India's LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery market is on the verge of spectacular growth and is expected to almost double by 2030. With more and more youngsters developing myopia and the healthcare industry quickly embracing sophisticated vision correction technology, the sector is undergoing a phenomenal change. The market, which stands at ₹2,000–2,500 crore now, is likely to reach ₹4,000–5,000 crore in the next five years.

This boom not only reflects increasing demand but also indicates shifting attitudes about corrective surgeries as a long-term solution to glasses and contact lenses.

One of the main reasons for this growth is the increasing incidence of myopia (nearsightedness), particularly in urban India. Lifestyle reasons such as more screen time, longer hours spent on digital devices, and less outdoor activity are leading to this increase in eye problems. Ophthalmologists say this is no longer restricted to adults — even school kids and teenagers are being diagnosed with myopia at a growing rate.

Consequently, numerous young people and students now choose LASIK surgery at a young age so that they never have to endure long-term usage of corrective spectacles. Such a change of behavior has created a huge business opportunity for the elective vision corrective surgeries in India.

Advances in technology in the ophthalmology sector have significantly improved the popularity and success of LASIK surgery. Blade-based LASIK has now been replaced by bladeless laser surgery that is safer, faster, and has less recovery time.

Procedures like SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and Femtosecond LASIK are spearheading this revolution. They enable more accurate corneal shaping and faster healing, thus becoming choices of choice for a tech-inclined, outcome-oriented patient base. The advent of AI-driven diagnostics, pre-surgical mapping solutions, and personalized corneal treatments has further given LASIK a boost in patient trust.

Although promising growth, the LASIK industry continues to be plagued with a few inhibitors. These involve myths regarding long-term hazards, non-availability of insurance support for elective operations, and rumors spread through social media. Educational campaigns, publicity from celebrities, and better safety records are nonetheless bridging the gaps.

To boot, reimbursement facilities like EMI-based instalment schemes and corporate health partnership are also contributing to making LASIK an accessible solution for the middle classes.

The Indian LASIK surgery market is a growth path of high pace, due to mounting cases of myopia and technology advancements. With the growing demand for vision-correcting surgeries, the market is likely to scale new peaks by 2030.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)