A Comprehensive Guide To Contact Lens Surgery & Cost Of It

Are you tired of the daily hassles of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Ever wondered if there’s a way out? Well, the good news is, there is! Contact lens surgery is a revolutionary procedure that’s paving the way for clear vision without the need for external visual aids. Intriguing, isn’t it? This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about contact lens surgery, including its benefits, risks, potential side effects, and associated costs. So, let’s get started!

What is Contact Lens Surgery?

Contact lens surgery involves placing a lens inside the eye, unlike traditional contact lenses that are worn on the surface of the eye. These lenses are designed to correct various vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Types of Contact Lens Surgery

There are two main types of contact lens surgery: Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) and Corneal Inlays.

• Implantable Contact Lenses: In this procedure, a lens is inserted between the eye’s natural lens and the iris or just behind the iris. The lens can be removed or replaced if necessary, offering a certain level of flexibility.

• Corneal Inlays: Corneal Inlays are tiny lenses or devices inserted into the cornea to improve reading vision in people who have presbyopia. These devices work by changing the way light enters your eye.

How Does Contact Lens Surgery Work?

Understanding the procedure of contact lens surgery can help alleviate any concerns you might have about the process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it typically works:

• Preparation: Before the surgery, the eye is thoroughly cleaned to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia is applied, usually in the form of eye drops, to numb the eye and ensure the procedure is painless.
• Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea or the white part of the eye (sclera), depending on the type of lens being implanted.
• Lens Insertion: The surgeon then inserts the lens through the incision. In the case of Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL), the lens is placed either behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and in front of the eye’s natural lens or between the iris and the eye’s natural lens. For corneal inlays, the lens is implanted within the layers of the cornea.
• Closure: The incision is so small that it often doesn’t require stitches to close. It typically self-seals due to the eye’s natural healing process.
• Post-Procedure Care: After the surgery, you’ll be given antibiotics to prevent infection, along with the anti-inflammatory eye drops to help control inflammation. You might also be advised to wear a protective shield over your eye, especially while sleeping, to avoid accidentally rubbing your eye.

Benefits of Contact Lens Surgery

Contact lens surgery has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. It’s a compelling alternative for those seeking a more permanent solution to their vision problems. Here are some of the primary benefits of contact lens surgery:

• Improved Vision: The most significant benefit of contact lens surgery is the marked improvement in vision. Many patients report better visual acuity post-surgery, helping them perform daily activities with ease.
• Permanent Solution: Unlike glasses or external contact lenses that require constant maintenance and replacement, contact lens surgery offers a more long-term solution to refractive errors. It’s a one-time procedure that can potentially last a lifetime.
• No More Daily Hassles: If you’ve ever fumbled to find your glasses in the morning or struggled with the routine of cleaning and wearing contact lenses, you’ll appreciate the convenience that contacts lens surgery brings. Once you’ve recovered from the surgery, you won’t have to worry about these daily hassles.
• Quick and Painless Procedure: The procedure itself is relatively quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s typically painless due to the use of local anesthesia.
• Fast Recovery: Recovery from contact lens surgery is generally quick. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.
• Better Aesthetic Appeal: For some, the prospect of not having to wear glasses is a major draw. Contact lens surgery can provide a boost in self-confidence by improving not just the vision but also aesthetic appeal.
• Potential Cost Savings: While the upfront cost of the surgery can be high, over the long term, you might find it more cost-effective. You’ll save on the recurring costs of glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies.

Are Contact Lenses 100% Safe? 

While contact lens surgery is considered safe with a high success rate, it’s still a surgical procedure and carries potential risks, including:

• Infection or Inflammation: As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection or inflammation.
• Cataract Formation: There’s a slight risk that the procedure could lead to early cataract formation.
• Retinal Detachment: Though rare, this serious condition can occur, particularly in individuals with high degrees of myopia.
• Endothelial Cell Loss: This refers to the loss of cells in the inner layer of the cornea. While some cell loss is expected after surgery, excessive cell loss can affect the health of the cornea.

Patients might also experience temporary side effects after surgery such as dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, or a slight decrease in night vision. These usually improve within a few weeks to a few months after surgery.

The Cost Of Contact Lens Surgery

Indeed, one of the foremost concerns for many considering this surgery is the cost. It’s a valid concern given that it can represent a significant financial investment. So, how much does contact lens surgery typically cost?

While it’s challenging to provide a precise figure due to the variability in pricing, generally, you can expect the cost to range from INR 1,10,000 to INR 2,20,000 per eye. This price typically includes pre-surgery consultations, the surgery itself, and post-surgery follow-up care.

Several factors can influence the cost of contact lens surgery, including:

• Type of Procedure
• Surgeon’s Expertise
• Geographical Location
• Technology Used
• Follow-up Care
• Additional Fees

Is Contact Lens Surgery Painful?

The thought of any surgery, particularly one involving the eyes, can understandably cause some anxiety. However, one of the advantages of contact lens surgery is that it is generally not painful.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, often in the form of numbing eye drops. This means you’ll be awake during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. You might feel some pressure or slight discomfort when the surgeon makes the incision or implants the lens, but this sensation is usually minimal and brief.

After the surgery, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, a gritty feeling in the eye, or light sensitivity. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any post-operative discomfort. Your surgeon may also prescribe eye drops to help with inflammation and prevent infection.

If you experience severe pain after the procedure, it’s important to contact your eye care professional right away, as it could indicate a complication.

Can I Wear Contact Lenses Permanently?

The idea of wearing contact lenses permanently might sound appealing, especially for those who dislike glasses or are inconvenienced by the daily routine of cleaning and inserting contact lenses. However, it’s essential to understand that traditional external contact lenses are not designed for permanent wear.

Extended-wear contact lenses can be worn for days or a week but must eventually be removed to rest your eyes. Prolonged usage of these lenses can heighten the risk of complications, such as infections or corneal ulcers. These risks arise due to the decreased oxygen supply to your corneas caused by continuous contact lens wear.

In contrast, the contact lenses used in contact lens surgery are meant to be a more permanent solution. They are implanted inside the eye and are designed to stay there indefinitely. These implantable contact lenses can provide clear vision without the daily hassle of dealing with traditional external contact lenses.

Conclusion

Contact lens surgery offers a potentially life-changing solution for many people, freeing them from the constraints and hassles of glasses or traditional contact lenses. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the risks and to have a thorough discussion with your eye care professional.

Consider exploring other advanced vision correction alternatives as well. At EyeMantra, we offer a wide range of advanced Lasik options, including PRK, Femto Lasik, SMILE surgery, Standard LASIK, ICL, and Contoura vision.

Whether you’re curious about contact lens surgery, Lasik, or any other aspect of vision correction, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you have any questions about Lasik surgery in Delhi, its cost, or the procedure, feel free to call us at 9711116605 or email us at [email protected].