Here is a fact that most people do not know: modern refractive surgery was invented in Colombia.
Keratomileusis — the surgical technique of reshaping the cornea to correct vision — was developed by Dr. José Ignacio Barraquer, a Colombian-Spanish ophthalmologist working in Bogotá. He is universally recognized as “the father of modern refractive surgery.” Every LASIK procedure performed anywhere in the world today is built on the foundation he created.
Colombia has over half a century of heritage in eye surgery. That heritage has translated into a deep bench of experienced ophthalmologists, advanced laser technology, and some of the most competitive pricing for vision correction anywhere in the world.
In the United States, LASIK costs $4,000-$6,000 for both eyes. It is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. Many Americans who would benefit from vision correction simply cannot afford it.
In Colombia, the same procedure — using the same laser platforms — is available at a fraction of the cost.
Procedures Available
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery worldwide. Between 1991 and 2016, over 40 million LASIK procedures were performed globally. In the United States alone, approximately 9.5 million people have had LASIK.
How it works:
- A thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using a femtosecond laser (bladeless LASIK) or a microkeratome
- The flap is folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue (stroma)
- An excimer laser precisely reshapes the stroma, removing microscopic amounts of tissue to correct the refractive error
- The flap is repositioned and adheres naturally without stitches
The entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within hours.
LASIK corrects:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects
- Astigmatism: Blurred vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
Key facts:
- Patient satisfaction rate exceeds 95% in published studies
- Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
- Recovery: most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours
- Results are permanent, though age-related changes (presbyopia) will still occur later in life
- In the USA, cost is $2,000-$3,000 per eye ($4,000-$6,000 total)
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is an alternative to LASIK that does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue directly. The epithelium regenerates naturally over 3-5 days.
PRK is preferred for patients who:
- Have thin corneas (insufficient thickness for a safe LASIK flap)
- Have large pupils
- Are in occupations with high risk of eye trauma (military, contact sports, law enforcement)
- Have certain corneal irregularities
PRK achieves the same final visual outcome as LASIK, but recovery is slower (full visual stabilization takes 1-3 months versus days with LASIK). PRK is often slightly less expensive than LASIK.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is the newest generation of refractive surgery. Instead of creating a flap, a femtosecond laser creates a thin disc of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a small 2-4mm incision. This corrects the refractive error without a flap.
Advantages over LASIK:
- No flap-related complications
- Smaller incision (less nerve disruption, potentially less dry eye)
- Greater corneal structural integrity post-surgery
SMILE is currently approved for myopia and astigmatism. Not all clinics have the required laser (Carl Zeiss VisuMax or VISU SMART), but several advanced ophthalmology centers in Colombia offer it.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
For patients with high myopia (typically -6.00 to -20.00 diopters) or thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK, PRK, or SMILE, an implantable collamer lens (ICL) is an alternative. A thin, biocompatible lens is placed inside the eye (between the iris and the natural lens), providing permanent vision correction without altering the cornea.
Key facts:
- Reversible — the lens can be removed or replaced if needed
- Excellent visual quality, particularly for high prescriptions
- Procedure takes 15-30 minutes per eye
- In the USA, ICL costs $3,500-$6,000 per eye
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the world. It involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Modern cataract surgery is performed through a tiny incision using phacoemulsification (ultrasound to break up the lens) or femtosecond laser-assisted techniques.
What to know:
- Procedure takes 15-30 minutes per eye
- Performed under local anesthesia (eye drops), no general anesthesia needed
- Recovery: most patients see clearly within 1-3 days
- Premium IOL options (multifocal, toric, extended depth of focus) can correct distance, intermediate, and near vision simultaneously, potentially eliminating the need for glasses entirely
- In the USA, cataract surgery with a premium IOL costs $3,500-$7,000 per eye
Pterygium Surgery
A pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye that can extend over the cornea, causing irritation, redness, and vision distortion. Pterygium is more common in people living in tropical or high-UV environments. Surgical removal with conjunctival autograft (using the patient’s own tissue to prevent recurrence) is the standard treatment.
This is a particularly relevant procedure for patients living in or retiring to tropical climates.
Colombia’s Heritage in Eye Surgery
Colombia’s connection to refractive surgery is not just historical trivia. It reflects a deep, ongoing tradition of ophthalmological excellence:
- Dr. José Ignacio Barraquer developed keratomileusis in Bogotá in the 1960s, creating the foundation for all modern laser vision correction including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE
- The Barraquer Institute in Bogotá (founded by his family) remains one of the most respected ophthalmology centers in Latin America and continues to train eye surgeons from around the world
- Colombian ophthalmologists routinely present research at international conferences and hold positions in global ophthalmology societies
- Multiple Colombian eye centers have invested in the latest laser platforms (WaveLight EX500, Carl Zeiss VisuMax, SCHWIND AMARIS) — the same technology used at top US centers like the Kraff Eye Institute or TLC Laser Eye Centers
When you get LASIK in Colombia, you are having the procedure performed in the country that invented the science behind it.
Why Colombia for Eye Surgery?
Cost
LASIK in the United States costs $4,000-$6,000 for both eyes. Many Americans put off the procedure for years because of cost, continuing to spend $200-$500/year on glasses and contact lenses indefinitely.
In Colombia, the same procedure using the same laser platforms is available at a fraction of the cost. Even including round-trip flights and a short hotel stay, the total expense is significantly less than the US price for the procedure alone. See our full cost comparison.
