Sankara Nethralaya
Sankara Nethralaya

Welcome to Our Refractive Surgery / Laser Vision Correction / LASIK Centre, Chennai, India
Inauguration of the ‘Laser Vision Correction Center’ at the main campus in year 2001 by the
President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Laser Vision Correction is an outpatient procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is the acronym which stands for Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK was first performed in clinical trials in the U.S. in 1991. The term refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the neighboring cell layers. Now it has expanded to other methods of Laser vision correction (LVC) as well. Laser vision correction has fast become the most preferred procedure for the treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure is safe and the visual recovery is rapid which is why patients are undergoing this procedure the world over.

Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasan & Dr. S. S. Badrinath
Our Laser Vision Correction Team
What is Refractive Error?
Normally, the rays of light entering the eye are brought to a precise focus on the retina – the light sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. When such a focus is not achieved, a refractive error results and vision is not clear. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors.
Fig 1: Normal eye

The common refractive errors are:

  • Myopia, or Nearsightedness;
  • Hyperopia, or Farsightedness;
  • Astigmatism
Myopia
Fig 2: Myopic eye
A myopic eye is longer than normal or has a cornea that is too steep, as a result of which the light rays focus in front of the retina. Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Fig 3: Hyperopic eye
Hyperopia is a term used to describe the condition of farsightedness. The causes of hyperopic are typically genetic and involve an eye that is too short or a cornea that is too flat, as a result of which images focus at a point behind the Retina. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have trouble focusing on nearby objects
Astigmatism (Distorted vision):
Astigmatism (cylindrical error) occurs when the incoming light rays are unable to reach a common focus within the eye. Astigmatism distorts or blurs vision for both near and far objects. The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. When you have astigmatism, the cornea curves more in one direction than in the other, like a rugby ball. It is possible to have astigmatism in combination with myopia or hyperopia.
What are the options to correct Refractive Error?
There are several alternatives to correct your vision. Spectacles or contact lenses are the most common methods of correcting refractive errors. Refractive surgery is also an option to correct or improve your vision. These surgical procedures are used to adjust your eye’s focusing ability by reshaping the cornea, or front surface of your eye.
What is Laser vision correction surgery?
Refractive surgery is a procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision.
What is the type of Laser vision correction surgery available?

The most common refractive surgical procedures performed today are:

  • LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis):

It is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependence on spectacles or contact lenses. In this procedure a thin hinged flap of cornea (the cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye) is created and lifted to one side to access the underlying cornea (called the stroma) and remove some corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The flap is then repositioned in its original position.

Fig 5: LASIK
  • Femto LASIK

The primary advantage for the use of femtosecond lasers in corneal refractive surgery is the improved safety over microkeratomes in creation of the lamellar flap. Additional advantages includes

1. Increased precision
2. Customization
3. Ease of surgery

Femtosecond lasers allow for customization of the flap for each patient. In addition to producing reliable flap thicknesses, the flap diameter can be selected to one-tenth of a millimeter.

Femtosecond lasers are (state-of-the-art) instruments that offer more surgical precision than current manual techniques.

  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) / LASEK

It was the original kind and is still sometimes used. It involves gently scraping the surface layer off the cornea and then using a laser beam to re-shape it.

  • Epi LASIK ( Epithelial Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis: EPI LASIK)

It is a procedure, which combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK, Epilasik involves the use of an epikeratome, only the superficial epithelial layer of cornea.

Fig 6: Epi LASIK involves lifting just the skin (epithelium) of the cornea.
  • Wave front-guided LASIK

It is also referred to as custom LASIK or wave front LASIK, is similar to conventional LASIK, except that in addition to treating a patient’s basic refractive error, specific distortion in a patient’s eye (high order aberrations) can also be treated.

  • SMILE

With the development of SMILE, a minimally invasive and flapless procedure has become available. It has quicckly established itself as a gentle treatment option.

SMILE is also a flapless procedure, meaning that there are no flap-related complications and side effects. As a result, corneal sensitivity, for the most part, is quickly recovered.

