LASIK eye surgery in Turkey | Indications, procedure & cost

How does Lasik work?

LASIK uses laser technology to reshape your cornea and correct refractive errors. Two lasers work together in a carefully orchestrated sequence to achieve the precise vision correction your eyes need.

First, a femtosecond laser creates a thin protective flap on the corneal surface. Once lifted, the excimer laser takes over to gently reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping adjusts your cornea's curvature according to your specific vision problem.

After reshaping is complete, the flap is carefully repositioned without stitches. Most patients see clearer vision within the first 24 to 48 hours, though your vision typically stabilizes fully over several weeks.

Interested in vision correction? Turquie Santé can connect you with experienced eye specialists in Turkey who perform LASIK. Our medical coordinators will guide you through each step of the process.

LASIK preoperative evaluation

Before LASIK, a thorough preoperative assessment confirms whether surgery is right for you and helps specialists design an approach matched to your specific vision needs.

Your evaluation will include several advanced eye examinations:

• Corneal pachymetry measures how thick your cornea is.
• Corneal topography maps your cornea's shape and surface regularity.
• Aberrometry identifies subtle optical imperfections that affect vision quality.
• Anterior segment OCT provides detailed cross-sectional imaging when necessary.
• Cycloplegia fundus examination uses dilating drops to examine the back of your eye.

Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for the complete evaluation. The dilating drops can affect your vision for up to 12 hours afterward, so arrange someone to drive you home. You won't be able to drive safely on your own after the tests.

Contact Turquie Santé to schedule your consultation. Our team will help arrange a personalized assessment at one of Turkey's leading eye clinics.

Contraindications of LASIK

Before moving forward with laser eye surgery, comprehensive examinations are necessary. The clinics partnered by Turquie Santé use advanced diagnostic equipment to determine if you're a suitable candidate and protect your eye health.

Certain medical or eye conditions can make LASIK unsafe or unsuitable.

These contraindications include:

• Active eye disease such as keratoconus or glaucoma that continues to progress.
• Current eye infection.
• Vision that has been unstable or changing in recent months.
• Early-stage cataracts affecting vision quality.
• Corneas thinner than required for safe surgery.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If no contraindications are present, specialists will recommend the technique best suited to your corneal anatomy and vision needs. When LASIK isn't appropriate, alternatives like PRK, Femto-LASIK, or LASEK often deliver comparable or better outcomes for your specific situation.

Want to know if you're a good candidate? Book a free teleconsultation with ophthalmologists partnered by Turquie Santé.

Post-operative recovery

Most patients see rapid improvement after LASIK. Within 24 to 48 hours, you'll likely notice significantly clearer vision. Returning to routine activities like driving or office work typically takes just a few days.

During your first week, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, even if they feel slightly uncomfortable. Follow your eye specialist's instructions carefully, as this directly affects how smoothly you heal. Contact sports and swimming can resume after 2 to 3 weeks, though your individual healing timeline may vary.

LASIK in Turkey: Risks to be aware of

LASIK is among the safest refractive surgeries available globally. Still, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risk. The clinics partnered by Turquie Santé prioritize your safety through detailed preoperative screening and take measures to minimize complications. Your surgeon will discuss what to expect and how to prevent issues.

Common temporary effects

Most side effects resolve on their own or respond well to simple treatment. Dry eyes are frequent and usually improve with lubricating drops. You might experience temporary blurred vision, mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or halos around bright lights.

Occasionally, your vision may be slightly undercorrected or overcorrected, sometimes requiring a touch-up procedure or temporary glasses or contact lenses.

Rare but serious complications

Though uncommon, these complications can occur:

• Corneal infection, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Corneal ectasia, a gradual weakening and bulging of the cornea over time.
• Flap displacement following direct eye trauma after surgery.
• Temporary eye pressure elevation affecting blood vessel function.