Cornea & Refractive Surgery

Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Astigmatism

1.2 million people in India live with corneal opacities.

420,000 people suffer from corneal blindness.

2nd leading cause of blindness in Indians aged 50+.

1st cause of blindness in younger Indians.

42.16% of people in South India have refractive errors

Higher prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors (esp. myopia) in urban children compared to rural children

Major Causes in India:

  • Infections: Trachoma, Keratitis 
  • Vitamin A deficiency 
  • Poor hygiene & delayed treatment 
  • Limited healthcare access in rural areas

Influencing Factors:

  • Genetics 
  • Environment (e.g., near work, night lighting, UV exposure)
  • Nutritional deficiences

Preventable and Treatable Conditions:

A significant portion of childhood blindness and visual impairment in India is preventable or treatable, particularly through early detection and management of refractive errors and other conditions.

What is Cornea & Refractive Surgery?

Cornea and refractive surgery focuses on treating corneal conditions and correcting vision problems caused by refractive errors. These procedures can restore clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

What does Corneal Surgery do?

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that helps focus light. Corneal surgery treats diseases, injuries, or abnormalities such as:

  • Keratoconus (thinning and bulging of the cornea)
  • Corneal scars or infections
  • Fuchs’ dystrophy (corneal endothelial cell degeneration)
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea)

What does Refractive Surgery do?

Refractive surgery corrects vision problems caused by improper light focus, such as:

  • Myopia (Nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism (irregular cornea or lens shape causing blurred vision)
  • Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)

What are the Different Corneal and Refractive Surgeries?

Common Corneal Surgeries:
  • Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty): Replaces damaged cornea with donor tissue.
  • DMEK/DSEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty): Partial thickness transplant for corneal diseases.
  • PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy): Laser treatment for corneal irregularities and scars.
  • Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Strengthens the cornea to halt keratoconus progression.
Common Refractive Surgeries:
  • LASIK: A precision-based laser procedure that reshapes vision and reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
  • PRK: Similar to LASIK but without a corneal flap (preferred for thinner corneas).
  • SMILE: Minimally invasive laser procedure for myopia and astigmatism.
  • ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Adds an internal lens without reshaping the cornea.
  • RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Replaces the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), suitable for presbyopia or high refractive errors.
  • Contoura Vision: A topography-guided LASIK offering personalised correction based on the eye’s surface contour.
  • Additional refractive enhancements: Customised laser procedures depending on corneal mapping and visual requirements.

Who Needs Corneal & Refractive Surgeries

Who Needs Corneal Surgery?

Ideal candidates include individuals with:

  • Keratoconus (progressive corneal thinning)
  • Corneal scars from infections or injuries
  • Fuchs’ Dystrophy (corneal cell degeneration)
  • Corneal ulcers or severe infections
  • Corneal edema (often post-cataract surgery)

Who is a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

You may qualify if you:

  • Are 18+ years old (stable refraction)
  • Have mild to high refractive errors (near/far/astigmatism)
  • Have healthy corneas with adequate thickness (no keratoconus)
  • Do not have active eye disease (severe dry eye, glaucoma)
  • Are not pregnant or nursing (hormonal changes affect stability)

Our Approach

  • Comprehensive eye exams (topography, corneal thickness, tear evaluation)
  • Consultation with expert cornea and refractive surgeons
  • Personalized treatment based on lifestyle and vision needs
  • Clear expectations for long-term vision outcomes
Considering Cornea or Refractive Surgery? Schedule a consultation today to explore your best treatment options!