* Minimal invasive and gentle with only a small incision.
* Generally fast visual recovery within a few days
* Predominantly excellent visual outcomes with high predictability
* Interesting treatment option also for athletes engaging in contact sports, flight crews, military and rescue personnel.

Step 1
Lenticule creation
A small piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) and a small incision are created inside the intact cornea.
Step 2
Lenticule removal, the lenticule is removed through the incision with minimal disruption to the corneal biomechanics.
Step 3
Impairment is corrected Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby achieving a vision correction.

Our LASIK consultant / counselor will have detailed discussion about the appropriate procedure based on the eye measurements, glass power and refractive surgery safety tests preoperatively.

Who are eligible candidates for corneal refractive surgery?
  • Be atleast 18 years of age, with a stable refraction for the past 1 year.
  • Have healthy eyes that are free from any eye diseases or corneal abnormalities (Eg: scar, infection etc.)
  • All other Parameters in the eye being reasonably normal.
  • Normal pre-operative refractive surgery safety tests.
  • Should not have any connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), auto immune (SLE) and immunodeficiency diseases (AIDS).
  • Should not be pregnant or a nursing mother.
What is the procedure and follow up?

Procedure:

  • Please remember that if you are a contact lens wearer you have to discontinue the use of the same atleast 2 weeks prior to your Lasik consultation (As the contact lens can alter the shape of the cornea). During this period you can wear spectacles.
  • As a part of Comprehensive Eye examination for Lasik, we dilate your pupils for retinal evaluation, since we dilate the pupils, we request you to have someone accompanying you to drive you back as you will not be able to self-drive. This is because the vision is slightly fuzzy for an hour or two. Hence avoid going back to office work after the evaluation is completed.
  • The primary objective of this consultation is to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for laser vision correction (LASIK), and if so, which procedure is most appropriate for you.
  • The treatments we apply are customized for the person’s needs, age and glass power of eye to give a precise result.
  • Lasik information brochure giving details of our treatment procedures is available at the LASIK reception desk.
  • Our LASIK Secretary will provide you an Outpatient information sheet to be filled for your medical record. Kindly complete all applicable details in capital letters, then you will be given a hospital MRD number mentioned Identity Card along with LASIK visiting card.
  • Start preliminary examination with our Optometrist.
  • Your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. You will be asked to keep your eyes closed for a brief period of time to aid the dilation.
  • During the consultation with your Refractive Surgeon, the pros and cons of different types of refractive procedure will be discussed and the choice of procedure will be decided based on the tests.
  • Your counselor will explain in detail the most appropriate process, cost involved, and finalize the same with your concurrence.
  • Appointment for the LASIK procedure, fee structure and payment procedure will be explained by our LASIK clinic receptionist.
  • You should plan on being at the LASIK Wing approximately 1 to 2 hours prior on the day of your procedure. Please be accompanied by an attendant. Do not drive by yourself after your treatment.
  • When you arrive at our LASIK Center, on the day of your procedure, you will complete a brief check-in process and if required tests may be repeated. You will be asked to sign your consent forms prior to the procedure. We want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Our attentive staff will be on hand to cater to your needs and to keep you informed and comfortable through every step of the process. You will also meet with our refractive surgeon prior to your procedure.
What to expect during the procedure?
  • Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops will be applied to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
  • Your eyes will be positioned under the laser and an instrument called the lid speculum will be used to keep the eyelids open.
  • Based on the type of refractive procedure the surgeon will create the flap or the bed for the laser. After creating the flap, the surgeon will then adjust the eyes to align with the laser.
  • You will be asked to look at a green target light for a short while as the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea.
  • You will also hear a sound while the laser is operating.
  • Lasik will be performed on each eye separately starting with the right eye followed by the left eye in the same sitting.
Immediately after the procedure:
  • Once the procedure is done, the surgeon will take a look at your eyes on the slit lamp.
  • Post LASIK instructions will be given by our LASIK OT staff.
  • After resting for a short period of time you will be able to go home.
Follow up:
  • Post LASIK. the patient will be reviewed on the day following the procedure. We would ideally prefer to review the candidate after the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of the procedure.
  • Patients coming from a long distance / outstation can have these checkups with their local eye specialist and send the follow up report in a prescribed format (you can collect from our secretary / down load it from our website) to us by letter / mail (lasik@snmail.org )
Post Operative Follow-Up Form
Post-Refractive surgery instruction:
  • Mild / Moderate tearing is expected after the procedure.
  • A sense of foreign body presence and irritation are common.
  • Small red spots on the white surface of the eye – occasionally appear.
  • Sensitivity to bright light / corneal Haze – on the day of the procedure.

