Which Eye Surgery Is AI (Artificial Intelligence) Based?
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Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon 13+ Years Exp
MBBS, MS – Ophthalmology
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Let me answer your main question first, in the simplest words:
👉 The most common AI-based eye surgeries today are cataract surgery, LASIK surgery, SMILE surgery, and certain retinal and corneal surgeries.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) helps in planning, guiding, and performing these surgeries to give patients safer procedures, faster recovery, and better vision results.
In this blog, I’ll explain everything you need to know about AI-based eye surgeries — with personal stories from my practice — so that all your doubts are cleared. Let’s dive in!
What Is AI in Eye Surgery (In Simple Language)?
AI is like a super-smart assistant that helps eye surgeons. It uses data, scans, and images to:
✅ Make surgery plans tailored to your eye
✅ Guide instruments during surgery
✅ Predict and prevent possible problems
💬 In my experience as an eye surgeon, AI has made complex surgeries smoother and more accurate
AI-Based Eye Surgeries: Full List
Let’s look at which eye surgeries use AI — I’ll explain each in detail below:
Surgery | How AI Helps |
Cataract Surgery | AI plans lens position + guides laser cuts |
AI maps the cornea + guides laser reshaping | |
AI guides lenticule removal for glasses removal | |
Retinal Surgery | AI guides precision work on retina |
Corneal Surgery | AI helps in shaping, transplant alignment |
Glaucoma Surgery | AI predicts drainage issues, guides stent placement |
AI in Cataract Surgery
👉 Cataract surgery is the most common AI-assisted eye surgery today.
💡 How AI helps:
- AI creates a 3D map of your eye structures
- Suggests the perfect lens power and placement
- Guides femtosecond laser to make precise incisions
- Adjusts in real-time for eye movements
👉 AI tools commonly used: VERION™, Catalys™, LenSx™, ORA™
AI in LASIK Surgery
👉 LASIK surgery uses AI for perfect corneal reshaping to remove glasses.
💡 How AI helps:
- Maps cornea thickness and shape with micrometer accuracy
- Plans laser pulses for exact tissue removal
- Adapts to eye movements during surgery
👉 AI tools: Wavelight EX500, Contoura Vision, iDesign
AI in SMILE Surgery
👉 SMILE is a newer, flapless laser surgery for glasses removal, powered by AI.
💡 How AI helps:
- AI guides femtosecond laser to create and remove lenticule
- Ensures precision so no damage to nearby tissue
👉 AI tools: VisuMax with AI-guided femtosecond laser
AI in Retinal Surgery
👉 AI supports delicate retina operations — for retinal detachments, membrane peeling, diabetic eye issues.
💡 How AI helps:
- Maps retina layers in 3D
- Guides instruments to avoid damaging fragile tissues
- Alerts surgeon about risky moves
👉 AI tools: Navilas®, intra-op OCT with AI
AI in Corneal Surgery
👉 In corneal transplants or reshaping, AI assists by:
- Mapping corneal thickness and curvature
- Guiding precise cuts or laser spots
💬 AI-guided corneal cross-linking helped one of my keratoconus patients avoid transplant and regain stable vision.
AI in Glaucoma Surgery
👉 While not as common yet, AI is emerging in glaucoma surgery:
- Predicts fluid drainage patterns
- Guides placement of tiny drainage stents
Why AI-Based Eye Surgery Is Gaining Popularity?
👉 Because it offers clear benefits:
✅ Safer procedures
✅ Fewer complications
✅ Faster recovery
✅ Better vision results
💬 From my daily work, I can say AI makes me more confident during surgery and my patients happier afterwards.
Does AI-Based Eye Surgery Cost More?
👉 Yes, AI-assisted surgeries cost a bit more due to advanced machines, but most patients find the precision and safety worth it.
Surgery | AI-based price range (India) |
Cataract | ₹45,000 – ₹1,50,000 per eye |
LASIK | ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 per eye |
SMILE | ₹75,000 – ₹1,50,000 per eye |
Retina | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 per eye |
Patient FAQs About AI Eye Surgery
1️⃣ Is AI surgery fully automated?
👉 No! AI assists the surgeon but doesn’t replace human skill.
2️⃣ Is AI eye surgery painful?
👉 No — it actually helps make the procedure smoother and gentler.
3️⃣ Does AI guarantee perfect results?
👉 AI greatly improves outcomes but like any surgery, no 100% guarantees.
Limitations of AI in Eye Surgery
👉 As a Eye doctor, I must tell you AI isn’t magic.
⚡ It relies on good-quality scans
⚡ It can’t handle all complications alone — surgeon’s skill matters
⚡ AI machines are costly, so not available everywhere
Future of AI in Eye Surgery
👉 I believe:
AI will soon assist in more surgeries like uveitis or ocular tumors
AI will predict eye disease years before it happens
AI + robotics will offer near-flawless precision
AI is the future — but always combined with human care.
Key Takeaways: AI-Based Eye Surgeries at a Glance
Surgery | Role of AI |
Cataract | Laser guidance, lens positioning |
LASIK | Corneal mapping, laser control |
SMILE | Lenticule creation + removal |
Retina | 3D mapping, instrument guidance |
Cornea | Shaping, transplant alignment |
Glaucoma | Predict drainage, stent placement |
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about eye surgery, ask your surgeon about AI options.
💬 In my practice, AI has helped me offer safer, more precise surgeries — and I truly believe it’s a blessing for modern eye care.
AUTHOR
Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon 13+ Years Exp
MBBS, MS – Ophthalmology
TREATMENT
CALL US 24/7 FOR ANY HELP
GET IN TOUCH ON
