Eye Laser Surgery
Create a requestEye laser surgery, also known as laser eye surgery or LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.
General
The procedure involves using a specialized laser to precisely alter the shape of the cornea. The surgery is typically quick, taking about 30 minutes for both eyes, and is conducted while the patient is awake, using numbing eye drops to prevent pain. LASIK surgery has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating advanced technologies like wavefront-guided and topography-guided LASIK for more precise results. The first step in LASIK usually involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, which can be achieved with a mechanical surgical tool called a microkeratome or a more modern femtosecond laser. Once the flap is created and lifted, the excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, and the flap is then replaced, healing naturally without the need for stitches. Following surgery, patients may experience some temporary discomfort, but the recovery period is relatively short. Many notice improved vision almost immediately, though it may take a few weeks for vision to stabilize completely. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the procedure, significantly reducing or completely eliminating their need for glasses or contact lenses.
Special Details
Who is it for?
Individuals over the age of 18 with stable vision prescription for at least one year
People with certain ranges of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Candidates with healthy eyes, free from retinal problems, corneal scars, or any eye disease
Recovery Period
Procedure time: about 30 minutes for both eyes
Initial recovery period: most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours
Complete vision stabilization: Several weeks to a few months
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Dry eyes, requiring eye drops for several months
Temporary visual problems such as glare, halos around bright lights, and double vision
Rarely, loss of vision or changes that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses
Alternative Treatments
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - another type of laser eye surgery that shapes the cornea without creating a flap
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) - similar to PRK, but involves a thinner flap and may be preferred for patients with thin corneas
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) - replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one, suitable for older patients with presbyopia or high refractive errors
Success Rate
Around 96% of patients achieve their desired vision after LASIK, with many attaining 20/20 vision or better.
Procedure step-by-step overivew
Pre-surgical eye examination and mapping to customize the procedure
Application of numbing eye drops and positioning of the patient
Creation of a corneal flap using a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser
Lifting and folding back the flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue
Reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser based on pre-determined measurements
Repositioning the corneal flap to its original position where it naturally adheres
Post-operative check and instructions for care during recovery
Prices
Turkey
$1000 - $2500
Czech Republic
$1500 - $3000
Croatia
$1500 - $2500
Lithuania
$1000 - $2000
Poland
$1000 - $2200
Germany
$1500 - $4000
Switzerland
$2000 - $4500
France
$1700 - $4000
United Kingdom
$1500 - $4000
United States
$2000 - $6000
Canada
$2000 - $5000
Australia
$2500 - $5000
Why Do Prices Vary?
The type of technology used (standard LASIK vs. wavefront-guided or topography-guided LASIK)
Surgeon's experience and reputation
Geographic location of the clinic or surgery center
Included pre- and post-operative care and consultations
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