Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK / SMILE)

What laser eye surgery involves

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina, removing short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. Three techniques are used. Femto-LASIK creates a thin corneal flap with a femtosecond laser and reshapes the cornea beneath it with an excimer laser — fastest recovery, clear vision the next day. ReLEx SMILE removes a lenticule of tissue through a 2 mm keyhole with no flap — more comfortable for dry eyes and contact sports, slightly slower visual recovery. PRK/LASEK treats the surface without a flap for thin corneas, with a week of recovery.

Both eyes are treated in the same session, in about fifteen minutes, under anaesthetic drops. The technique is chosen from your corneal thickness, prescription and lifestyle, not from a menu.

Who is eligible

Age 18–45 with a stable prescription for at least a year — up to about −10 for short-sightedness, +4 for long-sightedness and 5 of astigmatism — sufficient corneal thickness and no keratoconus, severe dry eye or autoimmune disease. Over 45, lens replacement is usually the better choice. Stop soft contact lenses one week and rigid lenses three weeks before diagnostics.

Why Istanbul, and why through us

Femto-LASIK or SMILE costs £3,500–5,500 for both eyes in the UK and €3,000–5,000 in Germany. Our ophthalmology partner is a JCI-accredited eye hospital running the Zeiss VisuMax and Alcon WaveLight platforms at high volume, and the all-inclusive price with hotel and transfers is around half of that.

You deal with one coordinator, one hospital and one medical team from the first message to the last follow-up. Every price is itemised in writing before you pay a deposit, and the written quote does not change unless you change the plan. Flights are never included.

Recovery and follow-up

Three nights in Istanbul: diagnostics on day one, laser on day two, check on day three and fly. Vision is usable within hours with LASIK and within one to three days with SMILE; PRK takes about a week. Drops for two to four weeks; no eye rubbing or swimming for two; sunglasses outdoors. Follow-up at one and three months can be done by any optometrist at home.

Cost of laser eye surgery in Turkey

The published price is for both eyes with Femto-LASIK or PRK and includes diagnostics, surgery, drops, hotel, transfers and coordination. ReLEx SMILE is quoted individually at a modest premium. Flights are never included.

Describe the situations in which vision matters most

Tell the ophthalmologist how you use your eyes: driving at night, screen work, sport, close work or tasks where glasses are inconvenient. Explain what you hope to change and which effects you would find difficult to accept. A treatment recommendation should reflect that discussion rather than begin with a promise of glasses-free vision in every situation.

For general information to discuss with your treating clinician, see FDA's LASIK preparation information. It is US patient guidance, not a statement that a Turkish facility or device has a particular approval.

Ask why a specific technique is recommended

Request the exact procedure name and an explanation of the findings supporting it. Ask what makes you suitable, what would make the clinician advise against it and how alternatives compare.

If you use contact lenses, obtain individual preparation instructions before travelling. Do not copy a universal interval from another patient's plan. Tell the clinician about previous eye treatment, symptoms and medicines so the assessment does not rely on your prescription alone.

Discuss the limitations before the procedure

For general information to discuss with your treating clinician, see FDA LASIK checklist. The FDA LASIK checklist includes questions about expectations, the surgeon and follow-up. Ask your ophthalmologist which risks matter in your case and what they would do if the result differs from the plan.

Do not interpret “enhancement available” as a promise that every further treatment is appropriate, included or capable of removing every symptom.

Arrange clinical checks separately from hotel nights

Ask which appointments are required before departure, who conducts them and how care continues after returning home. A fixed hotel package does not establish that you can drive, work or fly on its last day.

Request the proposed method, whether one or both eyes are included, and any additional charges in your written quote. Flights are excluded. Do not infer equipment, named facilities or continuous staffing from a general website description.

Does a technique name guarantee suitability?

No. Ask what your examination shows and why that option is recommended.

Will I never need glasses again?

Discuss realistic expectations for your activities and future vision changes; do not book on an absolute promise.

Who should answer my clinical questions?

Ask who the treating ophthalmologist is and which professional will assess your suitability and answer medical questions.

Separate a clear eye-chart result from comfortable everyday vision

Use the US FDA's LASIK risk information to ask about dryness, glare, halos, night driving and the possibility of still needing glasses. Ask which risks apply to the exact technique proposed and your existing symptoms. LASIK information should not be used as a substitute for a separate explanation of SMILE or surface laser treatment.

Tell the clinician if you already have dryness, fluctuating vision or difficulty wearing contacts. Request an explanation of which findings would lead them to delay treatment or recommend a different approach. Do not accept a named technique as a guarantee that an existing symptom will improve.

Keep alternatives open if the examination changes the plan

Continuing with glasses or appropriately fitted contact lenses remains a decision to discuss. Ask whether another refractive procedure is relevant and why. Lens replacement is a different intervention; a birthday alone does not establish that replacing the natural lens is preferable.

If the team proposes different treatment after diagnostics, request the revised consent and quote before deciding. Ask what happens to accommodation and booking charges if you decline or are unsuitable. Suitability should be settled medically, with room to reconsider rather than pressure to use a paid travel booking.

Compare both-eye scope and aftercare, not just a headline figure

The catalogue entry is a market benchmark of €1,800 for both eyes with Femto-LASIK or PRK, with a three-night notation. It does not establish a confirmed partner price, SMILE availability or a bookable package. Obtain the exact technique, clinician and facility in writing. Ask whether diagnostics, prescribed drops, review visits and any additional treatment are included. Flights are excluded.

Arrange transport without relying on your ability to drive after treatment. Ask which examination is needed before returning home and who handles concerns afterwards. Keep the prescription and treatment summary for local care. Package nights do not establish readiness to fly, drive or resume screen-intensive work.

Is an enhancement part of every package?

Ask about its clinical eligibility, timing and written cost terms. “Further correction included” should not be interpreted as a guarantee that another procedure will be suitable or that every unwanted visual effect can be corrected.