Do’s

  • Instillation of eye drops as per the prescriptions.
  • Cleaning of the lid margin gently with sterile tissue from the following day.
  • Have normal food / no restrictions.
  • Can have below neck bath from the following day.
  • Blink your eyes gently & frequently on the day of treatment.
  • Can read, watch TV and use computer, couple of days after the treatment.
  • Use sunglasses when you go out and plastic shield while sleeping for 2 weeks.

Don’ts

  • Do not expose your eyes to dust / pollution.
  • Do not touch or rub your eyes.
  • Do not take head bath or splash water into the eye and face for 2 weeks.
  • Do not keep your eyes open for long duration.
  • Do not clean the eye on the day of your treatment.
  • Do not swim for one month.
  • Do not use eye cosmetic /eyeliner for 2 months.
  • Avoid exercises for 1 week.
  • Avoid self-driving for 1 week.
What are the side effects?
  • There is a possibility that you may still need spectacles or contact lenses to attain good vision following the treatment.
  • Patients may have light sensitivity, halos, dryness and glare after the refractive surgery.
  • Very rarely severe complications during or after corneal refractive surgeries (eg. flap problems, infections etc.) and can result in a need for extensive treatment.
What are the alternatives?
There are some alternatives to correct your vision. Spectacles or contact lenses are the most common methods of correcting refractive errors. The other option to correct your vision is called ICL (implantable contact Lens), When laser refractive surgery is contraindicated, ICL is a kind of lens which is implanted into the eye and does not require frequent removal like a normal contact lens.
About the SN Laser Vision Correction centre:
  • We use the Alcon Allegretto Eye q500Hz, the world’s most advanced Lasik machine capable of analyzing multiple parameters and providing you with the best vision correction.
  • With years of experiences and excellent technology, we have been successful in carrying out Refractive Surgery treatment for shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  • The new Wavefront Technology (using the Wave Light Allegretto Excimer laser Machine) allows us to treat a range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
  • A well-experienced Refractive Surgery team, combined with state-of-the-art technology and our quality Protocols ensures you have an unmatched edge over other centers.
Our Laser Vision Correction team:
Consultant Doctors: Dr. Prema Padmanabhan (Medical Director)
Dr. Rama Rajagopal (Director)
Dr. Radhika N (Deputy Director)
Dr. Sudhir R R
Dr. Geetha K Iyer
Dr. Bhaskar Srinivasan
Dr. Niveditha Narayanan
In-Charge Mr. Vijayakumar
Counselor: Ms. Subha Jaya
Optometrists: Ms. Deepa M
Ms. Sivashankari
Ms. Hemalatha
Ms. Priyadarshini
Secretaries: Mr. Sambasivan
Mr. Lakshman Raj
Ms. Sangeetha
OT Team: Mr. Balaji
  Ms. Rudradevi
  Mr. Selvakumar
Highlights
  • Over 27,000 Refractive surgeries (LASIK) have been performed so far.

  • Versatile Range of Treatments: - We have treated spherical numbers as high as -12 D and + 6 D as well as astigmatism as high as 6 D with excellent results. The extent to which an eye can be corrected is determined by our refractive surgeon after pre-procedure evaluation.

  • We use completely disposable instruments and drapes. Our institution has had no record of infection over the 27,000 procedure carried out.

