# Lasik Eye Surgery in Turkey

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-laser-treatments/lasik-eye-surgery-in-turkey

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-11

> **Summary:** LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, aiming to eliminate or minimise the need for glasses and contact lenses. It is a short operation done with anaesthetic eye drops, without surgical knives or general anaesthesia, and patients can return to normal life within a few days.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** Usually 5-10 minutes
- **Both eyes:** Operated on the same day
- **Anaesthesia:** Anaesthetic eye drops, no general anaesthesia
- **Recovery:** Return to normal life within a few days; stinging, pain and redness pass within a few days

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## What is LASIK?
A laser flap is opened in the cornea and a second laser (excimer) reshapes the tissue beneath to correct the eye's focusing ability. No pain is felt during the procedure; stinging and pain may occur a few hours afterwards and are normal unless unbearable.

## Who is it Suitable For?
- **Hyperopia (hypermetropia):** The eye is shorter than normal or the cornea too flat.
- **Myopia:** The eye is longer than normal or the cornea too steep.
- **Astigmatism:** Caused by a deterioration in the cornea or eye lens.
- People wanting to eliminate or minimise glasses and contact lenses. Suitability is decided by a doctor's examination.

## Who Cannot Have LASIK?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (hormones can change eye disorders).
- People with refractive errors that are too high (full efficiency cannot be obtained) or very mild (other treatments are used).
- People with other eye health problems, until these are treated.
- People of advanced age: intraocular (multifocal) lenses may be recommended instead.

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## The Treatment Journey

### 1. Before Treatment
- Dryness, inflammation or similar conditions are corrected first.
- An eye scan is performed to plan the treatment, and the surgery day is set.

### 2. During Treatment
- Eyes numbed with topical drops; no surgical knives are used.
- A laser opens the corneal flap, which is lifted like a hinged valve.
- The excimer laser corrects the curvature under the flap; the flap is put back in place, using sterile and special equipment.

### 3. After Treatment
- Return to normal life within a few days; protect the eyes from direct sunlight.
- No shower for the first 24 hours; keep water, soap and shampoo out of the eyes for the first week.
- Avoid swimming pools and the sea for about 20 days.
- Never rub the eye; use prescribed drops regularly and attend check-ups.
- Pain, stinging and redness usually disappear within a few days; see a doctor if pain becomes unbearable.

## Risks and Side Effects
Performed by a specialist in a sterile environment, LASIK is described as one of the least risky surgeries. Possible side effects:
- Hazy vision, night vision problems, haloes around lights
- Dryness, hypersensitivity to light, headache
- Problems reading small print
- Corneal inflammation or infection, thinning of the cornea

Dryness, hazy vision and night haloes are usually temporary and ease within days or weeks. Infection and corneal thinning are rare but serious, which is why check-ups matter.

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