LASIK Eye Surgery in Thailand — Vision Correction at Leading Hospitals
A fast, precise, and lasting solution to refractive vision errors. Taking approximately 10 minutes per eye using advanced excimer laser technology. Join over 26,000 patients who have trusted us.
From $1,200
All-inclusive pricing
~30 Mins
Procedure time
Outpatient
Hospital stay
7 Days
Stay in Thailand
What Is LASIK?
LASIK — laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis — is a refractive eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct how light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. It is the most widely performed elective vision correction procedure in the world, with a global track record spanning more than 25 years and tens of millions of procedures.
How LASIK Corrects Vision
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. When it is too curved, too flat, or irregularly shaped, light does not focus properly on the retina, producing blurred vision. LASIK uses an excimer laser to precisely remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping it so that light focuses correctly.
Conditions LASIK Treats
- • Myopia (nearsightedness) — distant objects appear blurry because the cornea is too steeply curved or the eyeball is too long
- • Hyperopia (farsightedness) — close objects appear blurry because the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is too short
- • Astigmatism — both near and far vision are distorted due to an irregularly shaped cornea
LASIK vs Other Refractive Procedures
Thailand's ophthalmology centres also offer PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction), and implantable collamer lenses (ICL). Your surgeon recommends the most appropriate technique based on your corneal thickness, prescription, and lifestyle.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good Candidates
- Are at least 18 years of age (ideally 21+, when prescriptions tend to stabilise)
- Have had a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least 12 months
- Have sufficient corneal thickness — measured during a pre-operative screening
- Have myopia up to approximately -10.00 dioptres, hyperopia up to +4.00 dioptres, or astigmatism up to 5.00 dioptres
- Are in good general and ocular health with no active eye disease
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormonal changes temporarily affect vision
Not Appropriate If You
- Have thin or irregular corneas — PRK or ICL may be recommended instead
- Suffer from dry eye syndrome that is severe or poorly controlled
- Have keratoconus or other corneal degenerative conditions
- Have uncontrolled glaucoma, cataracts, or significant macular disease
- Have autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) that impair healing
- Have an unstable prescription that has changed in the past 12 months
A thorough pre-operative screening — including corneal topography, pachymetry (thickness measurement), pupil size assessment, and tear film evaluation — determines whether LASIK is safe and appropriate for you.
How LASIK Is Performed
LASIK is a remarkably fast procedure. The laser application itself takes only 20–60 seconds per eye, and the entire process — from preparation to completion — is approximately 10 minutes per eye.
Preparation
Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye. A lid speculum holds the eyelid open, and the eye is centred beneath the laser. There is no need for general anaesthesia or injections.
Flap creation
A femtosecond laser (bladeless LASIK) or microkeratome creates a thin, hinged flap in the outer layer of the cornea. The flap is gently folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
Corneal reshaping
The excimer laser delivers precisely controlled ultraviolet light pulses to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue. The laser is guided by a computerised map of your eye, and advanced eye-tracking technology compensates for any eye movement during the procedure.
Flap repositioning
The corneal flap is carefully repositioned. It adheres naturally within minutes without the need for stitches.
Immediate post-operative check
The surgeon examines the flap position and provides protective eye shields. You rest for 15–30 minutes before being cleared to leave.
Most patients notice improved vision within hours of the procedure, though full stabilisation occurs over several days to weeks. Total time in clinic is usually around 30 minutes.
Preparing for Your LASIK
Proper preparation ensures accurate measurements and optimal surgical outcomes.
Medical Clearance
- • Share your full medical history, including medications, supplements, allergies, and any eye conditions.
- • Provide your current glasses or contact lens prescription and the date it was last updated.
- • Bring any previous eye examination records or corneal scans if available.
Contact Lens Discontinuation
This is a critical step. Contact lenses alter the shape of the cornea.
- • Soft contact lenses — discontinue at least 7 days before your screening
- • Toric soft lenses — discontinue at least 10–14 days before
- • Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) — discontinue at least 3–4 weeks before
Day of Surgery
- • Do not wear eye makeup, perfume, or cologne — particles can interfere with the laser.
- • Eat a light meal and stay hydrated.
- • Arrange transport — you will not be able to drive immediately after.
- • Wear comfortable clothing; avoid woolly or lint-producing fabrics.
Practical Planning
- • Plan to stay in Thailand for a minimum of 7 days to allow for the procedure and follow-up visits.
- • The total procedure time is approximately 30 minutes.
- • Arrange accommodation close to the hospital for convenience during the first 24 hours.
Recovery and Aftercare
LASIK recovery is one of the fastest of any surgical procedure. Most patients experience noticeably improved vision within hours.
Immediate Recovery
Vision is hazy or slightly blurred immediately after surgery — this clears progressively over the first several hours. Your eyes may feel gritty, watery, or mildly uncomfortable. Wear the protective shields provided, especially while sleeping. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed.
Functional Vision
Vision continues to sharpen. Most patients achieve functional vision (sufficient for daily activities) within 24–48 hours. Mild dryness and light sensitivity are common and managed with preservative-free artificial tears. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and dusty environments. Do not wear eye makeup for at least one week.
Stabilisation
Vision stabilises further. You may experience minor fluctuations in clarity, particularly in low light, as the cornea heals. Night-time halos or starbursts around lights are common during this period and gradually diminish. Resume normal exercise (except contact sports) after two weeks.
Final Results
Final visual acuity is typically reached within one to three months. Dry eye symptoms, if present, usually resolve within this timeframe. Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled — in Thailand before departure and with a local ophthalmologist after returning home.
Lasting Clarity
LASIK results are permanent for the prescription corrected at the time of surgery. However, age-related changes such as presbyopia (difficulty reading after age 40) are not prevented by LASIK. A small percentage of patients may require an enhancement (touch-up) procedure in subsequent years.
Risks and Complications
LASIK has an established safety profile, with patient satisfaction rates consistently above 95% in published clinical studies. However, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk.
Common Side Effects
- Dry eyes — the most common side effect; usually temporary, managed with artificial tears; resolves within 1–3 months for most patients
- Halos, glare, and starbursts — visible around lights at night during the first weeks; typically fade as the cornea heals
- Mild discomfort — gritty or foreign-body sensation for the first 24 hours
- Temporary visual fluctuations — slight changes in clarity during the stabilisation period
Less Common Complications
- Undercorrection or overcorrection — the laser may remove slightly too much or too little tissue; enhancement surgery can address this
- Flap complications — wrinkles, displacement, or epithelial ingrowth under the flap; rare with modern femtosecond lasers
- Infection — extremely rare (<0.1%) when post-operative drops are used as prescribed
- Regression — gradual return of some refractive error over years; may require enhancement
- Ectasia — progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea; very rare and primarily associated with inadequate pre-operative screening
LASIK Cost in Thailand
LASIK in Thailand typically costs 50–70% less than in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia, while using the same excimer laser platforms and femtosecond technology. Because treatment plans vary by prescription, corneal characteristics, and technology selected, pricing is provided following a pre-operative screening.
| Hospital / Clinic | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Yanhee International Hospital | $1,710 – $1,860 (both eyes) |
What's Typically Included
- • Comprehensive pre-operative eye screening
- • Surgeon's and clinical team fees
- • Excimer laser and femtosecond laser usage
- • Post-operative medications (drops)
- • Follow-up appointments during your stay
Procedure Details
- Duration: ~30 minutes total
- Hospital Stay: Outpatient (0 nights)
- Recommended Stay: 7 days in Thailand
Frequently Asked Questions
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