Eye care: Frequently asked questions

Common eye surgery names include:

• SMILE, LASIK, and ICL: vision-correction options often discussed
• TransPRK: a surface-laser option, usually without a corneal flap
• Cataract surgery: the cloudy lens is removed and an intraocular lens is placed; records often say phaco
• Vitreoretinal surgery: macular, retinal, or vitreous problems after imaging review; records may say PPV
• Glaucoma laser or surgery: confirmed after eye-pressure and optic-nerve tests; records may also mention MIGS
• Corneal transplant: thinning, keratoconus, or a transplant plan
• Strabismus surgery: discussed after refraction and strabismus records

These names help you follow a discussion. They are not a menu you can choose yourself.

Optometric surgery is not a standard English medical term. Refraction, glasses, and myopia control usually belong to optometry. Vision-correction or intraocular surgery is assessed by an ophthalmologist. Some Chinese eye-optic hospitals are still ophthalmology hospitals.

Whether surgery is possible must be confirmed by the treating doctor and hospital. So must the method and how fees are billed. Read the myopia comparison and cost guides next.

All three are common surgeries for correcting myopia. SMILE and LASIK usually use a laser to cut corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. TransPRK is a surface-laser option, usually without a corneal flap, so recovery pace may differ. ICL implantation usually does not cut or reshape corneal tissue. Instead, an intraocular lens is placed in the eye. This is an additive procedure. If later medically needed, a doctor can assess whether the lens can be removed.

• SMILE: commonly assessed for people with myopia of about 1,000 degrees or less and favorable corneal conditions. Some patients may have relatively milder dry-eye discomfort. A typical reference price for both eyes is about USD 1,900–3,000.
• LASIK: the range of refractive error that can usually be assessed is wider. A typical reference price for both eyes is about USD 1,300–2,500.
• TransPRK: the doctor may discuss this if the cornea is thin. Suitability and fees must be confirmed by preoperative tests and a written hospital quote.
• ICL implantation: some models can correct up to about 1,800 degrees. People with high myopia or a thinner cornea may also be considered. A typical reference price for both eyes is about USD 3,700–6,700.

These are USD reference prices for both eyes. They usually vary by city, hospital, equipment, and lens brand. They may not include preoperative tests, medications, or travel costs. SinoCareHub does not set hospital prices. Use the hospital's written quote.

Which option is suitable must be decided by a complete preoperative examination and the treating doctor. This information cannot replace an individual surgical assessment.

Intraocular lenses are not “more expensive equals better.” Suitability is what matters. Records often say phaco for the surgical method.

• Monofocal lenses: distance vision is usually clearer. Near vision often still needs reading glasses. Cost is relatively lower.
• Bifocal, trifocal, and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses: they may reduce dependence on glasses. Some people may have halos at night. People with a healthier fundus who want to wear glasses less often are more commonly assessed.
• Toric lenses: if you have corneal astigmatism, you can discuss with the doctor whether to add this correction.

Before choosing a lens, fundus condition, corneal astigmatism, and daily visual habits usually matter more than price. Have a full examination first, then decide with the doctor.

Yes. Confirming costs before you travel is recommended.

• Send us examination reports from the past 3–6 months. We will help organize the records and contact the hospital.
• Name the surgery under discussion, such as SMILE, LASIK, TransPRK, ICL, or a cataract lens.
• Ask the hospital whether examination, surgery, lens, and medication fees are charged separately. Also ask about optional services such as interpreting.
• Remote records review and a written itemized quote both depend on the hospital's reply.

The final amount is usually locked by the hospital after you complete on-site examinations and the plan is confirmed. If adjustment is needed after tests, follow the written rules. SinoCareHub does not set hospital prices.

There is no fixed stay that applies to all patients. Travel is often planned around tests, surgery, and early follow-up. Do not book flights on another patient's short itinerary. Travel plans are often suggested by treatment type:

• Laser surgery for myopia: about 5–7 days, including tests, surgery, and early follow-up.
• ICL: about 7–10 days is more comfortable.
• Cataract: about 5–7 days is common for one eye. About 10–14 days is common when the two eyes are treated in separate operations.

Whether you can travel home must be explained by the treating doctor based on key follow-up results. Confirm with the hospital in advance whether the roughly 1-month and 3-month postoperative reviews can be completed in your country. Book the return trip only after the hospital confirms the plan.

You can start with the examination reports you already have. You do not need every document first. Provide recent refraction, corneal topography, OCT, or fundus photography from the past 3–6 months. Eye-pressure or visual-field results can also help, depending on the eye problem. For refractive assessment, the hospital may also ask for cycloplegic refraction or a dry-eye test.

Send the reports to us. We will help organize them and contact the hospital. The hospital will say what is still missing and whether a records review can come first. Do not book nonrefundable flights or accommodation before the hospital gives a clear reply.

If you already have OCT, fundus photography, or angiography reports, submit them first. They help the hospital judge whether more tests are needed. Distorted vision, a sudden increase in floaters, or a dark shadow are also commonly asked about.

The treating doctor must confirm whether surgery is needed. The doctor also confirms the method and length of stay. If vision suddenly drops or a large dark shadow appears, seek local emergency eye care first. Do the same if vision falls after flashes of light. Do not wait for a remote reply.

Existing tests can indicate a general direction. They cannot confirm the treatment method before you travel. Provide recent eye-pressure, visual-field, and optic-nerve examinations whenever possible.

Whether drops, laser, or surgery is suitable must be decided by the treating doctor. SinoCareHub can help organize records and contact the hospital. It does not replace a doctor's assessment.

Corneal topography, slit-lamp records, and previous medication or surgery history usually help the hospital judge the case. Long-term dryness, redness, or a thinning cornea may also belong to the cornea and ocular-surface direction.

Whether a transplant is needed, whether surgery is possible, and how long to stay vary widely. The hospital confirms this after an in-person examination. Submit the records you have before deciding to travel.

You can first send recent refraction, vision tests, and strabismus-related records for the hospital to review. The treating doctor must decide whether to come to China. The doctor also decides whether to continue local treatment or observe. A photo or online inquiry is not enough.

If a child's myopia is worsening quickly, myopia-control assessment may also be relevant. The doctor confirms the plan after evaluation.