Short answer: LASIK is usually the better choice if your cornea is thick and healthy and your glasses power is in the low-to-moderate range. ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) is usually better if you have a very high power, a thin or irregular cornea, or dry eyes. Both correct the same problem — they just work in different parts of the eye. Which one is right for you is decided after a corneal scan and a full eye check-up.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sharina Nanda, Eye Specialist & LASIK Surgeon, Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, Jalandhar · Last reviewed: October 2026
At Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, Jalandhar, both procedures are performed by Dr. Sharina Nanda, so the recommendation is based on your eyes, not on which machine a clinic happens to have.
LASIK vs ICL at a glance
| LASIK | ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A laser reshapes the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) | A thin, flexible lens is placed inside the eye, in front of your natural lens |
| Cornea thickness needed | Adequate thickness is essential — generally not less than 480 microns | Cornea is not cut or thinned, so thin corneas are not a barrier |
| Best suited for | Low to moderate myopia (minus number), hyperopia and astigmatism | High myopia, people not suitable for LASIK, thin or irregular corneas |
| Typical age | Above 18 years, with stable power | About 21 to 45 years, with stable power for at least a year |
| Reversible? | No — the cornea is permanently reshaped | Yes — the lens can be removed or exchanged if needed |
| Dry eye | Temporary dryness is common in the first weeks | Less likely, because corneal nerves are not cut |
| Procedure time | About 10–15 minutes for both eyes | Usually one eye at a time, short procedure |
| Recovery | Most people see clearly within 24 hours and return to work in 1–2 days | Vision often improves within 24 hours |
| Cost at Kataria Hospital | ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 for both eyes | Depends on the lens power and type — confirmed after evaluation |
When LASIK is the better choice
- Your cornea is thick enough and its shape (topography) is regular
- Your power is stable and in the low-to-moderate range
- You want the most cost-effective permanent option
- You do not have significant dry eye or corneal disease
Read more on our LASIK surgery cost in Jalandhar page and the LASIK FAQs.
When ICL is the better choice
- Your power is too high to treat safely with a laser
- Your cornea is thin, irregular or shows early keratoconus changes
- You already have dry eyes and want to avoid making them worse
- You prefer a procedure that can be reversed later
If tests show that LASIK is not safe for your eyes, ICL is usually the next option we plan. See the ICL surgery in Jalandhar page for details.
How we decide which one is right for you
The choice is made on measurements, not on preference alone. Before any glasses-removal surgery we check:
- Corneal topography and thickness (Pentacam / corneal mapping)
- Exact refractive power and its stability over time
- Eye pressure, slit-lamp examination and a retina (fundus) check
- Tear film and dryness
- For ICL: the space inside the front of the eye, so the lens fits correctly
For LASIK, the cornea should not be thinner than about 480 microns, the treated optical zone should not be less than 6 mm, and at least 350 microns of corneal tissue should remain after the laser. If your eyes do not meet these safety limits, we will not recommend LASIK.
What about Presbyond, PRK and SMILE?
Other options exist for specific situations. Presbyond is a laser treatment for people over 40 who need reading glasses. EpiLASIK / PRK / Trans-PRK are surface laser options for some thinner corneas. SMILE is not offered at our hospital. You can compare all options on our spectacle removal surgery in Jalandhar page.
Frequently asked questions
Is ICL safer than LASIK?
Both are safe and well-established when the patient is chosen correctly. The safer option is the one that suits your eye measurements. LASIK is very safe on a healthy, thick cornea; ICL is safer when the cornea is thin or the power is very high.
Which gives better vision, LASIK or ICL?
For low and moderate powers, results are similar. For very high powers, ICL often gives sharper quality of vision because a large amount of corneal tissue does not need to be removed.
Can I get ICL if I was told I am not fit for LASIK?
Often, yes. Many people who are rejected for LASIK because of thin corneas or high power are suitable for ICL, as long as the inside of the eye has enough space for the lens.
Is LASIK or ICL permanent?
Both give long-term correction. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea. ICL stays in the eye long-term but can be removed or exchanged if ever needed. Neither prevents age-related reading glasses after 40 or cataract later in life.
How do I find out which one I need?
Book a glasses-removal evaluation. After the tests, the doctor will explain which option is safe for your eyes and give you a cost estimate.
Book your LASIK / ICL evaluation in Jalandhar
Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital is an NABH-accredited eye and ENT hospital at 1, Mahavir Marg, Gujral Nagar, Jalandhar, serving patients since 1977. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am–2 pm and 5 pm–7 pm. Call or WhatsApp 99146-00666 or book an appointment online.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal eye examination.
