LASIK

About LASIK

LASIK is laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. A laser first creates a thin flap in the surface of the cornea; the flap is lifted, a second laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and the flap is laid back in place.

Whether LASIK is suitable depends on the thickness and shape of your cornea, the size of your prescription and the general health of your eyes. Measurements sometimes show that another option, such as surface laser treatment, SMILE or lens surgery, is safer for you, or that it is better not to operate.

Who it may be suitable for

• Aged 18 or over, often older, with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year
• Corneas that are thick and regular enough on corneal mapping
• Healthy eyes, without conditions such as keratoconus, uncontrolled dry eye or active eye infection
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormones can change the prescription

These are general points only. Whether a procedure is suitable for you is decided by the treating ophthalmologist after a full eye examination and detailed measurements in the clinic.

How it works

1. 01

   Records review

   You share your current glasses or contact lens prescription, any previous eye reports and your general medical history. The team confirms whether a full assessment is worthwhile.

2. 02

   Full eye examination

   In Istanbul, the ophthalmologist examines both eyes and takes detailed measurements. Drops that widen the pupils may blur your vision for a few hours, so you should not drive afterwards.

3. 03

   Laser treatment

   After numbing drops, a lid holder keeps the eye open. The flap is created and the cornea reshaped in a few minutes per eye while you look at a light.

4. 04

   Follow-up checks

   The eye is checked after the procedure, usually the next day, before you fly. Later checks are arranged with an eye doctor near home, with your reports in hand.

What recovery usually looks like

1. First hours

   Vision is blurry and the eyes may water, sting or feel gritty. You rest at the hotel with your eyes closed as much as possible.

2. Next day

   The ophthalmologist checks the flap and your vision. Many people can see well enough to carry out daily activities, though vision may fluctuate.

3. First weeks

   Use the prescribed drops, do not rub your eyes, wear the eye shields at night as advised, and avoid swimming, eye make-up and dusty environments for the period the clinic recommends.

4. Months 1–3

   Vision usually stabilises. Dryness and night-time glare generally improve during this time.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Risks and considerations

• Dry, gritty eyes are common in the first months and usually improve; a few people have longer-lasting dryness.
• Glare, halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night, can occur and usually lessen over time.
• The correction can be slightly too little or too much, and some people need an enhancement or still use glasses for some tasks.
• Laser correction does not prevent the need for reading glasses with age, or other eye conditions later in life.
• Rarely, the cornea weakens and bulges (ectasia), or infection or inflammation develops. These need prompt treatment.
• Problems with the flap, such as wrinkles or displacement after an injury, are uncommon but can occur.

Common questions