# Types of Eye Surgery

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-laser-treatments/types-of-eye-surgery

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

> **Summary:** The type of eye surgery depends on the condition being treated. The main operations are laser (refractive) surgery, glaucoma surgery, retinal surgery (vitrectomy), cataract surgery, squint surgery, intraocular lens surgery, pterygium surgery and eyelid surgery, and the surgeon decides which one a patient needs.

## Quick Facts
- **Laser options:** iLASIK, PRK or No Touch (thin cornea), ReLEx SMILE PRO
- **PRK recovery:** Burning passes in two or three days; full sharpness within 2-4 weeks
- **SMILE best results:** Myopia between minus one and minus ten dioptres, astigmatism of up to five dioptres
- **Intraocular lenses:** No set wearing period, no replacement needed

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## Laser Eye Surgery (Refractive Surgery)
- **iLASIK:** Treats myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. After sterilisation and numbing drops, an eyelid speculum keeps the eye open; a thin corneal flap is lifted, the laser corrects the error and the flap is returned. No general anaesthesia. Mild pain, stinging and redness pass within a few days. Other eye conditions are corrected first.
- **PRK:** For hyperopia, astigmatism and myopia in people who have turned eighteen, with a suitable cornea and no systemic condition. The corneal epithelium is removed and grows back. In the related LASEK method, the epithelium is loosened and laid back after the laser. Burning and stinging pass within two or three days; vision clears in the first few days and reaches full sharpness within 2-4 weeks.
- **ReLEx SMILE PRO:** A new-generation, very minimal method for myopia and astigmatism. A femtosecond laser forms a lenticule inside the cornea, removed through a small opening. For people over eighteen with no prescription change within a year; best results with myopia between minus one and minus ten dioptres and astigmatism of up to five dioptres.

## Glaucoma Surgery
- Lowers eye pressure when medication alone does not control glaucoma; late treatment risks permanent sight loss. Raised pressure is usually found in routine examinations.
- **Open angle:** Trabeculectomy opens a new outflow channel; placing a drainage device (tube) is a different operation.
- **Closed angle:** Laser iridotomy makes an opening in the iris so fluid can pass from back to front.

## Retinal Surgery (Vitrectomy)
- Corrects retinal problems and removes the gel-like vitreous.
- Retinal disease can cause blurred vision, declining sight and objects not appearing at normal size.
- Laser photocoagulation is used in diabetic retinopathy to stabilise vision.

## Cataract and Intraocular Lens Surgery
- The deteriorated natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens; also used when laser cannot be performed or does not work.
- **Single-focus lens:** Clear vision at one distance, usually far; glasses still needed for reading.
- **Multifocal (bifocal or trifocal):** Reduce glasses dependence at distance, intermediate and near.
- Choice is based on pre-operative measurements and daily needs; mostly recommended after the age of forty (declining near vision or cataract).
- Younger people unsuitable for laser: phakic lens (ICL) placed in front of the natural lens without removing it.

## Squint Surgery
Performed on the eye muscles to correct misalignment and align both eyes.

## Pterygium Surgery
- A pterygium is abnormal growth of the tissue covering the white of the eye that attaches to and pulls the cornea; it can appear with astigmatism.
- Symptoms: visible growth, burning, pain, stinging. Reaching the pupil, it obstructs vision and can cause permanent sight loss.
- Not contagious; one or both eyes. Surgery is the permanent treatment.

## Eyelid Surgery
- Done for aesthetic reasons or when a drooping upper lid (often age-related) obstructs vision.
- **Blepharoplasty:** Removes excess skin and fat.
- **Ptosis surgery:** A different operation on the muscle that lifts the lid.

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## References
- Laser eye surgery and lens surgery, NHS
- Cataract surgery, NHS
- Glaucoma, NHS