Reshaping of the cornea using excimer laser to reduce refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism); applied through different methods such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE.
Indication
- Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in individuals over 18 years of age whose eyeglass/lens prescription has been stable for at least 1 year
- Cases where the use of glasses or contact lenses is difficult due to occupational, athletic, or lifestyle reasons
- Patients with refractive errors who experience contact lens intolerance (dryness, allergy, frequent infection)
- Patients with significant difference in prescription between the two eyes (anisometropia) experiencing related visual difficulty
- Candidates whose corneal thickness, topography, and ocular health are deemed suitable after detailed pre-evaluation by a physician
Preparation
- Soft contact lens users typically discontinue their lenses at least 1-2 weeks before the examination and surgery; rigid lens users for a longer period
- Corneal topography, thickness measurement (pachymetry), tear tests, and dilated fundus examination are performed
- On the procedure day, come without makeup; do not apply perfume, spray, or cream to the face
- Fasting is generally not required; comfortable and light clothing is recommended
- Since vision may be temporarily blurred after the procedure, having a companion and avoiding driving on the same day is appropriate
How it's performed
- Topical anesthesia is applied to the eye in drop form; pain is not felt, only mild pressure may occur
- In LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser; in PRK, the corneal surface epithelium is removed
- Excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue at micron level according to a pre-calculated map
- The procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes per eye; active laser application time lasts only a few seconds
- In LASIK, the flap is repositioned; in PRK, a protective contact lens is placed
- You are discharged from the hospital the same day; mild blurring, tearing, and a slight burning sensation may occur in the first hours
Post-procedure
- Follow-up at 24 hours and 1 week; subsequent regular check-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months are recommended
- Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and artificial tear drops are used as recommended by the physician
- It is important not to rub the eye, avoid getting soap and shampoo in the eye, and protect from dust and trauma in the first week
- The duration recommended by your physician should be observed for swimming, sauna, contact sports, and eye makeup
- Visual acuity typically recovers significantly within a few days for LASIK and 1-2 weeks for PRK
Risks
- Temporary dry eye sensation, halos at night, glare, and reduced contrast (often regress within months)
- Under- or over-correction; re-treatment may be needed in the long term
- LASIK-specific flap-related complications (displacement, folding)
- Rare corneal ectasia (thinning and shape distortion); pre-evaluation risk screening is therefore important
- Infection, delayed healing, or haze formation during recovery (especially after PRK)
FAQ
What conditions must be met for eye laser treatment?
Generally, the patient must be over 18 years of age, have had a stable refraction for at least 1 year, and have suitable corneal thickness and topography. Active eye disease, uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes), and pregnancy/breastfeeding require additional evaluation before surgery.
If my cornea is thin, can I still have LASIK?
LASIK may not be suitable for patients with insufficient corneal thickness or borderline topography. In such cases, alternatives such as PRK (a surface ablation method) or SMILE may be considered. The most appropriate method is determined based on the measurements taken during the pre-examination.
Will laser treatment completely eliminate my prescription?
The aim of laser treatment is to reduce dependence on glasses and lenses as much as possible; however, no refractive surgery method guarantees zero prescription in every patient. Age-related near vision impairment (presbyopia) is a separate condition and reading glasses may be needed when applicable.
Is the procedure painful, and how long does it take?
Thanks to drop anesthesia, the procedure is generally painless; stinging and burning may be more noticeable in the first 1-2 days after PRK. The laser portion takes only a few seconds per eye, and the total procedure time is approximately 5-10 minutes per eye.
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