ReLEx SMILE Surgery in Turkey: Advanced Procedure, Benefits, and Costs

Laser correction of refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, has evolved progressively over the years.

With more advanced and modern techniques introduced, procedures have become less invasive with fewer side effects, shorter recovery times, and increased suitability for various eye conditions.

Traditional laser technologies such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)and LASIK eye surgery are still common and can be the most appropriate and affordable options for many patients.

However, other techniques such as ReLEx SMILE Surgery are considered more advanced alternatives.

The key benefit of SMILE compared to traditional laser procedures like LASIK or LASEK is that it reshapes the cornea through a small incision rather than modifying the surface layer.

This approach minimizes post-surgical pain and discomfort, accelerates the healing process, and preserves the integrity of the corneal structure.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about ReLEx SMILE surgery, including how it works, the benefits, recovery times, and how it compares to traditional methods like LASIK.

For individualized information, contact us at International Clinics today for a personalized consultation and a free price quote. Discover how ReLEx SMILE can transform your vision and enhance your quality of life.

What is ReLEx SMILE Surgery?

ReLEx SMILE surgery, simply SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is an advanced laser-assisted corneal reshaping technique used to correct refractive errors.

Unlike traditional procedures, ReLEx SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it is a minimally invasive refractive surgery that relies solely on femtosecond laser technology to create a tiny incision in the cornea, measuring just 2-4 mm, allowing for precise removal of corneal tissue to reshape the eye.

Why Choose Turkey for ReLEx SMILE Surgery?

1. State-of-the-Art facilities: Turkey offers advanced medical facilities that integrate the latest technology, ensuring a safe and high-quality treatment environment for patients.

2. Cutting-edge technology: If you're searching for the most advanced techniques, Turkish clinics are at the forefront of innovation.

They invest in the latest tools and equipment to guarantee patient safety, optimal outcomes, and a comfortable surgical experience.

3. Highly experienced and internationally certified ophthalmic surgeons: Turkey boasts some of the world’s best ophthalmic surgeons, many of whom hold international certifications and extensive experience in performing advanced refractive procedures, including ReLEx SMILE.

4. Affordable and cost-effective medical services: Many renowned Turkish clinics offer budget-friendly payment plans, seasonal discounts, and all-inclusive packages, making high-quality eye surgery accessible at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

5. Comprehensive medical Tourism services for international patients: Turkey is a leading destination for medical tourism, providing seamless services for international patients, including:

• Airport transfers
• Hotel accommodations
• Multilingual medical staff
• Personalized patient coordinators to assist throughout the treatment journey

While laser eye surgery is primarily used to correct refractive errors, other laser treatments exist for eye conditions such as Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Learn more about laser therapy for retinal diseases and how these procedures help preserve vision.

ReLEx SMILE Surgery Cost

Factors Affecting ReLEx SMILE surgery Cost:

The cost of ReLEx SMILE surgery can vary depending on several factors, including:

1. Clinic Reputation & Location: Well-known clinics with experienced surgeons may charge higher fees.

2. Surgeon’s Expertise: Highly qualified and internationally certified ophthalmologists may charge more for their expertise.

3. Technology & Equipment: Clinics using the latest femtosecond laser technology may have slightly higher costs.

4. Additional Services: Pre-surgery consultations, follow-ups, medications, and aftercare services can impact the final price.

5. Medical Tourism Packages: Many Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, airport transfers, and translation services.

How much does ReLEx SMILE surgery cost in Turkey?

In Turkey, the cost of ReLEx SMILE surgery is significantly lower compared to many Western countries while maintaining high standards of care.

SMILE surgery prices typically range between 2,000 to $3,500 for both eyes depending on the clinic and package options.

ReLEx SMILE surgery comprehensive packages for international patients:

What makes the SMILE surgery in Turkey cost effective for international patients is that many clinics provide all-inclusive packages that offer excellent value for international patients. These typically include:

• Initial consultation and pre-surgery tests
  
• Surgery performed by experienced ophthalmologists
  
• Post-operative medications (eye drops, pain relievers)
  
• Follow-up appointments
  
• Accommodation in a 4 or 5-star hotel
  
• Airport transfers and transportation
  
• Translation services for international patients

ReLEx SMILE surgery cost in Turkey vs. other countries

Turkey offers one of the most affordable options for ReLEx SMILE surgery while providing world-class medical care.

