LASIK Eye Surgery Today!
LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a corrective surgery in which a thin layer of the cornea is opened so that a laser beam can reshape the cornea to eliminate the refractive errors of myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.
Why Is LASIK Needed?
When light no longer focuses on the retina, your vision becomes blurry. Doctors call this a refractive error. Modern LASIK can be performed for patients with the following vision problems:
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
A vision disorder in which you see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects become blurry. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is curved too sharply. This condition causes you to see nearby objects clearly, but not distant ones. Light rays focus in front of the retina and blur distance vision.
2. Astigmatism
A condition that occurs in the eye due to an asymmetrical or unevenly flattened corneal curve. Astigmatism causes overall blurry vision, disrupting focus at both near and far distances.
LASIK Methods
The LASIK method has evolved from the 1960s to today, and there are now three generations of LASIK methods available worldwide.
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the first type of eye surgery to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, made by creating a blade opening on the surface of the cornea.
- FemtoLASIK is a type of eye surgery that uses a femtosecond laser to create an opening on the corneal surface and an excimer laser to correct the refractive error. This makes the FemtoLASIK procedure more accurate and safer compared to earlier LASIK methods.
- Today’s LASIK technology, namely *ReLEx SMILE (Refractive Lenticule Extraction, Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and ReLEx SMILE PRO*, are the most current LASIK methods that can correct refractive errors without needing to create a corneal flap as is typically done in standard procedures.
The healing process becomes much faster, and the procedure only takes a few seconds. After the surgery is complete, vision will reach 80%, and will reach 100% within a few days.*
This is the future generation in the field of laser refractive surgery, using only a single femtosecond laser step in the entire procedure.
Unlike typical LASIK, with ReLEx SMILE and ReLEx SMILE PRO the patient does not need to move from one machine to another, because only one type of laser is used the Femtosecond Laser, making the surgical process far more comfortable and faster.
FemtoLASIK
FemtoLASIK Procedure
A femtosecond laser is used to create a very thin opening (flap), about 10mm, through millions of tiny laser spots fired onto the corneal surface. Using laser technology, the entire procedure is bladeless. Once the corneal flap layer is complete, the flap is gently lifted and the eye is ready for the second step.
Correction of myopia and astigmatism is performed using an excimer laser for a few seconds. After that, the flap is repositioned and will adhere on its own.
Benefits of FemtoLASIK
- A minimally invasive procedure
- Can eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- The entire process only takes a few minutes
ReLEx SMILE and ReLEx SMILE PRO
Procedure for ReLEx SMILE and ReLEx SMILE PRO
- The Visumax Femtosecond Laser creates a thin lens-shaped layer of corneal tissue (lenticule) within the inner layer of the cornea, then forms a 2-4mm corneal incision.
- The lenticule is then removed through that corneal incision, so the corneal structure remains intact and stable since no flap is created. The small corneal incision heals naturally. Removing the lenticule allows the eye to see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
Benefits of ReLEx SMILE and ReLEx SMILE PRO
- No flap-related complications, such as a shifted or wrinkled flap, since no flap is created during the procedure.
- No blade is used at all, only the Visumax Femtosecond Laser — making the process and healing phase faster.
- The laser incision process takes only 8 seconds for ReLEx SMILE PRO and 24 seconds for ReLEx SMILE
- A minimally invasive procedure, since this method only involves a 4mm incision.
- The surgical process only takes a few minutes.
- Because there is no flap, patients feel more comfortable and do not experience pain.
- Complaints of dry eyes after surgery are significantly reduced because there is no intervention on the upper corneal structure.
- Can eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Who needs LASIK? Patients with refractive eye disorders need to meet several requirements below.
Criteria for FEMTOLASIK, ReLEx SMILE, and ReLEx SMILE PRO
ReLEx SMILE and ReLEx SMILE PRO are very well suited for patients with high myopia, ranging from -1.00D to -10.00D, and astigmatism up to -5.00D. Meanwhile, FemtoLASIK can correct myopia from -1.00D to -15.00D and astigmatism up to -5.00D.
Ideal candidates for FEMTOLASIK, ReLEx SMILE, and ReLEx SMILE PRO
- Aged 18 years or older
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No history of eye disease
- Eye Conditions for FEMTOLASIK, ReLEx SMILE, and ReLEx SMILE PRO
- No significant change in eyeglass prescription over the past year. No corneal disease, significant retinal degeneration, severe dry eye, etc.
Risks of LASIK
Complications resulting in vision loss are very rare. However, certain side effects of LASIK surgery, particularly dry eyes and temporary vision problems such as light sensitivity are fairly common. These usually resolve after a few weeks or months. Risks of LASIK surgery include:
- Dry eyes, LASIK surgery causes a temporary decrease in tear production
- Under-correction, especially in patients with nearsightedness
- Vision problems, such as light sensitivity, glare, double vision
- Astigmatism caused by uneven tissue removal
- The laser removing too much corneal tissue
- Vision returning to its pre-surgery condition, although this is a less common complication
- Loss or change in vision, some people may not see as sharply or clearly as before
Are you one of the candidates above and interested in LASIK surgery? LASIK services at Ciputra SMG Eye Clinic are available for patients in Jakarta and Surabaya. For the Jakarta area, the LASIK clinic is located at Lotte Shopping Avenue Kuningan and Pondok Indah Mall (PIM). Meanwhile, for patients in Surabaya, LASIK services are available at Ciputra World Surabaya with modern facilities and the latest technology. Our doctors will explain the benefits of LASIK that will certainly benefit you. Our ophthalmologists will work with our team to help evaluate and provide the right treatment. Sign up and consult with us now!
FAQ
How Much Does LASIK Cost for One Eye?
The 2026 cost of LASIK eye surgery using the ReLEx SMILE method at Ciputra SMG Eye Clinic is Rp16,000,000 per eye and Rp32,000,000 for both eyes.
What Are the Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK eye surgery is generally safe, but it still carries risks such as temporary dry eyes, glare at night, or less-than-optimal correction in some cases. Serious risks are very rare and can usually be managed by a doctor.
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery Like?
LASIK is an eye surgery procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea so that vision becomes clearer and dependence on glasses or contact lenses is reduced.
How Long Does LASIK Last?
LASIK results are generally long-lasting and can last for years. However, changes in vision can still occur with age or certain eye conditions.
What Should Be Avoided After LASIK Eye Surgery?
After LASIK, patients are advised not to rub their eyes, to avoid dust or dirty water, to avoid swimming for a while, and to regularly use eye drops as directed by the doctor
