CLEAR Eye Surgery in India: A Flapless Vision Correction Procedure
CLEAR eye surgery in India is a flapless laser procedure for people who want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses without having a corneal flap made. It corrects myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism, and it is done in about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes.
At Planet LASIK by Centre for Sight, every patient has a detailed evaluation first to confirm that CLEAR is the right choice for their eyes. Check if CLEAR suits your eyes
What Is CLEAR Eye Surgery?
CLEAR stands for Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive correction. It was developed by Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems of Switzerland and is performed on the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser. The laser shapes a thin, lens-shaped disc of tissue called a lenticule inside the cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small incision, which changes the curve of the cornea and corrects your power.
Because no flap is lifted, the surface of the cornea stays largely intact. CLEAR belongs to the same family of lenticule procedures as SMILE and SILK. When it is done on Ziemer’s newer FEMTO Z8 NEO platform, it is often called CLEAR NEO.
How Does CLEAR Eye Surgery Work?
The laser part of CLEAR takes less than a minute per eye.
Here is what happens on the day:
- Numbing drops: Anaesthetic drops numb the eye. No injection and no general anaesthesia.
- Docking and centring: A soft interface is placed on the eye. The surgeon centres the treatment on your visual axis and can re-centre after docking if needed.
- Lenticule creation: The Ziemer femtosecond laser shapes a thin lenticule inside the cornea, matched to your power. The laser also compensates for small rotations of the eye.
- Lenticule removal: The surgeon separates the lenticule and removes it through one or two small incisions of about 2 to 3 mm.
- Check and rest: The surgeon checks the eye, you rest for a short while, and you go home the same day with someone accompanying you.
What Makes the Ziemer Laser Different
The Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 works at a very short distance from the eye, so it needs very little energy per laser pulse. Low energy means less inflammation in the cornea and a smoother surface for the lenticule to separate, which supports quick visual recovery. The surgeon can also choose between one and two incisions and adjust centring during the procedure.
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Benefits of CLEAR Eye Surgery
People choose CLEAR eye surgery in India mainly for these reasons:
- No flap: no risk of flap displacement, which makes CLEAR a good choice for contact sports, the armed forces, police and other active jobs.
- Less dry eye: the small incision cuts fewer corneal nerves than a LASIK flap, so the tear film recovers faster.
- Stronger cornea after surgery: more of the upper cornea, its strongest layer, stays intact.
- Low-energy laser: Ziemer’s low-energy pulses cause less inflammation, supporting quick recovery.
- Quick return to routine: most people resume desk work in one to two days.
- Day-care procedure: you go home the same day.
CLEAR Vs Traditional LASIK
Both CLEAR and LASIK are effective refractive procedures. Both these procedures reduce dependence on spectacles and contact lenses. However, both involve different surgical techniques.
|
CLEAR Eye Surgery |
Traditional LASIK |
|
Flap-free procedure |
Requires the creation of a corneal flap |
|
Smaller incision |
Larger flap opening |
|
Femtosecond laser creates and removes a lenticule |
Excimer laser reshapes the cornea after flap creation |
|
Short-lived, mild dry eye symptoms |
Dry eye symptoms may be more noticeable initially |
|
No flap-related complications |
Small risk of flap displacement |
|
Speedy recovery with minimal restrictions |
Faster recovery, but flap precautions are required |
● Short day-care procedure – Completed as an outpatient treatment, allowing you to return home the very same day.
CLEAR Vs Traditional LASIK
Both CLEAR and LASIK are effective refractive procedures. Both these procedures reduce dependence on spectacles and contact lenses. However, both involve different surgical techniques.
The most suitable procedure is determined by several factors, such as your eye power, corneal thickness, tear film quality, occupation, lifestyle, and overall eye health.
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Standard LASIK vs CLEAR
Traditional or standard LASIK has been a trusted approach for many years and gives excellent outcomes for suitable individuals. Whereas CLEAR is a flap-free approach, reshaping the corneal surface through a small incision only. People who prefer a minimally invasive procedure with reduced chances of dry eye symptoms often consider CLEAR. After a comprehensive eye examination, your refractive surgeon will recommend the procedure that best matches your eyes.
