# What are the Types of Eye Laser Surgery?

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

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-10

> **Summary:** Refractive laser eye surgery corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea; the main methods are iLASIK (LASIK), ReLEx SMILE PRO and the surface methods PRK / No Touch, including TransPRK. Other laser and light treatments (SLT, argon, YAG, IPL) do not correct refractive errors but treat glaucoma, retinal disease, post-cataract capsule clouding and dry eye.

## Quick Facts
- **Refractive methods:** iLASIK (LASIK), ReLEx SMILE PRO, PRK / No Touch (including TransPRK)
- **Laser time (PRK / No Touch):** A few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye
- **SMILE incision:** 2-4 mm, no flap; myopia up to -10 dioptres and astigmatism, not hyperopia
- **SMILE recovery:** Most patients return to daily activities the next day

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## Refractive Laser Methods
- **LASIK:** Reshapes the cornea so light refracts correctly onto the retina, removing the need for glasses or contact lenses in myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. A thin flap is lifted on the cornea.
- **iLASIK (femto-LASIK):** Bladeless LASIK; the flap is made with a femtosecond laser. WaveScan technology fully maps the eye to guide where the laser is applied, making treatment more precise.
- **PRK:** The corneal epithelium is softened and removed, then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea; no flap. The laser works for a few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye depending on the prescription.
- **TransPRK:** The epithelium is removed with the laser itself and the tissue beneath is shaped.
- **No Touch:** Treats myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism with no flap or incision. Eyes are numbed with drops; the patient looks at a green spot and treatment takes 20-30 seconds per eye; generally comfortable, mild discomfort possible.
- **ReLEx SMILE PRO:** A femtosecond laser (ZEISS VisuMax 800) creates a lenticule inside the cornea, removed through a 2-4 mm incision. No flap, so a good option for dry eyes and contact sports. Used for myopia up to -10 dioptres and astigmatism; not for hyperopia.

## Other Laser and Light Treatments
- **SLT:** Lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma, which can otherwise damage the optic nerves and cause permanent vision loss.
- **Argon laser:** Applied mainly to the retina in advanced diabetes and retinal vessel occlusion, helping prevent new leaking vessels; also for retinal tears, and in glaucoma to the trabecular meshwork.
- **Nd:YAG laser:** Uses invisible infrared light to remove excess tissue; most commonly clears posterior capsule clouding after cataract surgery.
- **IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):** Not a laser; light pulses applied to the eyelid skin improve meibomian (oil) gland function in dry eye. Eyes protected with goggles; usually painless.

## Risks
Surgery should be done by a specialist in a fully sterile environment; follow instructions, use medication regularly and attend check-ups.

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## After Eye Laser Surgery
- Use the medicines and drops on time.
- Do not itch the eye or open the bandage; do not touch the operated area.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the operated eye.
- No shower for the first 24 hours; keep water, soap and shampoo out of the eyes for the first week; avoid pools and the sea for about 20 days.
- Avoid dusty and dirty areas.
- Avoid heavy exercise that raises blood pressure, such as running and weight lifting.
- Mild pain or stinging is normal; see a doctor if pain is unbearable.

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## References
- Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors (IPG164), NICE
- Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction (KLEx) Surgeries, EyeWiki (AAO)
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus eye drops for first-line treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (LiGHT), Lancet