LASIK & ICL Surgery in Islamabad
FemtoLASIK, TransPRK, ICL (STAAR Visian lens), and lenticule extraction — permanently reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses (chashma) and contact lenses. The most effective treatments for nazar ki kamzori (short-sight), long-sight, and astigmatism. Consultations at Dr. Amjad's Blue Area clinic, Islamabad and Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi.
What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery corrects the focusing errors of the eye — short-sight (myopia), long-sight (hyperopia), and astigmatism — so that you can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. Modern techniques are highly accurate, safe, and suitable for the vast majority of adult patients with a stable prescription.
A thorough pre-operative screening examination determines which procedure is most appropriate for your eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.
Am I a candidate for laser eye surgery?
The following are general criteria that suggest a patient may be suitable for laser refractive surgery:
- Stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Age typically 18–45 (assessed individually outside this range)
- Corneal thickness sufficient for safe treatment
- No significant corneal disease (e.g. keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration)
- No severe dry eye syndrome
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Not suitable for laser? Patients who do not meet the criteria for LASIK or FemtoLASIK — including those with thin corneas or very high prescriptions — are often excellent candidates for ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). ICL achieves the same result without touching the cornea at all.
These are general guidelines — your actual suitability can only be confirmed by corneal scans and a full examination at your consultation.
LASIK vs ICL — which is right for you?
Both achieve the same goal — clear vision without glasses — through different means. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your corneal measurements, prescription, and lifestyle.
| LASIK / FemtoLASIK | ICL (STAAR Visian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Mild to moderate myopia/hyperopia, adequate corneal thickness | High myopia (up to −20D), thin corneas, patients unsuitable for laser |
| Prescription range | Myopia up to −10D, Hyperopia up to +4D | Myopia −3D to −20D, astigmatism |
| Corneal tissue removed? | Yes — cornea is permanently reshaped | No — lens is implanted, cornea untouched |
| Reversible? | No | Yes — lens can be removed |
| Recovery time | 1–3 days (FemtoLASIK); 3–7 days (TransPRK) | Clear vision often by next day |
| Thin corneas suitable? | Depends on thickness — screening required | Yes — preferred option for thin corneas |
Dr. Amjad will recommend the right option after your corneal assessment — the decision is always based on your eye measurements, not a fixed preference.
Available procedures in Islamabad
FemtoLASIK
Bladeless LASIKMyopia up to −10D, Hyperopia up to +4D, Astigmatism up to 6D
A femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap with greater precision than a mechanical blade. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying cornea. The flap is repositioned — no stitches. Visual recovery is rapid (1–3 days).
TransPRK
Surface Ablation / Advanced PRKMyopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism — preferred for thin corneas
No flap is created. Epithelial cells are removed and the cornea is reshaped in a single laser step. Slower recovery (3–5 days for clear vision) but no flap complications. Preferred for contact sports players and patients with thin corneas.
ICL — STAAR Visian Lens
Phakic IOLMyopia −3D to −20D, Astigmatism; thin corneas welcome
A collamer lens is implanted in front of the natural lens through a small incision. No corneal tissue is removed. Reversible. Delivers excellent optical quality, especially for high prescriptions that are unsuitable for laser correction.
Lenticule Extraction
Flapless — e.g. SMILEMyopia up to −10D, Astigmatism up to 5D
A femtosecond laser creates a disc of corneal tissue that is removed through a 2–3 mm incision. No flap, no surface removal. Preserves corneal biomechanics better than LASIK. Fast visual recovery with minimal dry-eye risk.
Bioptics
Combined ICL + LaserVery high prescriptions with residual astigmatism
ICL implantation followed by laser enhancement to correct any remaining prescription. Extends the treatable range beyond what either technique alone can achieve.
What to expect at your screening
A refractive surgery screening appointment includes:
- Full refraction and best-corrected visual acuity
- Corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry
- Corneal thickness (pachymetry) measurement
- Pupil size measurement in dim light
- Intraocular pressure check
- Dilated retinal examination
- Discussion of which procedure is most appropriate for your eyes
Contact lens wearers must stop wearing soft lenses for at least 1 week (rigid/gas permeable lenses: 4 weeks) before the screening, as lenses alter corneal shape and affect measurements.
Why choose Dr. Muhammad Amjad?
