Eligibility Criteria for Refractive Surgery in India: Complete Candidacy Guide
Who Is Eligible for Refractive Surgery in India?
General Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18+ with stable prescription for at least 12 months (some surgeons prefer 21+)
- Myopia typically up to -12.00 D, hyperopia up to +6.00 D, astigmatism up to 6.00 D—limits vary by procedure
- Adequate corneal thickness after accounting for flap depth and tissue removal
- Healthy corneas without keratoconus, significant scarring, or active infection
- No uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune conditions affecting healing, or pregnancy/nursing
- Realistic expectations about outcomes and awareness of possible side effects
Procedure-Specific Eligibility
| Procedure | Best Suited For | Common Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK | Stable prescription, adequate corneal thickness | Thin cornea, irregular topography, severe dry eye |
| SMILE | Myopia and astigmatism, active lifestyles | Hyperopia, very high astigmatism (platform-dependent) |
| PRK | Thin corneas, athletes at contact injury risk | Slow healers, occupations requiring rapid visual recovery |
| ICL | High myopia, thin corneas, LASIK not suitable | Shallow anterior chamber, narrow angles, uncontrolled glaucoma |
| Contoura Vision | Irregular corneas, quality-of-vision priority | Same corneal thickness requirements as LASIK |
Tests Required Before Refractive Surgery
- Corneal topography and tomography—to detect keratoconus and irregular astigmatism
- Pachymetry—central corneal thickness measurement
- Wavefront aberrometry—for personalised treatment planning
- Dry eye assessment—tear break-up time, Schirmer test, meibomian evaluation
- Dilated retinal exam—to rule out retinal holes, tears, or pathology
- Pupil size mapping in dim light—for night vision risk assessment
Book an Eligibility Assessment
Dr. Nikhil Nasta
Dr. Nikhil Nasta is the Founder & Lead Surgeon at iSight Eye Care. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in advanced cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care, dedicated to restoring vision and improving patients' quality of life.
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Khar & Dadar · NABH accredited
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Individual cases vary; consult a specialist for personalized advice.