Photorefractive keratectomy in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics

Which cases is this Eye Surgery used for in Istanbul?

During the photorefractive keratectomy in Turkey, the eye surgeon reshapes the cornea. The treatment aims at correcting eye conditions like astigmatism, hypermetropia, or myopia.

Treatment of myopia

The PRK is mainly employed to treat myopia. The latter is a refractive error caused by a malformation in the anatomy of the eye. It can be treated through this technique with considerable effectiveness.

In fact, this technique can correct myopia up to about -10 dioptres. However, beyond these values, the technique begins to lose its precision.

Treatment of Astigmatism 

The correction of astigmatism generally gets fewer results than those obtained in the case of myopia. However, with the latest generation laser, you get good results even on important astigmatisms.

Treatment of Hypermetropia 

In case of hypermetropia, good results can be obtained when there are minor defects. However, if hypermetropia is high, the eye doctor does not recommend the PRK technique. Therefore, the ophthalmologist suggest the PRK technique in case of visual defects of slight or medium magnitude.

The doctor may also suggest it to correct refractive defects of high degrees that cannot be treated with other techniques.

Photorefractive Keratectomy VS LASIK Eye Surgery

Unlike in LASIK treatment, ocular pain is more likely to be felt after PRK, sometimes even quite intense. This pain is the result of the removal of the corneal epithelium and is treated with painkillers. 

However, LASIK is contraindicated in case of particularly thin cornea.

LASIK VS PRK: The Recovery Time

The corneal wound healing takes place in a rather short time (usually three or four days are enough). However, the visual recovery is longer than that of LASIK eye surgery (about two weeks).

For complete stabilization you will have to wait even a few months.

What are the Advantages of PRK?

The main advantages of photorefractive keratectomy are the following: 

• It is a relatively simple operation.
• It does not cause pain or discomfort.

Furthermore, it is free of significant side effects that may occur during and after the intervention.

How is this procedure performed & How much does it Cost?

The operation takes place under topical anesthesia. The patient lies down on the operating table and the surgeon uses anesthetic eye drops.

The eye surgeons start the operation by removing the corneal epithelium. Then, the surgeon positions the laser and performs the treatment. The latter lasts on average from 30 seconds to just over a minute.

After the laser treatment, we proceed with the application of a therapeutic contact lens. The latter will remain on site for a few days (usually a week).

The cost of the PRK operation varies depending on how serious the visual defect. It also depends on the technology used by the surgeon.

What are the possible results of PRK?

In the vast majority of cases, the patients obtain the desired results through the photorefractive keratectomy. Added to that, no further vision corrections are needed.

A very low percentage of patients (about 5%) do not get the desired results. There is rarely a regression of the vision corrections that were obtained with the PRK.

Therefore, it is still necessary to employ eyeglasses or contact lenses even if they are less effective.

Not all patients get the desired outcome. This is linked to the fact that not all people respond in the same way to laser treatment.

However, it must be said that after 90 days you can repeat a new treatment.

What are the possible Side effects?

The photorefractive keratectomy is considered to be a very safe procedure. However, even in the case of simple operations, there is no absolute certainty that no complications will occur.

In the case of PRK, the complications are very rare. There is the risk of infections. Other problems can result from a delay in epithelialization.

Besides, the corneal epithelium regrows in a few days, but in some cases it may take more time. It is not a complicated problem, but it is certainly annoying. The patient must extend the period of suspension from normal work and recreational activities.

Corneal opacities may occur in some cases especially when significant myopia has been treated. 

How much does this procedure Cost in Turkey & Istanbul?

Factors that influence the price are:

• The degrees of visual angle to be corrected may increase the price of PRK procedure. The latter is generally more expensive for those who have severe visual problems.
• The latest technologies used in laser-assisted surgeries are usually more expensive than the older ones. You should ask about the costs of the different procedures available in Turkey and Istanbul to understand exactly what to expect.
• The experience of the surgeon or the ophthalmologist and his professional reputation can influence the cost of the surgery. More experienced surgeons working at renowned clinics and hospitals tend to be more expensive.