ReLEx SMILE surgery price in the United States ranges around $3,500 – $6,000 per eye

ReLEx SMILE surgery price in the United Kingdom is about $3,500 to $8,500 per eye

ReLEx SMILE surgery price in Germany ranges between $2,722 to $5,990 per eye

Relex Smile surgery cost in India ranges between $1,200 to $2,500 for both eyes

ٍBy choosing Turkey for ReLEx SMILE surgery, patients benefit from high-quality treatment, affordable pricing, and a seamless medical tourism experience.

Who is the Best Candidate for ReLEx SMILE Surgery

1. Your age should be over 18 years old.

2. You should have a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
3. If you have a moderately thin cornea and cannot undergo other laser surgeries such as LASIK eye surgery, ReLEx SMILE surgery is a good option for you.

4. If you are an athlete or have a lifestyle or job requiring strenuous or high physical activity, you can benefit from ReLEx SMILE surgery, as it is less invasive and involves no corneal flap.

5. Patients who are suffering from dry eye syndrome may undergo ReLEx SMILE surgery with minimal risk of increased dryness compared to other laser surgeries such as PRK and LASIK eye surgery.

6. ReLEx SMILE eye surgery is suitable for nearsightedness correction, with a refractive error of up to -10 D, with or without astigmatism up to 5 D.

Who should avoid ReLEx SMILE Surgery?

1. If you have an unstable vision prescription and your refractive error has changed within the last year, it's best to wait until your vision stabilizes before undergoing any laser eye correction including ReLEx SMILE surgery.

2. SMILE surgery is generally not recommended for individuals with hyperopia (farsightedness) or very high myopia exceeding 10 D.

3. Individuals with keratoconus, severe corneal thinning, or irregular corneas should avoid laser eye surgery, including ReLEx SMILE, as it may worsen their condition.

4. Patients suffering from cataracts, glaucoma or other eye or retinal diseases or active eye infections may not benefit or may be harmed from laser surgeries including ReLEx SMILE eye surgery.

5. Pregnant or breastfeeding women

6. Patients suffering from autoimmune or systemic diseases like diabetes (if poorly controlled), lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis that affect healing and increase the risk of complications.

ReLEx SMILE Surgery Procedure

pre surgical preparation:

ReLEx SMILE eye surgery is performed under local anesthesia using numbing eye drops. The surgery preparation includes disinfecting the eye and applying anesthetic drops to prevent discomfort. Once the eye is numb, a speculum (eyelid holder) is placed to keep the eye open and prevent blinking during the procedure.

Once the eye is numb and ready, the ophthalmologist prepares the laser device, a process that usually takes a few minutes to up to 10 minutes before the procedure begins.

During the surgery

During the surgery, the surgeon begins by using a femtosecond laser to create a thin lenticule inside the corneal tissue along with a small incision.

The lenticule is then carefully removed through the incision without disrupting the surrounding corneal structure.

This precise removal reshapes the cornea, correcting the refractive error and improving vision with minimal disruption to the eye’s natural biomechanics.

This procedure takes only few minutes

The overall laser surgery takes around 30 minutes

After the surgery:

The surgeon examines your eye to check for any issues and prescribes the necessary post-surgical medications, including eye drops and pain relievers.

You can go home within 30 minutes to an hour after the procedure. Your eyes may still be numb during this time.

Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain, itching, or discomfort, which can be managed by following the recommended recovery instructions.

ReLEx SMILE Surgery Recovery

Most patients notice vision improvement within the first 24–48 hours, with significant restoration occurring within a few days. However, full vision stabilization can take a few weeks.

Minor side effects such as mild pain, dryness, itching, and redness are common but typically subside within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Unlike traditional laser surgeries, the SMILE eye surgery is minimally invasive, allowing patients to return to normal daily activities within a few days.

Strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, swimming, and contact sports, should be avoided for at least 2–4 weeks.

While initial recovery is quick, complete corneal healing and stabilization take 3 to 6 months.

