# LASEK / PRK / No Touch Laser

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/lasek-prk-no-touch-laser

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-04

> **Summary:** LASEK, PRK and No Touch are surface laser treatments that reshape the cornea with an excimer laser without creating a flap. They correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, preserve more corneal tissue (useful for thinner corneas) and are often chosen when iLASIK is not suitable, at the cost of a slower, less comfortable recovery.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** 5-10 minutes for both eyes; the laser itself works a few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** topical eye drops, no injections
- **Discomfort:** stinging, watering or redness in the first 3 days
- **Recovery:** back to daily life in 3-4 days; vision fully settles in 2-4 weeks
- **Price:** No Touch/PRK/LASEK £550 per eye

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## What It Is
Classical surface laser methods used for more than 30 years. No flap is created, so there are no flap-related problems and more corneal tissue is preserved.

- **LASEK:** a softening medication loosens the epithelium, which is moved aside with a spatula as a 9 mm diameter layer; the excimer laser is applied, and the epithelium is restored afterwards.
- **PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy):** the epithelium is softened with a solution and removed, then the cornea is reshaped; the first excimer technique applied in the world. The removed layer grows back within a few days.
- **No Touch:** the laser also removes the epithelium, with no instrument touching the cornea; the patient looks at a green light; both eyes can be treated in the same session and need not be patched.

## Who It Suits
- Over 18 with suitable eyes; over 45, lens options are also considered.
- Stable refractive error and sufficient corneal thickness.
- Often preferred when iLASIK cannot be performed or the cornea is on the thin side.

**Refractive limits (LASEK / PRK / No Touch):**
- **Myopia:** up to −6.00
- **Hyperopia:** up to +3.00

For comparison: iLASIK myopia up to −10.00 and hyperopia up to +5.00; ReLEx SMILE PRO myopia up to −10.00.

## Prices
The price may vary with examination findings. 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 |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| No Touch/PRK/LASEK (contact-free) | £550 | PRK | PRK laser surgery |
| iLasik (most chosen) | £550 | Femto Lasik (iDesign) | Lasik laser surgery |
| ReLEx SMILE PRO | £995 | SMILE PRO | Both eyes: 1,990 £; SMILE laser surgery |

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
- **Stinging, watering and light sensitivity for the first 3 days:** expected while the surface regenerates; eased by a bandage contact lens and drops.
- **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.
- **Infection:** very rare; prevented with prescribed drops and hygiene.

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## The Treatment Journey

### Before Treatment
- Detailed examination: corneal mapping and thickness, pupil size, tear film, prescription and eye health; method chosen and consent taken.
- Stop soft contact lenses 5 days and hard (rigid) lenses 2 weeks before.
- No eye make-up, perfume or blood thinners before PRK.

### During Treatment
- Numbing drops only; awake and pain-free; the device tracks eye movements.
- Short rest and check afterwards; home the same day with a companion.

### After Treatment
- Protective contact lens for a few days while the epithelium regrows.
- Use drops regularly and do not rub the eyes.
- Checks the next day, then at one week, one month and three months.
- Vision improves largely in the first week and fully settles in 2-4 weeks; screens and sport can resume a week later.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What are the advantages of LASEK and PRK?**
A: Low complication risk, permanent results and no flap, so more corneal tissue is preserved; recovery takes longer than with iLASIK.

**Q: What is the difference between PRK and No Touch?**
A: In PRK the epithelium is softened and scraped off; in No Touch the eye surface is not touched and the laser does all the work. Healing times are similar.

**Q: What is the difference between LASEK and PRK?**
A: LASEK loosens the epithelium and restores it; PRK removes it and lets it grow back. Healing times and success rates are similar.

**Q: How long is recovery?**
A: Usually back to daily life within 3-4 days; full recovery takes 2-4 weeks.

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## References
- Photorefractive Keratectomy, EyeWiki
- LASEK, EyeWiki
- What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?, AAO