LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a type of laser eye surgery for treating refractive errors. As an alternative to glasses or contact lenses, the procedure works by reshaping the cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye, with the help of laser technology. LASIK can treat refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
When performed by experienced surgeons in well-equipped clinics, LASIK surgery can improve vision of more than 90% of patients. Clinichub connects international patients seeking LASIK eye surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, with experienced surgeons and accredited clinics.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is one of the most common types of vision correction surgery. It is generally used to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Successful LASIK surgery can permanently improve vision.
What Conditions Does LASIK Treat?
The LASIK eye surgery procedure is often used to treat refractive errors, which are common vision problems characterised by blurred vision. Refractive errors occur when light cannot focus properly on the retina. Light normally bends as it passes through the cornea and focuses on the retina.
However, if the length of the eyeball, the shape of the cornea, or the lens is not normal, light cannot bend properly and does not focus on the retina, leading to blurred vision. LASIK is used to treat the following main refractive errors:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Distant objects appear blurry due to a longer eyeball or an overly curved cornea.
- Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, often caused by a shorter eyeball or flatter cornea.
- Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, results in blurred vision at all distances.
LASIK treats refractive errors by reshaping the cornea using laser technology.
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea to help light focus correctly on the retina. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye. Together with the eye’s lens, it bends light and focuses it on the retina. The retina then converts the light into signals and sends them to the brain, creating vision. If the cornea’s shape is abnormal, light cannot focus properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. LASIK surgery can improve focus by changing the shape of the cornea, using laser technology.
Before the Procedure
Before LASIK eye surgery, surgeons review the patient’s medical history. Detailed eye tests are done for both refractive errors and to detect any other existing problems (such as eye infections, dry eyes, or glaucoma) that could affect the success of the surgery. If these are diagnosed, the procedure can be delayed. The shape and thickness of the cornea are also measured, and the area treated and amount of tissue removed are determined.
Because contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea, patients are usually advised to stop wearing them and use glasses for a few weeks before surgery. During the initial consultation, patients can also ask, “Is LASIK eye surgery safe?” Our specialist surgeons clearly explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
During the Procedure
During LASIK surgery, patients are usually awake, but sedation is sometimes given to help them relax. The eyelids are kept open by a special device. A small flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea with the help of a femtosecond laser for access to the underlying tissue. After the flap is gently lifted, the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser, which is programmed according to the patient’s eye prescription or using wavefront technology.
The laser removes a very small amount of tissue. At the end of the procedure, the flap is placed back in its original position. The answer to the question “How long does LASIK eye surgery take?” differs from patient to patient, but the procedure usually takes around 30 minutes. No stitches are used; the tissue is expected to heal naturally.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of refractive errors. However, not everyone is suitable for LASIK surgery. The typical criteria for a LASIK eye surgery candidate include:
- Being over 18 years old,
- No dramatic change in eyeglass prescription for at least a year,
- Having correctable refractive errors,
- Having sufficient corneal thickness,
- Having realistic expectations.
Additionally, patients should have generally healthy eyes.
Age and Health Requirements
The LASIK eye surgery age limit is generally accepted as 18. However, vision can continue to change until around age 21, so waiting until 21 can be more appropriate. In addition, certain health problems can prevent someone from being a suitable candidate for LASIK. Some of these are:
- Unstable refractive errors,
- High degrees of refractive error,
- Dry eye,
- Very thin cornea,
- Cataract,
- Glaucoma,
- Keratoconus, which causes thinning and bulging of the cornea
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
LASIK surgery can not be recommended for patients with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or those taking immunosuppressive medications.
LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery and Results
After LASIK eye surgery, mild burning, discomfort, and blurry vision are normal for the first few hours. Vision usually becomes clearer the next day, but taking a few days off work or school is recommended. Rubbing or scratching the eye can move the flap, so doctors can advise wearing a protective shield at night during the LASIK eye surgery healing period.
It is important to restrict physical activity for the first 3 days and avoid contact sports for about 4 weeks. Also, avoiding the use of eye makeup for a few weeks is important.
Full LASIK eye surgery recovery time can take 2-3 months. LASIK has a high success rate when performed on suitable candidates by experienced surgeons in accredited clinics. Some studies show that 8/10 patients don’t need glasses or contact lenses after the procedure.
Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?
Studies show that LASIK eye surgery is generally a safe and effective method of treating refractive errors. According to LASIK eye surgery success rate studies, approximately 90% of patients achieve the targeted level of vision within 3–12 months after surgery.
However, some patients can experience temporary visual disturbances or other complications such as infection. For this reason, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist about potential risks before deciding on LASIK.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
After LASIK, mild and temporary side effects are usually expected. The most common side effect is dry eye. For many patients, dryness becomes most noticeable around three months after surgery but generally subsides within 6-12 months.
Other possible side effects include glare during night driving, reduced night vision, temporary blurred vision, small red spots on the white part of the eye, and light sensitivity. More than 99% of patients do not experience severe complications. In rare cases, corneal problems, infection, or worse vision than before surgery may occur.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in Turkey
The LASIK eye surgery cost varies depending on the type of refractive error, the surgeon’s experience, and the equipment and facilities of the hospital. Therefore, the exact LASIK eye surgery price is determined after the initial consultation, following a detailed eye examination and personalized treatment planning.
One of the leading destinations for LASIK eye surgery is Turkey, thanks to its experienced ophthalmic surgeons, advanced laser technologies, and internationally accredited hospitals. Compared to many countries, treatment costs can be more accessible while maintaining high medical standards.
Clinichub’s all-inclusive LASIK eye surgery packages cover every step of the process from initial consultation to post-operative care. The process starts with a free consultation. Experienced eye surgeons then prepare a personalized treatment plan.
Procedures are performed in Ministry of Health-approved, internationally accredited hospitals using advanced laser technology. Patients are closely monitored after surgery and continue to receive support after discharge. Accommodation is also professionally organised, allowing patients to focus entirely on their treatment.
Contact Clinichub for a free consultation and receive a personalized LASIK eye surgery treatment plan.
