Laser Eye Surgery

Turkey combines experienced surgeons and modern technology with prices that are considerably lower than in the UK and much of Europe. High patient volumes mean surgical teams gain extensive experience, and the lenses and laser systems used are the same internationally approved products used in European clinics.

Our hospital is in Acıbadem, Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. We collect patients from both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Your surgery is performed by one of our senior ophthalmic surgeons. Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez, our Chief Surgeon, has 32 years of experience and more than 53,000 cases. Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil, our lead lens surgeon, has 28 years of experience and more than 38,000 operations.

We offer laser vision correction (iLASIK, ReLEx SMILE PRO and PRK), ICL implantable lenses, lens replacement with trifocal, EDOF, toric and monofocal lenses, Cross-Linking for keratoconus, and eyelid surgery.

A trifocal lens is an artificial lens with three focal points: distance, intermediate (the range of a computer screen or car dashboard) and near for reading. It replaces the eye's natural lens and stays in place permanently. Most patients become largely independent of glasses, and because the natural lens is removed, a cataract cannot develop later.

Trifocal lenses give the widest range of vision, including close reading. EDOF lenses give excellent distance and intermediate vision with fewer halos at night, so they are often preferred by people who drive a lot in the dark. Monofocal lenses focus at one distance only, so reading glasses are usually still needed. Toric is not a separate lens type but a version of these lenses that also corrects astigmatism.

Yes. When the natural lens is still clear, the same operation is called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). The surgical technique is identical; only the reason for it differs. It is not the right solution for everyone who wants to stop wearing glasses, so your age and eye structure are carefully assessed first.

There is no strict upper age limit; eye health matters more than age. Lens replacement is usually most suitable from the mid-40s onwards, when near vision starts to decline. For younger patients, whose natural lens still focuses well, laser treatment or ICL is usually the better option.

Eyes with conditions that already limit image quality, such as certain retinal diseases or an irregular cornea, are usually not suited to a trifocal lens. A multifocal lens divides incoming light between several focal points, so an eye that is already losing image quality has less to divide. In these cases, the doctor will recommend a safer alternative.

An implanted lens is designed to last a lifetime and is only exchanged if there is a medical reason. This is why the choice made before surgery matters, why our assessment is so detailed, and why we will tell you honestly if a particular lens is not right for your eye.

Yes. Previous laser surgery does not prevent lens replacement. Your earlier treatment is taken into account in the lens calculations, and EDOF lenses are often a good option for eyes that have had laser before.

Yes, free of charge. Send us your current prescription and any previous eye reports by WhatsApp or email. We will explain the likely options and share a clear package quote before you book anything. Final suitability is always confirmed by the examination in Istanbul.

We perform a full diagnostic assessment, including IOLMaster biometry, Pentacam corneal mapping, iTrace aberrometry, corneal thickness, eye pressure, retina examination, pupil size analysis, dry eye assessment, full refraction and eye dominance testing. With iTrace, the doctor can also simulate how you are expected to see after surgery.

Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, so no general anaesthetic is needed and you stay awake throughout. Most patients feel slight pressure but no pain. Lens surgery takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and laser treatment 5 to 10 minutes in total for both eyes. Afterwards you rest in your hospital room, and your first check-up is the following morning.

For laser treatment, both eyes are usually treated in the same session. For lens surgery, the second eye is usually operated on the next day, after the first eye has been checked; if the doctor considers it appropriate, both eyes can be done on the same day.

Most patients no longer need glasses for daily life. In some situations, such as reading very small print in dim light, glasses may occasionally still be helpful. The doctor will discuss realistic expectations with you before surgery.

Some halos around lights at night are normal with multifocal lenses in the first weeks. The brain gradually adapts, and for most patients they become much less noticeable over the following months. If night driving is especially important to you, the doctor may recommend an EDOF lens.

Laser treatment usually requires about 3 nights, lens replacement about 4 nights and ICL about 7 nights. We send you a day-by-day plan before you travel.

You stay in one of our 24 private patient rooms inside the hospital, each with an ensuite bathroom. Three meals a day are served to your room, and a companion can stay with you on a sofa bed.

The package includes the surgery, the lens (for lens procedures), all examinations and tests, the doctor consultation, accommodation in the hospital, three meals a day, round-trip VIP airport transfers, all eye drops and medication, and post-operative check-ups. Flights are not included. There are no hidden costs.

Yes. An English-speaking patient coordinator accompanies you throughout your stay. Support is also available in German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian.

Staff, premises, tax and insurance costs are considerably lower in Turkey. Higher patient volumes also mean the same equipment is used more efficiently and surgical teams gain more experience. The lenses and technology are the same premium brands used in Europe.

No prepayment is required. Payment is made on-site after your examination. Credit cards are accepted, but international banks may add a 5% to 10% commission, which is charged by your bank, not by the hospital.

If the doctor decides surgery is not safe or beneficial for you, no surgery is performed and the package price does not apply. You only pay for the examination, the tests carried out, the airport transfer and the nights you actually stayed.

Yes. The final decision is always yours. Being suitable does not mean you have to go ahead, and you are free to take time to think.

Yes. Soft contact lenses should be stopped at least 5 to 7 days before your examination, as they temporarily change the shape of the cornea and can affect the measurements.

Most patients fly home 24 to 48 hours after surgery, once the post-operative check is complete. Cabin pressure and airport scanners do not affect your eyes or implanted lenses.

Most people return to desk work within 1 to 3 days. Eye make-up should be avoided for about a week, and swimming pools and the sea for about 20 days. You receive written aftercare instructions before you leave.

Our team stays in touch with you by WhatsApp after you go home. Your local optometrist can carry out routine follow-up checks, and we are happy to provide your medical report and test results.

Kudret Eye Hospital holds ISO certification. We use the Johnson & Johnson STAR S4 IR excimer laser with iDesign for personalised laser treatment, the ZEISS VisuMax 800 for ReLEx SMILE PRO, and Alcon LenSx and Ziemer femtosecond laser systems for lens surgery.

Yes, and many patients do. Your companion can stay with you in your private hospital room, where a sofa bed is provided. Please let us know when booking so we can prepare the room for two.

Yes. Many patients come on their own. Our coordinator meets you, accompanies you to your examination and surgery, and stays in touch throughout your stay, so you are never left on your own.

Yes. We can arrange a partner hotel for you, or you can book your own accommodation. If you arrange your own accommodation, the package price is reduced accordingly.

If you arrive early on your arrival day, you are free to explore the city. After surgery we recommend light sightseeing only and avoiding dusty or crowded places. Many patients also choose to extend their stay for a few extra days.

Your passport, your current glasses, any previous eye reports or prescriptions, and a list of any medications you take. A pair of sunglasses is also useful for after surgery.

Yes. Both eyes can be treated on separate trips if you prefer. The doctor will advise on the best timing between the two operations.