# How is Laser Eye Surgery Done?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-laser-treatments/how-is-laser-eye-surgery-done

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-13

> **Summary:** Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, freeing patients from glasses or contact lenses. It is done under anaesthetic drops alone, can treat both eyes in a single day, and has a very low complication risk; it corrects the current prescription permanently but does not stop the eye from changing later.

## Quick Facts
- **Anaesthesia:** numbing eye drops only, no injection or general anaesthesia
- **Both eyes:** can be treated in a single day
- **Minimum age:** over eighteen
- **Methods:** iLASIK, ReLEx SMILE PRO, PRK/No Touch

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## How Does It Work?
Refractive errors arise when the shape of the cornea, the transparent layer that filters light, is disturbed. The laser reshapes the cornea to restore clear vision and accurate focusing. For presbyopia, laser methods such as Presbyond exist, but because the prescription is quite likely to return within a few years, an intraocular lens (IOL) operation is generally recommended for near vision after 40.

Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses, but because they can make the eye more prone to infection, the page says they are chosen less each year.

## Who Can Have It?
- Over eighteen: development and prescription may still change before then.
- Prescription stable over the past year.
- Suitable corneal thickness: iLASIK or ReLEx SMILE PRO for appropriate thickness, No Touch laser for a thin cornea.
- Astigmatism or hyperopia that is not extremely high; high myopia if conditions are suitable.
- No glaucoma or keratoconus.

In some people the operation is not performed at all; the surgeon decides after assessment.

## The Procedure Step by Step
- The patient lies on their back on the laser bed; the area around the eye is covered with a sterile drape, leaving one eye exposed.
- The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, so no pain or discomfort is felt.
- The area is cleaned thoroughly; a speculum keeps the eyelid open.
- The procedure continues according to the laser method; both eyes can be done the same day.

## Risks
The operation has been performed millions of times worldwide, the great majority successfully; its safety is scientifically proven and the complication risk is very low compared with traditional methods.

## Is It Permanent?
Laser eye surgery is a long-lasting and effective solution: it corrects your current prescription permanently, but it does not stop the eye from changing later. With age, presbyopia (loss of near vision) can still appear, and in a small number of people the prescription progresses.

## Aftercare
- Use the prescribed drops and medication at the recommended intervals.
- For a week, avoid any blow to the eye and do not rub hard.
- For a month, wear protective glasses during sport.
- No shower for the first 24 hours; for the first week no water, soap or shampoo directly in the eyes; avoid pools and the sea for about 20 days.
- Always wear the recommended sunglasses.
- Avoid strenuous work and tiring sport in the first weeks.
- Keep every follow-up appointment.

## References
- LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery, AAO
- Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors (IPG164), NICE
- Laser eye surgery and lens surgery, NHS