LASIK & The New "SMILE" Surgery: Vision Correction Costs 2025
Introduction
Glasses are a hassle. Contacts are an ongoing expense. Laser vision correction is freedom. While LASIK has been around for decades, the new SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure is a game-changer—it is bladeless, flapless, and painless.
LASIK vs SMILE
- LASIK: Creates a flap in the cornea. Great for most, but risk of dry eye.
- SMILE: Minimally invasive keyhole surgery. Faster healing, better for contact sports.
Pricing: A Clear Winner
| Procedure | USA Cost (Per Eye) | India Cost (Per Eye) |
|---|---|---|
| Bladeless LASIK | $2,200 | $400 - $600 |
| SMILE / Silk | $3,500 - $4,500 | $800 - $1,000 |
Best Hospitals
India's eye hospitals (like Narayana Nethralaya and Sankara Nethralaya) are high-volume centers of excellence. They use the same Carl Zeiss VisuMax lasers as the top clinics in London or New York.
Recovery
With SMILE, you can often fly home 48 hours after surgery. It is the perfect "medical tourism" procedure: low risk, high reward, and leaves you plenty of time to sightsee.
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