, and in such cases, other surgeries may be more appropriate," says Dr. Prabhakar. Dr. Vatsa adds that while LASIK can still be performed into the late 40s, beyond that, cataract surgery may be a better option since it can address both distance and near vision. RISKS, RESULTS AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Like any surgery, LASIK comes with risks, although serious complications are rare with modern technology. In the days and weeks after surgery, patients may experience irritation, dryness, glare or halos around lights. "These are common in the short term but tend to resolve within three to six months," says Dr. Prabhakar. As many as half of patients experience some dryness or visual disturbances initially, but less than 5% continue to face these problems long-term. CAN LASIK CORRECT YOUR EYES FOREVER? The question most patients ask is whether LASIK guarantees a spectacle-free life forever. The honest answer, doctors say, is no. "Most people achieve 6/6 vision or close to it, which means they rarely need glasses for daily tasks. But perfection cannot be promised," says Dr. Prabhakar. Factors like long hours on digital devices, very fine print or age-related changes may still require the use of glasses. Dr. Vatsa points out that while 95% of patients achieve excellent vision after surgery, those with very high eye power could still need low-powered glasses for fine-tuning. For the majority, the results are permanent, but a small number may notice some regression of vision over time, especially if they had high myopia to begin with. About five to ten percent may require a second corrective procedure, sometimes called an "enhancement," if the initial correction doesn't fully meet expectations. LASIK AND BEYOND LASIK is still the most popular refractive surgery worldwide because of its speed, safety and predictable results. Yet, newer procedures are gradually finding their place. SMILE, a flapless technique, involves a smaller incision and is considered gentler on the cornea, making it appealing to those with very high myopia or who play contact sports. PRK, a surface procedure, is another option for people with thinner corneas, though it has a longer recovery time. Despite these newer options, both Dr. Prabhakar and Dr. Vatsa say that LASIK continues to deliver excellent results when patients are chosen carefully. A thorough pre-surgery evaluation, which checks the cornea's thickness and shape, assesses tear film and pupil size, and rules out hidden eye disease, is non-negotiable. "A good surgeon will never rush LASIK," says Dr. Prabhakar. "Proper screening is the key to safety." LASIK is not about a miracle cure but about freedom - freedom from glasses or contact lenses for most of life's activities. With proper evaluation and realistic expectations, LASIK can transform vision and quality of life. But remember: it reduces dependence on glasses, rather than promising a spectacle-free life forever.