Laser Eye Surgery in Antalya: All you need to Know

Turkey, and especially Antalya, has become a leading destination for laser eye surgery due to its high volume of procedures and the presence of skilled ophthalmologists and top-quality clinics in the region. 

If you are considering laser eye surgery to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may want to consider exploring your options in Antalya.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the types of laser eye surgery available in Antalya, the costs involved, and important information to know before undergoing the procedure.

Let's begin!

Definition of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that uses lasers to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, in order to improve vision. 

These procedures can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The goal of laser eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

It is generally considered to be a safe and effective way to improve vision, but as with any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications.

What Types of Laser Eye Surgery are there?

There are several different types of laser eye surgery that are used to correct vision problems. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

This is the most common type of laser eye surgery. LASIK is known for its quick visual recovery and relatively painless procedure. It is also popular because it preserves the delicate surface of the cornea.

The procedure involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, which is then lifted. The laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue, and the flap is replaced. This changes the curvature of the cornea and corrects the eye's refractive error, improving vision.

2. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)

This is a type of laser eye surgery that is less popular than LASIK because it involves more discomfort and a longer recovery time.

It is a surface laser procedure that is used when LASIK is not an option. LASEK involves removing a thin layer of the cornea and then using the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. It is typically used to treat less severe vision problems or when the cornea is too thin for LASIK.

3. Femto-LASIK 

Femto-LASIK is a popular and innovative type of laser eye surgery that uses a femtosecond laser, which is a highly precise and computer-controlled laser, to make incisions in the eye.

This allows for faster healing and fewer complications compared to traditional LASIK treatment. The use of the femtosecond laser enables more precise and accurate incisions, which can result in a more successful outcome for the patient. 

4. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a newer type of laser eye surgery that uses only one laser. It involves creating a small incision in the cornea and using a laser to remove a piece of tissue from the middle of the cornea. The cornea is then reshaped through a small, self-sealing hole. 

The recovery time for SMILE is slower than traditional LASIK, and some people may consider this a disadvantage. Additionally, because SMILE is a newer procedure, it may be considered to have fewer safety features compared to LASIK.

Each of these procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and vision problems. It's important to discuss all of your options with a qualified eye care professional to determine which procedure is best for you.

What you should know before your Laser Eye Surgery in Antalya

Here are some points to consider when undergoing laser eye surgery in Antalya:

Laser Eye Surgery Procedure in Antalya

Below are the typical steps for the process of a laser eye surgery in Antalya:

1. Send your medical history to your eye doctor in Antalya.
2. Participate in an online consultation with your eye doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and aftercare of the procedure. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to make sure you fully understand the procedure.
3. Upon arriving in Antalya, meet with your eye doctor for an examination and final consultation to confirm your candidacy for the chosen procedure. This may involve additional tests to assess the health of your eyes and determine the best approach for your specific needs.
4. Have the laser eye surgery, which typically takes 5-15 minutes per eye and involves the use of anesthetic drops to ensure that you do not feel any pain. The specific details of the procedure will depend on the type of surgery you are having and the recommendations of your eye doctor.
5. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your eye doctor, which may include the use of medications or eye drops to promote healing, instructions for wearing protective eyewear, and guidelines for activities such as bathing and swimming.
6. Attend a follow-up appointment the day after the procedure to assess your recovery and ensure that the surgery was successful. 

Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in Antalya

Laser eye surgery in Antalya is generally more affordable than in Western countries, with prices averaging around $1,500 per eye compared to an average cost of around $3,000 per eye in the West.

Recommended Clinics in Antalya

Here you will soon find a selection of recommended clinics for laser eye surgery in Antalya.