Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping in Turkey 2025

Clear vision depends on how light is accurately focused onto the retina, a process largely controlled by the cornea’s shape. Since the cornea is responsible for bending (refracting) light as it enters the eye, even slight irregularities can lead to refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Corneal reshaping can be achieved through non-surgical methods, like orthokeratology, where specially designed rigid lenses temporarily alter the corneal curvature during sleep.

However, for a permanent and more precise correction, laser-assisted corneal reshaping procedures use advanced laser technology to modify the cornea’s structure, improving vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

What is Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping?

a laser eye surgery that corrects vision problems. It changes the shape of your cornea to improve how light hits your retina. This improves your vision and treats nearsightedness.

Why Choose Turkey for Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping

Turkey is a leading destination for glaucoma surgery, offering world-class medical care through its advanced healthcare system.

Hospitals and clinics adhere to strict international standards set by JCI, WHO, and FDA, ensuring top-tier patient safety and high-quality treatments.

With highly skilled and internationally certified ophthalmologists, Turkey boasts experts with extensive experience in glaucoma surgery, providing patients with exceptional care. Cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art surgical equipment further enhance precision and safety, leading to higher success rates.

Additionally, affordable pricing makes Turkey a cost-effective option for glaucoma treatment. Patients benefit from various financial solutions, including medical packages, insurance plans, and flexible payment options, making high-quality eye care more accessible.

Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping Cost 2025

The cost varies based on the procedure type, with PRK averaging around $1,300 for both eyes and LASIK costing approximately $1,450.

These prices are significantly lower than in many Western countries, where a single eye surgery can cost between $2,500 and $4,500.

Many clinics in Turkey also offer comprehensive packages that include pre-surgery assessments, the procedure itself, post-operative care, and even accommodation, making it an attractive and cost-effective option for international patients seeking quality vision correction at a lower price.

Who Are Candidates for Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping

• Has had stable vision for at least one year.
• Is in good overall health and free from eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
• Has realistic expectations about the results of LASIK surgery.
• Is looking for a long-term solution for vision correction.

Who Should Avoid Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping?

• Patients with extremely thin cornea, because If the cornea is too thin, laser treatment may weaken it significantly, increasing the risk of corneal ectasia (keratoconus).
• Patients having irregular astigmatism
• High intraocular pressure (Glaucoma) because LASIK can worsen glaucoma, potentially leading to progressive vision loss.
• Retinal or optic nerve diseases: Retinal imaging tests are performed in some conditions to exclude any retinal disease. Conditions affecting the retina or optic nerve, detected through a fundus examination, may compromise vision even after surgery.
• Severe dry eye syndrome a condition of insufficient tear production that can worsen after surgery, causing discomfort and visual disturbances.

Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping Types

Laser-assisted corneal reshaping includes several types of procedures designed to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. The most common types are:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK surgery is a popular procedure where a flap is created on the cornea, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue to correct vision. It is effective for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Pros: Fast recovery and minimal pain.

Cons: Risk of dry eyes and flap complications.

Best for: Most people with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

Femto-LASIK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

A more advanced version of LASIK that uses a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical blade (microkeratome) to create the corneal flap. This technique enhances precision, reduces flap-related complications, and improves overall safety. After the flap is created, an excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue to correct vision, just like in traditional LASIK.

Pros: Greater precision, lower risk of flap complications, and improved safety.
Cons: Slightly higher cost compared to traditional LASIK.
Best for: Patients seeking a safer and more precise alternative to conventional LASIK.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Involves removing the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) before using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. It is suitable for patients with thin corneas or those who cannot undergo LASIK.

Pros: Suitable for thin corneas and does not require a flap.

Cons: Longer recovery time and post-surgery discomfort.

Best for: Patients who are not eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy)

Similar to PRK, but instead of completely removing the epithelium, it is lifted and replaced after laser reshaping, allowing for a potentially faster recovery.

Pros: Preserves the corneal surface, reducing complications.

Cons: Slower recovery than LASIK with some discomfort.

Best for: Those with thin corneas who prefer an alternative to PRK.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

A minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. It is mainly used for myopia and has a lower risk of dry eye compared to LASIK.
Pros: Minimally invasive with a lower risk of dry eyes.

Cons: Not suitable for hyperopia and less widely available.

Best for: Myopic patients looking for a gentler laser correction.

Epi-LASIK (Epithelial Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

Similar to LASEK but uses a mechanical device to separate the epithelium before laser treatment, offering an alternative for patients with thinner corneas.

Pros: Similar to LASEK but with less pain and better epithelial control.

Cons: Longer recovery time than LASIK.

Best for: Patients with very thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK.

Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping Procedure

1. Eye surgery preparation:

During the consultation visits the ophthalmologist performs some eye examinations to ensure that you are a candidate and you can undergo laser therapy.

These examination tests include: Corneal thickness measurement (Pachymetry) is crucial to ensure the cornea is thick enough for the procedure, while corneal topography (such as Pentacam or Orbscan) helps detect irregularities that could make surgery unsafe. Additionally, a fundus examination assesses the retina and optic nerve for underlying conditions that may affect vision outcomes.

To rule out pressure-related issues, an intraocular pressure test is performed.

2. During the Procedure:

Laser surgery is performed under local anesthesia, meaning that you will be awake, however, you will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Corneal Flap Creation: Once your eyes are numbed and disinfected, the ophthalmologist uses a fine blade to create a thin, circular flap on the cornea’s surface to expose the underlying tissue

Corneal Reshaping: a laser beam light is targeted to reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.

This step takes only a few minutes.

Flap Replacement: After that the surgeon will reposition the flap. The entire procedure lasts about 15-30 minutes.

3. After procedure

The surgeon will check your eyes and you can go home in an hour to begin recovery.

You need to wear sun protective glasses and you will not be able to drive a car so you need help from another person

Laser-Assisted Corneal Reshaping Recovery

After going home the anesthetic effect starts to disappear gradually you may feel, mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision may occur, but these symptoms typically improve within a few days.

The ophthalmologist will prescribe you some eye drops to relieve pain, treat the dry eye, and sometimes an antibiotic

Most patients experience noticeable vision improvement within 24-48 hours.

Keep wearing eye protective sunglasses,

Avoid swimming, pools, make up wearing and heat exposure during the next 48 hours.

FAQs

Does LASIK reshape the cornea?
Yes, LASIK reshapes the cornea by using an excimer laser to remove microscopic layers of tissue, correcting refractive errors.

Is corneal reshaping safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced surgeons, corneal reshaping procedures like LASIK and PRK are generally safe, with a high success rate and minimal risks.

Is eye laser surgery safe?
Yes, laser eye surgery is considered safe for most patients, but like any procedure, it carries some risks, such as dry eyes or temporary visual disturbances.

How do you reshape the cornea?
The cornea can be reshaped using laser surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) or non-surgical methods like orthokeratology (special lenses worn during sleep).