- Fellowship-trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital London — world-renowned as a global centre of ophthalmology
- FRCOphth qualified — Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK
- Dual expertise in refractive and vitreoretinal surgery — any retinal complications are managed by the same surgeon, not referred on
- Full range of procedures: FemtoLASIK, TransPRK, ICL (STAAR Visian), lenticule extraction, and bioptics
- Consultations at Blue Area clinic, Islamabad and Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi
- Transparent process — written cost estimate before you commit, no pressure
LASIK & ICL Surgery Cost in Islamabad
We don't list fixed prices for refractive surgery — because the right procedure for your eyes, and therefore its cost, can only be determined after a comprehensive screening examination. FemtoLASIK and TransPRK differ in cost from ICL (which involves a premium implant), and lenticule extraction sits in its own category. Your prescription range also affects the treatment plan.
What determines your cost: the procedure type, your prescription and corneal measurements, the implant (for ICL), theatre fees, and the number of follow-up visits included. All of this is clarified once your suitability is confirmed at screening.
After your screening appointment, you will receive a written estimate covering every component — surgeon's fee, any implant cost, theatre charges, and follow-up visits — before you make any decision. No hidden charges.
Message us on WhatsApp for a cost estimate →Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for LASIK surgery?
Suitability for LASIK depends on your prescription (power), corneal thickness, and corneal shape. Generally, you need a stable prescription for at least 12 months, a cornea thick enough to safely treat, and no significant corneal abnormalities (such as keratoconus). A comprehensive screening examination — including corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and pupil measurement — is needed to confirm suitability. Age 18–45 is the typical range. These are general guidelines — your actual suitability can only be confirmed by corneal scans and examination at your consultation. If you are not suitable for laser, ICL is often an excellent alternative.
What is the difference between LASIK, FemtoLASIK, and TransPRK?
Standard LASIK creates a corneal flap using a mechanical blade (microkeratome). FemtoLASIK (bladeless LASIK) creates the flap using a femtosecond laser — more precise and with fewer flap complications. TransPRK (surface ablation, or advanced PRK) removes the surface cells and treats the cornea directly without creating a flap — preferred for patients with thin corneas or those in contact sports. Recovery after surface ablation takes slightly longer than LASIK.
What is ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)?
ICL is a phakic intraocular lens — a small, flexible lens implanted inside the eye in front of the natural lens without removing it. The STAAR Visian ICL is the most widely used. It corrects high levels of myopia (short-sight), hyperopia, and astigmatism that are outside the safe range for laser treatment. ICL is also preferred for patients with thin corneas. It is reversible — the lens can be removed if needed.
How long does LASIK recovery take?
FemtoLASIK: most patients see clearly within 24–48 hours, with full visual stabilisation over 2–4 weeks. TransPRK (surface ablation): clear vision typically in 3–7 days, full stabilisation over 4–6 weeks. ICL: most patients notice clear vision the day after surgery. During recovery you should avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and strenuous exercise for the period advised by Dr. Amjad. Drive only once Dr. Amjad confirms your vision is safe to do so at your follow-up visit.
How much does LASIK cost in Islamabad?
Refractive surgery cost depends on the procedure (FemtoLASIK, TransPRK, ICL, or lenticule extraction), your prescription, and the technology used. ICL surgery is generally higher than laser procedures because it involves a premium implant. A clear written cost breakdown covering the surgeon's fee, any implant, theatre charges, and follow-up visits is provided after your screening consultation — before you commit to anything. Message us on WhatsApp for a rough estimate before booking.
What is lenticule extraction (SMILE)?
Lenticule extraction (marketed as SMILE — Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a flapless laser procedure where a disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) is created and removed through a small incision. It avoids creating a flap entirely, resulting in faster visual recovery than surface ablation and without the flap-related risks of LASIK. It is used for myopia and myopic astigmatism.
Is laser eye surgery permanent?
LASIK, FemtoLASIK, and TransPRK permanently reshape the cornea. The results are stable for most patients, though a small percentage may need an enhancement procedure over time. ICL surgery is reversible as the lens can be explanted. As with any surgery, natural age-related changes (such as presbyopia or cataract) will still develop over time.
Chashma utaarne ka operation kaisa hota hai — kya mujhe suit karega?
LASIK aur ICL surgery — jise log chashma utaarne ka operation kehte hain — ek safe aur proven tareeqa hai nazar ki kamzori (short-sight), long-sight, aur astigmatism theek karne ka. Aam tor par, agar aapka chashma pichle 1 saal se stable hai aur cornea ki thickness theek hai, toh laser treatment suit kar sakti hai. Jinhen laser theek se suit nahi karta — jaise patli cornea waale — unke liye ICL (implantable lens) ek behtareen option hota hai. Actual suitability sirf corneal scans aur full screening ke baad confirm hoti hai. Blue Area Islamabad ya Al-Shifa Rawalpindi clinic mein appointment book karein ya WhatsApp par message karein.
Medical Disclaimer
Not all patients are suitable for refractive surgery. Individual suitability can only be determined after a comprehensive screening examination. This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.