Laser eye surgery in Turkey

How much does laser eye surgery cost in Turkey?

The average cost of laser eye surgery in Istanbul is 1400 euros. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from €1,200 to €1,600.

Procedure	Cost Turkey
Laser eye surgery	1400 €

What is laser eye surgery?

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileuses), commonly known as laser eye surgery, is a type of refractive eye surgery to correct vision problems. The procedure reshapes the cornea to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused on the retina for better, clearer vision. LASIK is mainly used to treat hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. In some cases, LASIK can also be performed on people with mild to moderate refractive errors.

In principle, LASIK surgery is painless and quick. The results allow better vision with glasses or contact lenses. The operation can be performed on people aged between 21 and 40. Sometimes, people over the age of 40 can also undergo the procedure.

It is important to know that LASIK is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, patients are not advised to undergo the procedure, including keratoconus, immune system disorders, large pupils, advanced glaucoma, diabetic eye problems, previous herpes eye infection, autoimmune disorders and dry eye. Be sure to consult your ophthalmologist before considering this type of surgery.

Prior to LASIK, you may be nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism and are probably dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Wearing glasses or contact lenses limits your activities. After LASIK, you can have clear vision and lead an active life, for example by taking part in sport. The procedure will considerably improve your quality of life.

What does the procedure involve in Turkey?

Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will give you instructions on how to prepare for the operation. Your cornea will be measured and your medical history assessed. If you regularly wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them completely for at least a few weeks before the operation, as contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea.

During LASIK, you will lie on your back in a reclining chair. The procedure is performed under topical anaesthetic, which numbs your eyes. An instrument is used to hold your eyelids open.

Your surgeon uses a small surgical tool called a microkeratome or uses a femtosecond laser to cut out a small hinged flap at the front of your eye (cornea). The hinged flap is then folded back to access the underlying cornea. Your ophthalmologist then reshapes your cornea using a programmed laser.

The cornea is reshaped so that light entering the eye focuses more precisely on the retina to improve vision. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is put back in place. The flap heals normally without any stitches.

How long do I have to stay in Turkey for laser eye surgery (LASIK)?

LASIK is often performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can leave the hospital once the effects of the topical anaesthetic and sedation have worn off. The procedure itself can take up to 30 minutes for both eyes. However, you should not leave Turkey immediately after leaving hospital. The recommended length of stay is around 3 to 5 days to allow your body to recover and to attend a follow-up check-up. During this check-up, your ophthalmologist will assess the health of your eye and your visual acuity.

What is the recovery time for laser eye surgery (LASIK) procedures in Turkey?

On the day of the procedure, your vision may be blurred or blurred. However, your vision will improve over the two days following the procedure. If your work is not physically demanding, you should be able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks after the operation. Your eyes will continue to heal and improve for approximately 6 months after LASIK.

What kind of aftercare is required for laser eye surgery (LASIK) in Turkey?

Make sure you follow all your ophthalmologist’s instructions to get the best result and avoid complications. You may need to refrain from strenuous activity during your recovery period to ensure that your eyes heal properly. Always protect your eyes from injury, as they are generally more susceptible to trauma after LASIK. You may need to attend regular follow-up visits to check your vision, but this is normally done with your local ophthalmologist.

Remember that LASIK does not prevent you from getting other eye diseases, so always protect your eyes. Eat healthy foods to preserve the quality of your sight, wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, take breaks when working on the computer or using your mobile phone to avoid tiring your eyes, get enough sleep after a long day and see your ophthalmologist regularly.

What is the success rate for laser eye surgery (LASIK) in Turkey?

LASIK has a very high success rate. Studies have shown that 95% of myopia patients can achieve 20/25 vision after their operation. More than 8 out of 10 people who have undergone LASIK surgery no longer need glasses or contact lenses in their daily activities.

The results you achieve depend on a number of factors, including your specific refractive error. People with low-grade myopia generally achieve the best results. Results are less predictable for people with hyperopia, high myopia and astigmatism.

Some LASIK patients require a second operation to improve their vision because the results of the operation have led to under-correction. In very rare cases, some people’s eyes may slowly return to the level of vision they had before the operation due to certain conditions, such as another eye problem, abnormal scarring and hormonal imbalances.

LASIK also carries certain risks that you should be aware of, including dry eyes, glare, double vision, halos, undercorrections, overcorrections, flap problems, astigmatism, regression, vision loss and vision changes. Be sure to discuss these risks with your ophthalmologist.

Are there alternatives to laser eye surgery (LASIK) in Turkey?

The main alternative to LASIK is phakic intraocular lens implantation and Epi-Lasik. With phakic intraocular lens implants, the layers of the cornea are not peeled or cut. Instead, an artificial silicone or plastic lens is implanted to improve your vision.

In Epi-Lasik, your natural crystalline lens is removed using a laser and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. As the artificial lens remains clear and does not age, the results last longer than other refractive procedures.