More Punjabis Are Choosing Permanent Freedom from Glasses: Here's What's Driving the Trend

Shivam Madaan

Jun 24, 2026 - 21:56

More Punjabis Are Choosing Permanent Freedom from Glasses: Here's What's Driving the Trend

From students and professionals to athletes and frequent travellers, a growing number of people are exploring next-generation vision correction technologies such as SMILE PRO to reduce their dependence on spectacles.

Jalandhar, Punjab: For generations, glasses and contact lenses have been considered a lifelong necessity for people with refractive errors. But eye specialists across Punjab are now witnessing a noticeable shift.

Increasing numbers of students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, and frequent travellers are actively exploring permanent vision correction options in an effort to reduce their dependence on spectacles and contact lenses.

According to experts, advancements in modern refractive surgery are making that goal more achievable than ever before.

"People today are looking for convenience, confidence, and freedom in their daily lives. Whether it's sports, travel, long working hours, or simply the desire to wake up and see clearly without reaching for glasses, we are seeing growing interest in vision correction procedures," said Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, Chief Eye Surgeon and Founder of Thind Eye Hospital.

Book Your Consultation Now: https://www.thindeyehospital.org/online-appointment/

Why More People Are Exploring Life Beyond Glasses

The shift is being driven by changing lifestyles.

Long hours in front of digital screens, active fitness routines, frequent travel, and increasing reliance on technology have made many individuals question whether they need to remain dependent on glasses for the rest of their lives.

Eye specialists say some of the most common reasons patients seek vision correction include:

Freedom from spectacles and contact lenses
Greater convenience during travel
Better comfort during sports and fitness activities
Reduced dependency on visual aids
Enhanced confidence in professional and social settings
Improved day-to-day convenience

For many individuals, vision correction is no longer viewed as a cosmetic decision; it is increasingly being seen as a lifestyle choice.

From LASIK to SMILE PRO: How Vision Correction Has Evolved

Modern refractive surgery has undergone remarkable advancements over the last two decades.

Thind Eye Hospital has been at the forefront of this evolution, becoming one of the first institutions in North India to introduce LASIK technology in 1998. Over the years, the hospital has continued to adopt advanced ophthalmic innovations aimed at improving precision, safety, and patient outcomes.

Today, one of the latest developments in this field is SMILE PRO, a next-generation laser vision correction procedure designed to provide highly precise and minimally invasive treatment.

Unlike earlier technologies, SMILE PRO utilizes advanced femtosecond laser technology to perform the laser portion of treatment in less than a minute. The system also incorporates sophisticated alignment and centration capabilities that help surgeons deliver highly customized treatment based on individual eye characteristics.

Experts believe these technological advancements are helping expand the number of eligible candidates while enhancing comfort and treatment precision.

Experience Remains the Difference

While technology continues to evolve, specialists emphasize that surgical expertise remains equally important.

Founded in 1991, Thind Eye Hospital has spent more than three decades building a reputation for advanced eye care, innovation, and patient-centered treatment. The NABH-accredited super specialty eye hospital serves patients not only from Punjab and across India but also from countries including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, who brings more than 38 years of surgical experience, the institution has played a pioneering role in refractive surgery and advanced ophthalmology. Dr. Thind is recognized for performing one of the highest numbers of ICL, LASIK, and SMILE procedures in India, while also performing the highest number of cataract surgeries across Punjab.

Today, the hospital operates through four advanced centers across Punjab, including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Ludhiana.

Could You Be a Candidate?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding vision correction is that only a limited number of people qualify for treatment.

According to specialists, many individuals who wear glasses or contact lenses may be suitable candidates following a detailed eye evaluation.

Generally, potential candidates include individuals who:

Are above 18 years of age
Have a stable spectacle number
Wish to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses
Are seeking greater visual freedom and convenience
Meet suitability criteria following clinical evaluation

The only way to determine eligibility is through a comprehensive eye examination performed by an experienced eye care team. Click here to book your first eye consultation with our team.

The Future of Vision Correction

As technology continues to advance, eye specialists believe the demand for modern vision correction procedures will continue to grow.

"What we are seeing today is more than interest in a procedure. It is a shift in mindset. People are increasingly exploring options that allow them to live, work, travel, and experience life with greater visual freedom," said Dr. Thind.

For those considering life beyond glasses, experts recommend beginning with a professional consultation to understand available options and suitability.

Book a Consultation

To learn whether LASIK, SMILE, or SMILE PRO may be suitable for you, schedule an eye evaluation at Thind Eye Hospital.

Book Online at: https://www.thindeyehospital.org/online-appointment/