Eye Surgery in Turkey

Eye laser surgery (eye lasering) is a treatment method in which refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are corrected through laser reshaping of the cornea. The goal is to reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.

What is Eye Laser Surgery (Eye Lasering)?

Eye laser surgery, commonly known as eye lasering in colloquial terms, is applied to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism through laser treatment following a personalized suitability evaluation.

The cornea, the transparent layer on the front surface of the eye, refracts light and focuses it onto the retina. When the curvature of the cornea or the length of the eye globe deviates from ideal measurements, the image falls in front of or behind the retina; this manifests as blurred vision. Laser treatment corrects this focusing error by removing corneal tissue at the micron level.

In the past, glasses were the only option for people with refractive errors. Contact lenses later became widespread; however, the need for regular insertion and removal, hygiene requirements, and the risk of dry eyes, irritation, or infection with prolonged use created various difficulties. Over the past 20-25 years, advances in laser technology have made refractive surgery much more personalized and controlled.

Which Vision Errors Does It Correct?

Threshold values vary depending on the method, corneal thickness, and overall eye structure; the ranges above are general guidelines, not absolute rules.

Who Is Suitable, Who Is Not?

What Tests Are Performed Before Surgery?

Suitability evaluation is the most critical phase of treatment. The appropriate method can only be determined after detailed measurements.

1. Refraction measurement: Detection of eye prescription with and without drops
2. Corneal topography: Mapping of the cornea, detection of irregularities
3. Pachymetry: Measurement of corneal thickness at the micron level
4. Intraocular pressure: Evaluation for glaucoma
5. Tear tests: Determination of dry eye level
6. Pupil diameter measurement: Particularly important for night vision quality
7. Retinal examination: Control of the retina with dilated pupils

What Are Eye Laser Methods?

Refractive laser methods are grouped into three main categories: surface ablation, flap procedures, and lenticular extraction techniques.

1. Surface Ablation Methods

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and excimer laser is applied to the underlying tissue. Since no flap is created, the cornea's biomechanical strength is preserved; however, the epithelium regeneration takes several days, so healing may be longer compared to flap procedures.

LASEK: Instead of completely removing the epithelial layer, it is loosened with dilute alcohol and folded aside, then repositioned after laser treatment. It is considered a technique between PRK and LASIK and is generally preferred in patients with thin corneas.

2. Flap Procedures

LASIK: A classic method used for many years. A thin cap (flap) is created in the cornea using a device called a microkeratome, the flap is lifted and excimer laser is applied to the underlying tissue, then the flap is repositioned. The biggest advantage is the very rapid healing; vision generally improves noticeably within the first 24 hours and there is almost no pain.

iLASIK / Femto-LASIK (Bladeless LASIK): The flap is created with a femtosecond laser rather than a mechanical blade under computer control. With wavefront technology, a personalized corneal map is extracted, allowing not just the prescription but also the eye's subtle optical imperfections to be included in the treatment plan. This method is also used for canal preparation for corneal rings used in keratoconus treatment.

3. Lenticular Extraction Methods

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): It is a flapless and minimally invasive method. Femtosecond laser creates a thin tissue disc called a lenticule inside the cornea; this disc is extracted through a micro incision of approximately 2-4 millimeters. Since a wide cap is not opened, the cornea's natural integrity and nerve structure are largely preserved.

• Since it is flapless and bladeless, preservation of corneal biomechanics
• Lower risk of dry eye due to preservation of corneal nerves
• No flap-related complications such as slippage or wrinkling
• A comfortable choice for those engaging in contact sports or with an active lifestyle

SMILE Pro: The next-generation version of the method with enhanced automation support. Laser application time has been reduced to seconds level; eye centering and rotation compensation have been automated.

SILK: Another current method working on the lenticular extraction principle. Through its different lenticular geometry and software targeting softer tissue separation, it aims to achieve rapid vision sharpness gain in the early period. It is used for myopia and astigmatism treatment.

Comparison of Methods

Which Is the Best Eye Laser Method?

The best method is not the newest method, but the one most suitable for the individual's eye structure.

The main determining factors in method selection are:

• Corneal thickness and regularity of topography
• Degree and type of eye prescription
• Dry eye level and tear quality
• Pupil diameter and night vision needs
• Occupation and lifestyle (contact sports, military service, piloting, and other areas with high impact risk)

For example, in a person with thin cornea, surface ablation would be preferred over a flap procedure; whereas in a person with adequate corneal thickness who needs to return to work quickly, flap procedures might stand out. For someone engaging in contact sports, flapless techniques might be a safer choice.

Is Eye Laser Surgery Safe?

Refractive laser surgery is a field that has been practiced for decades worldwide and has extensive scientific literature. When appropriate patient selection is made, patient satisfaction rates are quite high and the incidence of serious complications is low. However, no surgical procedure is completely risk-free.

Common Temporary Side Effects

• Dry eye, discomfort, and foreign body sensation in the first days
• Temporary blurred or wavy vision
• Light sensitivity and tearing
• Halo and glare perception around light sources at night

Rarer Conditions

• Incomplete correction of prescription or partial regression over time
• Temporary corneal clouding (haze) after surface ablation
• Flap-related problems in flap procedures
• Infection (very rare; compliance with eye drops further reduces risk)

How Is Eye Laser Surgery Performed?

Although details vary depending on the method, the general flow is as follows:

1. The patient is taken to the laser room and lies supine on the laser bed.
2. The area around the eye is covered with a sterile drape; the eye to be treated is left exposed.
3. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye; no pain is felt during the procedure.
4. If needed, a mild sedative may be given for patient comfort.
5. The area around the eye is cleaned with antiseptic solution.
6. An eyelid retractor is placed to keep the eye open.
7. Depending on the method, the epithelium is removed, a flap is created, or a lenticule is prepared.
8. Laser application is performed; this step is usually measured in seconds.
9. A protective contact lens may be placed on the eye and drop therapy is started.

Both eyes are generally treated in the same session. The total time including preparation is approximately 15-20 minutes; hospitalization is not required.

What Should Be Considered Before Surgery?

• Contact lens use should be discontinued before examination and surgery. Generally 1-2 weeks for soft lenses, longer for rigid lenses is recommended.
• No eye makeup should be applied on the day of the procedure; perfumes or scented products should not be used.
• All medications used should be disclosed to the doctor; blood thinners should not be used without doctor approval.
• An escort must be present as vehicle operation is not permitted after the procedure.
• Comfortable clothing should be preferred; fasting is not required before the procedure.

Post-Operative Recovery Process

Recovery speed varies by method: in flap procedures, vision generally clears noticeably on the first day, while in surface ablation methods, epithelial regeneration takes several days and complete clarity can take several weeks.

Factors Affecting Pricing

Prices depend not on a single factor but on multiple variables:

• The laser method applied (surface ablation, flap techniques, or lenticular extraction)
• Laser device and software technology used
• Degree and type of eye prescription and complexity of