Speed
LASIK is one of the fastest medical tourism procedures. The typical timeline:
- Day 1: Arrive in Colombia. Comprehensive eye exam and LASIK evaluation.
- Day 2: LASIK procedure (15 minutes per eye). Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Day 3: Follow-up appointment. Most patients already see clearly. Free to explore the city.
- Day 4-5: Optional second follow-up. Fly home.
Total trip: 3-5 days. You can combine LASIK with a long weekend in Medellín or Bogotá and return home with perfect vision.
Technology
Colombian eye centers use the same laser platforms as leading US centers:
- WaveLight EX500 (Alcon): One of the fastest excimer lasers available, with integrated eye tracking
- Carl Zeiss VisuMax: The only femtosecond laser approved for SMILE
- SCHWIND AMARIS: Advanced excimer laser with high-speed eye tracking and thermal management
- IntraLase / iFS (J&J Vision): Femtosecond laser for bladeless flap creation
Wavefront-guided (custom) and topography-guided LASIK — the most advanced forms of the procedure, which create a personalized treatment map for each eye — are widely available in Colombia.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
General candidacy criteria for LASIK (similar worldwide):
- Age 18 or older (most surgeons prefer 21+, when the prescription has stabilized)
- Stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Myopia up to approximately -10.00 to -12.00 diopters
- Hyperopia up to approximately +4.00 to +6.00 diopters
- Astigmatism up to approximately 5.00-6.00 diopters
- Adequate corneal thickness (measured during evaluation)
- No active eye diseases (keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eye)
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Realistic expectations
If you are not a LASIK candidate, your surgeon may recommend PRK, SMILE, or ICL as alternatives. A thorough pre-operative evaluation will determine the best procedure for your specific eyes.
Safety and Risks
LASIK is one of the most studied elective procedures in medicine, with a published satisfaction rate exceeding 95%. However, like any surgery, it carries risks:
- Dry eyes: The most common side effect, occurring in the majority of patients in the first few weeks and resolving in most cases within 3-6 months. Artificial tears are used during recovery.
- Halos, glare, and starbursts: Visual disturbances around lights at night, particularly in the first weeks. Usually temporary. More common with large pupils or high prescriptions.
- Under-correction or over-correction: Occurs in a small percentage of cases. Can usually be corrected with an enhancement (touch-up) procedure.
- Flap complications (LASIK only): Rare with modern femtosecond lasers. Flap-free procedures (PRK, SMILE) eliminate this risk entirely.
- Infection: Extremely rare (less than 0.1%) with proper post-operative care and antibiotic eye drops.
- Regression: In some cases, the correction may partially regress over time, requiring an enhancement. More common with high prescriptions.
Serious vision-threatening complications from LASIK are exceptionally rare in the hands of experienced surgeons using modern technology. The key to a safe outcome is choosing a qualified, high-volume ophthalmologist and undergoing a thorough pre-operative evaluation. For more on medical safety in Colombia, see our guide: Is Colombia Safe for Medical Tourists?
How to Choose an Eye Clinic in Colombia
- Surgeon credentials: Your surgeon should be a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in cornea and refractive surgery. Ask about their LASIK volume (how many procedures per year) and years of experience.
- Laser technology: Ask specifically which laser platforms the clinic uses. Verify that they offer femtosecond laser flap creation (bladeless LASIK) rather than mechanical microkeratome only. Wavefront-guided or topography-guided options should be available.
- Pre-operative evaluation: A reputable clinic will perform a comprehensive evaluation before agreeing to operate, including corneal thickness mapping (pachymetry), corneal topography, pupil size measurement, tear film assessment, and a dilated eye exam. Clinics that offer LASIK without thorough screening should be avoided.
- Enhancement policy: Ask about the clinic’s policy if an enhancement (touch-up) is needed within the first year. Many reputable clinics include one enhancement at no additional cost.
- Patient volume and reviews: Look for clinics that perform high volumes of refractive surgery and have strong reviews from international patients.
LASIK vs Other Vision Correction Options
| Factor | LASIK | PRK | SMILE | ICL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flap creation | Yes | No | No | No (intraocular lens) |
| Recovery time | 1-2 days | 1-3 months (full stabilization) | 2-7 days | 1-3 days |
| Myopia range | Up to -10 to -12 | Up to -8 to -10 | Up to -10 | Up to -20 |
| Hyperopia | Yes | Yes | Not yet | Yes |
| Dry eye risk | Moderate (temporary) | Lower than LASIK | Lower than LASIK | Minimal |
| Reversible | No | No | No | Yes |
| Best for | Most patients | Thin corneas, high-risk occupations | Myopia with thin corneas | Very high myopia, thin corneas |
Combining LASIK with Other Procedures
Because LASIK requires only a 3-5 day trip, many patients combine it with other medical or dental procedures in Colombia. For example:
- LASIK + dental veneers (both have similar recovery timelines)
- LASIK during the recovery period of another procedure (cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery)
- LASIK as a standalone long-weekend trip
Discuss with your ophthalmologist and other treating physicians whether combining procedures is appropriate for your situation.
Your Next Step
If you are considering LASIK or another vision correction procedure, the first step is sharing your current eye prescription and any recent eye exam results with a specialist. You will receive an initial assessment of your candidacy and the procedure most likely to give you the best results.
This initial consultation is free and conducted via video call. Learn more about how the process works or read our Patient Travel Guide to start planning your trip.