  • Allegretto eye q 500 is also the fastest LASIK machine in the world, which means the shortest treatment time, lesser strain, better comfort and the least chance of error.

  • The fast eye trackers will ON/OFF the laser if there is any accidental eye movement making treatment extremely safe.
What are the benefits of Laser Vision Correction care at Sankara Nethralaya?
  • Femtosecond laser delivers precise, predictable outcomes and a comfortable surgical experience.
  • Greater machine speed – Enables faster treatment time leading to a quicker process.
  • Fastest Eye Tracker ensures that laser treatment is perfect even if involuntary eye movements occur.
  • Faster visual recovery results in better visual outcome.
  • Earliest appointment schedule for Lasik consultation.
  • Clearing the pre & post op queries through helpline numbers and e-mail.
  • Counseling the patient during consultation.
  • Procedure payment can be made through a Demand Draft in favour of the ‘Medical Research Foundation’ payable at Chennai.
  • Credit Cards – All Credit Cards are accepted.
How to plan your Laser Vision Correction at SN in many easy ways?
  • Please feel free to email us with your queries and we would be happy to clarify them.
  • Appointment schedule for Laser Vision Correction / LASIK consultations: Monday to Saturdays from 8.00 am to 3 pm.
  • Laser Vision Correction / LASIK will be performed on Mondays / Wednesdays & Fridays for scheduled candidates.
  • We look forward to your joining Sankara Nethralaya’s family of happy and satisfied Laser Vision Correction / LASIK candidates.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE & BETTER CARE KINDLY FIX AN APPOINTMENT FOR LASIK CONSULTATION

Mobile Numbers:
Ms. Subhajaya (Counselor) : 0 90251 33234
Mr. Vijayakumar (In-Charge) : 0 9382277727
Mr. Sambasivam : 0 93801 07258
Mr. LakshmanRaj : 0 93802 88188

Website information collated by Dr. N. Radhika & Ms. Gunasundari.

What do our patients say?

Testimonial – I

Dear Lasik Team,

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration towards Sankara Nethralaya's Lasik team. As a 26 year old who's had near-sightedness for over a decade, I had both gotten comfortable with my increasing power, and was uncomfortable with certain aspects of it. Realizing that I needed counseling I was suggested to meet Ms. Subha Jaya and Dr. Bhaskar Srinivasan for a lasik correction by Dr. Shibu Varkey, a family friend practicing in Trichy. It was a blessing that I was directed to them.

The moment I stepped in I was asked to meet the Lasik Counsellor, Ms. Subha Jaya, who was with me at every step of the process, be it counseling, pre-operative tests, prior to surgery, or post - surgery. Even today when I approach her she responds promptly, which is very special. When I decided to go ahead with the procedure I was made to take the pre-operative tests, post which I met with Dr. Bhaskar Srinivasan. He explained the options to me in detail, and elaborated on post-surgery recovery to make sure that I was prepared for what's ahead. He rightly pointed out that when it comes to such procedures, where the actual surgery only takes a couple of minutes, counseling and preparing the patient mentally is most important. Dr. Bhaskar Srinivasan made the whole experience effortless, I was guided with utmost care and compassion.

The entire team's professionalism, dedication and empathy made me feel at ease and instilled the confidence in me to get through the procedure. Even the supporting staff were exceptional. Kudos to team Sankara Nethralaya for being such a people centric organization.

Regards,
KS


Testimonial – II

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to register our sincere appreciation of the professional services rendered by the counsultant and the entire panel of doctors who took care of my son, Adhitya, who underwent epi-lasik surgery performed by the consultant.

I must register the counseling services provided by Ms. Subhajaya from the time we met her during pre-surgery phase till my son got the post-surgery ailments completely cured. She was ready to respond to us whenever we contact her, irrespective of the date and time.

Sankara Nethralaya is standing by its policy purely because of the panel of doctors and support personnel who give care and compassion. Very happy that my son had his surgery in Sankara Nethralaya with clearly laid down procedures and processes.

Regards,
S.B


 
 
 
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