How does the recovery period of ReLEx SMILE surgery differ from other traditional laser surgeries?

ReLEx SMILE surgery offers a faster, more comfortable, and safer recovery compared to traditional laser procedures.

The main differences in recovery between SMILE, LASIK, and PRK are:

1. Faster Initial Recovery: ReLEx SMILE allows for quicker initial recovery, with most patients noticing vision improvement within a few days.

LASIK has a similarly short initial recovery but comes with more side effects and risks. PRK, on the other hand, has a longer initial recovery, often taking several weeks for vision to stabilize.

2. Less Post-Surgical Discomfort: Since SMILE is minimally invasive, it causes less disruption to the corneal nerves, leading to less pain, dryness, and discomfort. In contrast, LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, and PRK requires the removal of the outer corneal layer, both of which result in more discomfort during recovery.

3. Lower Risk of Long-Term Complications: Because SMILE doesn’t involve a corneal flap, there’s no risk of flap-related complications like dislocation, which can be a concern with LASIK. This makes it a safer long-term option with fewer structural changes to the cornea.

ReLEx Smile Surgery Pros and Cons

ReLEx SMILE surgery pros:

1.ReLEx SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications.

2. Less postoperative discomfort. Because more corneal nerves are preserved, SMILE leads to less dry eye and discomfort compared to LASIK.

3. Faster initial recovery and Most patients experience functional vision recovery within a few days, with full vision stabilization occurring over a few weeks.

4. SMILE involves only a small incision, which helps maintain the cornea's strength and integrity and reduces the risk of long-term biomechanical changes.

5. Lower risk of long-term complications, since no flap is created, there is no risk of flap dislocation, which can be a concern with LASIK.

6. SMILE is effective for patients with moderate to high myopia (up to -10.00 D) and can also correct astigmatism (up to 5.00 D).

7. ReLEx SMILE is a good option for athletes and individuals with high physical activity levels. This is because the procedure doesn't require the creation of a corneal flap like LASIK surgery, which reduces the risk of flap-related complications.

ReLEx SMILE surgery cons:

1. Due to its advanced technology and minimally invasive nature, ReLEx SMILE surgery is more expensive than other laser surgical procedures such as PRK and LASIK. It typically costs $500 to $1,000 more per eye compared to PRK and LASIK.

2. Limited prescription: SMILE is not suitable for patients with severe dry eye syndrome, hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia over -10.00 D, or extremely thin corneas.

3. Longer stabilization time compared to LASIK: While vision recovery begins within a few days, full visual stabilization can take several weeks to months. However, SMILE generally recovers faster than PRK.

4. Retreatment after SMILE is more challenging compared to LASIK. Since SMILE does not create a corneal flap, enhancement procedures usually require PRK rather than another SMILE surgery.

FAQs

Is Turkey a good place for eye surgery?

Yes, Turkey is a popular destination for eye surgery, offering advanced technologies and highly skilled surgeons at affordable prices. Many international patients choose Turkey for procedures like LASIK and ReLEx SMILE.

How much does eye surgery cost in Turkey?

Eye surgery in Turkey can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the procedure and the clinic. This is significantly lower than in many other countries, making Turkey an attractive option for medical tourism.

Is Turkey safe for laser eye surgery?

Yes, Turkey is considered safe for laser eye surgery. Clinics follow international standards, and many have accreditation from reputable medical bodies, ensuring high-quality care and safety.

Which country is best in eye surgery?

Countries like the United States, Germany, and Turkey are renowned for their eye surgery expertise, with Turkey standing out for its affordability and advanced techniques.

Is ReLEx SMILE better than LASIK?

ReLEx SMILE is considered a more advanced and minimally invasive option than LASIK, offering a quicker recovery and less risk of complications like dry eyes.

What is ReLEx SMILE surgery?

ReLEx SMILE is a cutting-edge laser eye surgery that corrects refractive vision errors like myopia. It involves a single small incision and is less invasive than traditional LASIK, providing a faster recovery.

Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?

SMILE Pro is an advanced version of ReLEx SMILE, offering even better precision and faster recovery compared to LASIK. However, LASIK remains a highly effective and popular choice for many patients.