Contoura Vision vs CLEAR
Contoura Vision and CLEAR are both advanced laser refractive procedures, but the techniques are different. Contoura Vision is a customised LASIK process which involves detailed corneal mapping with 22000+ data points. It helps in detecting even subtle surface irregularities. CLEAR uses femtosecond laser technology to create and remove a lenticule without creating a flap. Both procedures offer excellent visual outcomes for eligible candidates. Which is the right choice depends on your refractive error, corneal health, and clinical evaluation.
SMILE vs CLEAR
SMILE and CLEAR belong to the same category of lenticule-based refractive procedures. Both are ‘no-flap procedures’ and use a small incision to correct refractive errors. CLEAR represents the latest advancement in lenticule extraction technology, offering refined laser delivery and an efficient surgical workflow. The decision between SMILE and CLEAR should always be based on a comprehensive eye assessment rather than the technology alone.
SILK vs CLEAR
SILK and CLEAR are modern flap-free laser eye surgery procedures designed to provide accurate vision correction while preserving more of the cornea’s natural structure. Although both procedures share similar principles, they use different laser platforms and treatment technologies. During your consultation, your eye specialist will recommend the most appropriate procedure after evaluating your eye power, corneal thickness, and visual needs.
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Who is eligible for CLEAR eye surgery in India?
CLEAR eye surgery is suitable for many adults with stable vision who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. A detailed refractive evaluation helps determine your suitability based on factors such as:
- Stable spectacle power
- Healthy corneas
- Myopia or myopia with astigmatism within the treatable range
- Good overall eye health
- Central corneal thickness typically ranging from 540–560 µm
Who should avoid CLEAR eye surgery in India?
Eye doctors don’t recommend CLEAR in the following scenarios:
- Frequently changing spectacle prescription.
- Rapidly progressing keratoconus or other corneal diseases.
- Severe dry eyes
- Any active eye infection
- Significant cataracts
- Certain retinal diseases
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Underlying medical conditions that slow down recovery
If CLEAR is not suitable for you, the surgeon may recommend another refractive procedure that better suits your eyes.
Recovery after CLEAR eye surgery
In most cases, recovery after CLEAR eye surgery is quite smooth, with patients experiencing enhanced vision within the first few days. It is common to have temporary watering, mild itching or irritation, light sensitivity, or blurry vision immediately after the procedure, which usually goes away as your eyes heal.
Tips to recover fast after CLEAR surgery:
- Timely put the doctor-prescribed eye drops
- Don’t rub your eyes to avoid any vision-related complications.
- Avoid swimming pools and dusty environments for the advised period.
- Wear protective sunglasses while going out.
- Show up for all your scheduled follow-up visits.
Most people can return to desk work and routine activities within one to two days, depending on their recovery and their doctor’s advice.
Cost of CLEAR eye surgery
The cost of CLEAR eye surgery in India typically ranges from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,30,000 for both eyes. The exact cost of CLEAR eye surgery in India depends upon several factors, including your eye condition and treatment requirements. Every patient undergoes a detailed eye examination before surgery, allowing the surgeon to recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Factors affecting the cost of CLEAR eye surgery
- Extent of the refractive error
- Experience of the eye surgeon
- Pre-operative diagnostic tests
- Medications and post-operative care
- Follow-up visits
- Location of the eye hospital
A consultation with any of our expert eye specialists at PLANET LASIK will answer your queries on a personalised treatment plan and estimated surgery cost for you.
Why choose PLANET LASIK for CLEAR eye surgery
Making the right choice of the surgeon and technology is necessary to achieve the best visual outcome.
At PLANET LASIK, your treatment journey starts with a pre-LASIK work-up to understand the unique needs of your eyes and then to decide the best-suited refractive procedure. Our refractive surgeons blend advanced diagnostic technology with customised treatment planning to give safe, effective and patient-centric care.
