# iLasik - Laser Treatment Method

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/ilasik

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09

> **Summary:** iLASIK is a personalised, bladeless laser eye surgery that corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. A wavefront 3D map of the eye guides a femtosecond laser flap and an excimer laser reshaping of the cornea; the procedure is quick, recovery is short and dependence on glasses or contact lenses is greatly reduced.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** 5-10 minutes for both eyes; the laser itself works 20-30 seconds per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** topical eye drops
- **Recovery:** back to daily life and work in 1 day (the next day); full recovery in several weeks; vision sharp within 1-2 days, fully settled within about a month
- **Discharge:** home the same day with a companion
- **Price:** £550 per eye

---

## What It Is
iLASIK uses wavefront technology (intralase, bladeless) to create a three-dimensional map of the eye's optical surfaces, measuring light refraction at each point. The map is sent to the laser system, so treatment is fully personalised. A femtosecond laser makes the corneal flap and the laser then reshapes the cornea. Refractive surgery has been used since the 1980s; the devices are computer controlled.

## Who It Suits
- Aged 18 or over (over 45, lens options are also considered)
- No change in prescription in the last 12 months
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Sufficient corneal thickness
- Suitable type of refractive error
- No diabetes or similar disease

**Refractive limits for iLASIK:**
- **Myopia:** up to 10 dioptres (up to −10.00)
- **Hyperopia:** up to 5 dioptres (up to +5.00)
- **Astigmatism:** up to 5 dioptres

**Other methods for comparison:** ReLEx SMILE PRO myopia up to −10.00; LASEK / PRK (No Touch) myopia up to −6.00 and hyperopia up to +3.00.

## Prices
The price may vary with the examination result. All packages include accommodation (3 nights), three meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor examination, all eye tests, surgery control and payment on site. Package prices do not change with the prescription; the same price applies with or without astigmatism.

| Procedure | Price (Per Eye) | Method | Also included |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| iLasik (most chosen) | £550 | Femto Lasik (iDesign) | Lasik laser surgery |
| ReLEx SMILE PRO | £995 | SMILE PRO | Both eyes: 1,990 £; SMILE laser surgery |
| No Touch/PRK/LASEK (contact-free) | £550 | PRK | PRK laser surgery |

## Technologies and Devices
- **iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio:** records refractive error at over 1,200 points, corneal topography and pupil metrics in one scan; the map guides the excimer laser.
- **iTrace:** separates refractive error from the cornea and the natural lens; helps decide between laser and lens replacement.
- **IntraLase iFS 150 kHz:** creates the iLASIK flap blade-free in seconds at the set thickness and shape.
- **VISX STAR S4 IR Excimer:** reshapes the cornea with micron precision and infrared eye tracking; wavefront-guided with iDesign.
- **ZEISS VisuMax 800:** femtosecond laser for ReLEx SMILE PRO, lenticule removed through a 2-4 mm incision, under 10 seconds per eye.
- **ZEISS VISUMAX 500:** the femtosecond laser on which ReLEx SMILE was developed.
- **FEMTO LDV Z8:** mobile femtosecond laser for corneal and cataract surgery.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
- **Temporary dry eye:** common in the first months; artificial tears help.
- **Halos and glare at night:** first weeks, usually disappear.
- **Under or over correction:** enhancement possible in suitable eyes.
- **Flap-related problems:** very rare; avoid rubbing the eye in the first weeks; easily corrected.
- **Infection:** very rare; prevented with prescribed drops and hygiene.

---

## The Treatment Journey

### Before Treatment
- Detailed examination with iDesign: corneal thickness and shape, pupil size, tear film and prescription; general health review and informed consent.
- Stop soft contact lenses 5 days and hard (rigid) lenses 2 weeks before the examination.
- No eye make-up on the day; the doctor advises on blood thinners.

### During Treatment
- Numbing drops; femtosecond flap, then excimer reshaping to the eye's own map.
- Usually no pain, possibly slight discomfort; one eye alone takes even less time.

### After Treatment
- First check the next day; further visits at one week, one month and three months.
- Visual recovery begins within a few hours.
- Follow the drop schedule, wear protective glasses, avoid rubbing the eyes during the first week, and stay out of pools and the sea for about 20 days.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Who is not eligible for iLASIK?**
A: Pregnant or nursing women, people whose prescription changed in the last 12 months and those without sufficient corneal thickness.

**Q: Is there pain during iLASIK?**
A: Usually not; the eye is numbed with drops, though slight discomfort is possible.

**Q: How fast is recovery?**
A: Most patients return to work the next day; vision is sharp within 1-2 days and settles within about a month.

**Q: What is wavefront technology?**
A: A system that maps the eye's optical surfaces in 3D to identify defects precisely and personalise treatment.

**Q: Are the results permanent?**
A: iLASIK gives long-term results; most patients permanently stop using glasses or contact lenses.

---

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