There are some types of surgeries that do not include emergency, necessary, and life-saving procedures. Despite not being urgent, these surgeries can greatly improve a person’s quality of life if performed at the right time and in the right manner, and LASIK is one such surgery.
LASIK is used to correct vision problems. Most people with eyeglasses often opt for LASIK since it is a safe and quick procedure that can be completed in less than a few hours.
Unfortunately, many health insurance plans may not include these non-urgent surgeries. So you have to opt for a medical insurance policy that covers such procedures. To find out the best health insurance plans that offer LASIK surgery, you need to compare health insurance policies.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and is a common procedure to help people with vision problems. LASIK can be used to address conditions like hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (near-sightedness), and astigmatism.
Hyperopia refers to the inability to see nearby objects clearly, while myopia is the opposite—difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Astigmatism, on the other hand, causes both near and far blurred vision due to irregular eye curvature. People experiencing these issues are often prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK, or laser eye surgery, aims to correct vision problems and eliminate the need for prescription glasses or lenses. This can greatly improve one’s quality of life by reducing reliance on visual aids.
Types of LASIK Eye Surgeries
- Wavefront Guided LASIK: This procedure uses advanced wavefront technology to create a detailed map of the patient’s eye. The laser then reshapes the cornea based on this map, to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and also other irregularities that can impact vision.
- Wave Optimised LASIK: Almost like wavefront-guided LASIK, this technique also utilises wavefront technology but focuses mainly on fixing common refractive errors rather than higher-order anomalies. It aims to preserve the natural shape of the cornea while providing enhanced vision correction.
- Topography Guided LASIK: In this type of procedure, the corneal irregularities are precisely measured using corneal topography mapping technology. The laser then reshapes the cornea based on the specific topography, addressing refractive issues and providing precise vision correction.
- All-Laser LASIK: Also known as bladeless LASIK or femtosecond LASIK, this technique replaces the use of a microkeratome blade with a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap. All-laser LASIK offers increased precision, control, and potentially faster recovery compared to traditional LASIK.
Is LASIK Surgery Covered by Health Insurance?
If you seek LASIK surgery insurance or a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers this treatment, you can compare health insurance plans from Tata AIG or other insurance providers.
Health insurance covers LASIK eye surgery in India under certain conditions.
- The refractive error of the eye is a result of an accident or injury.
- There have to be refractive errors, equal or higher than 7.5 dioptres.
- Physical limitations or deformity, or lack of tolerance or pain necessitating a LASIK surgery.
LASIK Procedure and Cost
If you are affected by any of the above conditions, LASIK might be a suitable option to eliminate the need for glasses. However, before deciding on laser eye surgery, it is crucial to understand the procedure, the associated costs and if LASIK surgery is covered by your health insurance.
In India, the cost of LASIK would be anywhere between ₹30,000 – ₹80,000, depending on the type of LASIK procedure.
- Typically, the LASIK procedure takes around 30-45 minutes to complete. Numbing drops are used to ensure your comfort during the surgery.
- The laser is then employed to reshape your cornea, improving If both eyes require the procedure, it is often performed on the same day.
- Do note that it is necessary to consult your doctor to determine if LASIK is suitable for you. They can advise you on the procedure’s viability and provide necessary guidelines.
- You may need to discontinue wearing contact lenses for a few days before the surgery. Your eye health will be assessed to ensure your eligibility for the laser procedure.
Conclusion
Most people need a LASIK eye treatment at some point in life, especially if their eyeglasses are too cumbersome to handle. If your health insurance policy or medical insurance in India covers LASIK surgery, you can save a considerable amount of medical expenses on this procedure.
Note that the cost of the treatment can vary, depending on the hospital and the type of LASIK surgery you choose. It is also vital to follow all the post-surgery precautions as prescribed by the doctor so that you can enjoy good eye health and not depend on eyeglasses anymore.