From the first consultation to your post-operative care, our team makes your journey to attain a clear vision seamless and transparent.
Risks and safety of CLEAR eye surgery
CLEAR is a safe procedure for well-screened candidates, but like any surgery it carries some risks. Most side effects are temporary.
Common Temporary Effects
- Mild dryness, managed with lubricating drops
- Glare or halos around lights at night
- Slight fluctuation in vision, especially in dim light
- Slower visual recovery in the first week compared with LASIK in some patients
Uncommon Complications
- Under-correction or over-correction, which may need an enhancement once vision is stable
- Difficulty separating the lenticule, or a small fragment left behind
- Inflammation or infection, treated with prescribed drops
- Dry eye that lasts beyond three months
Careful screening, a precise pre-operative plan and scheduled follow-ups keep these risks low.
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CLEAR Eye Surgery FAQs
What is CLEAR eye surgery?
CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive correction) is a flapless laser eye surgery by Ziemer, Switzerland. A femtosecond laser shapes a thin disc of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea, which the surgeon removes through a small incision. This reshapes the cornea and corrects myopia and astigmatism.
What is the difference between CLEAR and SMILE?
Both are flapless lenticule extraction procedures. CLEAR runs on the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 laser, which uses very low energy per pulse and lets the surgeon choose one or two incisions and re-centre after docking. SMILE runs on the Zeiss VisuMax laser. Outcomes are comparable; your surgeon recommends one based on your eyes.
Is CLEAR better than LASIK?
CLEAR avoids a corneal flap, so there is no risk of flap displacement and dry eye is usually milder. LASIK has the widest treatment range, including hyperopia, and very fast recovery. Neither is better for everyone; your corneal thickness, power and lifestyle decide.
How much does CLEAR eye surgery cost in India?
At Planet LASIK, CLEAR eye surgery costs Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,30,000 for both eyes. The quote covers pre-operative tests, surgery, medicines and follow-up visits. Insurance usually does not cover it, and EMI options are available.
Is CLEAR eye surgery safe?
Yes, for well-screened candidates. In a published series of 46 eyes, 96% reached 20/20 vision or better and 100% were within 0.50 D of the target at three months, with no eye losing two or more lines of vision. As with any surgery, there are small risks, which are covered on this page.
Is CLEAR approved by the US FDA?
CLEAR is CE marked for use in Europe and is used in many countries, including India. The lenticule extraction application is not FDA approved in the United States. The flapless lenticule approach itself is FDA approved through SMILE.
What is CLEAR NEO?
CLEAR NEO usually refers to CLEAR performed on Ziemer’s newer FEMTO Z8 NEO platform. The procedure principle is the same: a lenticule is created inside the cornea and removed through a small incision without a flap.
How long does it take to recover after CLEAR?
Most people see clearly within 24 to 48 hours and go back to desk work in one to two days. Vision keeps sharpening for a few weeks, and the final result is usually confirmed at three months.
Is it worth getting CLEAR after 40?
It can be, if your natural lens is clear and you mainly want distance vision without glasses. After 40, near vision starts to fade because of presbyopia, and CLEAR does not treat that. Your surgeon may suggest PresbyMAX or a lens-based option if near vision matters to you.
Does CLEAR eye surgery permanently correct power?
Yes. The corneal reshaping is permanent. Natural ageing of the eye, such as presbyopia after 40 or cataract later in life, can still change your vision in future, but the myopia that was treated does not come back in a stable eye.
Will I need glasses after CLEAR eye surgery?
Most people do not need glasses for distance after CLEAR. Some may need reading glasses in their mid-forties because of presbyopia, which is a normal age-related change.
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Clear answer on which refractive procedure is right for your eyes.
One 90-minute evaluation. Senior refractive surgeons. Clear answer on which refractive procedure is right for your eyes.
30+
Years of Experience
350+
Eye Care Specialists
95+
Eye Care Centres
30+
Cities in PAN India
15L+
Happy Patients A Year
NABH
ACCREDITED
Book your free consultation
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Planet LASIK about refractive procedure. We never share your details.