Laser Eye Treatments
What Is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery is an elective eye surgery performed—based on the patient’s preference—to correct refractive errors and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It may include surgical reshaping of the cornea, implantation of an intraocular lens, or lens exchange procedures, depending on the patient’s eye condition and suitability.
For Which Conditions Is Laser Vision Correction Used?
It is used to treat refractive errors such as:
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Astigmatism
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?
Laser treatment takes approximately 4–5 minutes per eye and is generally painless. It is very important that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure and follows the doctor’s instructions. After treatment, the patient leaves the laser room without eye bandaging.
Types of Laser Vision Correction
In laser treatment—commonly known as “laser eye correction”—there are 13 different techniques. The preoperative eye examination for laser treatment takes about 1.5 hours and requires a detailed evaluation with diagnostic tests.
Does the Vision Problem Fully Go Away After Laser Surgery?
The aim of laser surgery is to reduce the refractive error to approximately ±0.50 diopters. The goal is to help you see as well without glasses as you can currently see with glasses. Prescriptions of 0.50 diopters and below are generally considered within the “glasses-free” range and are regarded as a successful outcome.
If laser is performed while the prescription is still progressing, you may need glasses again later. Therefore, it is necessary that the prescription has not increased for at least 1 year. After laser surgery, about 95% of myopic patients and 70% of hyperopic patients remain glasses-free.
Up to What Prescription Can Laser Be Performed?
Laser can be performed—if the eye structure is suitable—for:
Myopia up to -10 diopters
Astigmatism up to 6 diopters
In general, for any prescription where the patient feels the need for glasses and does not want to wear them, laser may be considered if the eye anatomy is appropriate.
What Is the Minimum Age for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser procedures can be performed after the age of 18.
Who Is Eligible for Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment may be suitable for:
Individuals over 18
Those with adequate corneal thickness
Myopia up to -10 diopters
Astigmatism up to 6 diopters
Hyperopia up to +4 diopters
Individuals without systemic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes or rheumatic disease
Individuals without other ocular conditions (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, etc.)
Individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Contrary to common belief, laser surgery is not new; it has been successfully performed since 1990. Laser vision correction is commonly used for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Prescription Be Completely Zero After Laser Treatment?
The aim is to reduce refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and improve visual performance. A mild residual refractive error may remain after treatment, depending on the eye structure, degree/type of prescription, and individual healing response.
Before laser treatment, a comprehensive eye exam is performed, including:
Corneal thickness
Corneal topography (surface mapping)
Prescription stability
Tear film quality
Retina and optic nerve evaluation
Because each eye is unique, treatment is planned individually. The final visual outcome can vary depending on overall eye health, prescription values, and the healing process. For this reason, expectations should always be discussed with the laser eye specialist before treatment.
Can Someone Who Had Laser Later Have Cataract Surgery?
Yes. Laser treatment does not prevent future eye surgeries, including cataract surgery. The eye structure is preserved and surgical planning remains possible.
How Is the Laser Method Selected?
The technique is chosen based on detailed evaluation such as corneal thickness, prescription values, corneal mapping, and topographic analysis. Techniques like SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, and PRK are selected according to the patient’s eye structure.
How Long Does Laser Surgery Take?
The total laser time for both eyes is approximately 10 minutes. However, including preparation, drops, and final checks, the overall process typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Is Laser Treatment a Procedure That Involves Bleeding?
No. The laser is applied to the cornea, which is an avascular (non-blood-vessel) tissue, and the procedure is performed with anesthetic drops. Therefore, there is no bleeding and no stitches.
Will There Be Pain or Stinging After Laser?
It depends on the technique:
With LASIK/SMILE, mild stinging and tearing may occur for the first few hours.
With surface ablation techniques such as PRK/LASEK, discomfort and pain may last 2–3 days. This is temporary, and the eye is protected with a contact lens.
Will Laser Cause Dry Eye?
Yes, temporary dry eye is common after laser. It is managed with artificial tear drops and typically improves within a few months.
Can Laser Be Performed for Low Prescriptions?
Yes. If the patient does not want to wear glasses and the eye structure is suitable, laser can be performed even for low prescriptions. Suitability must be confirmed through detailed testing.
Does Laser Correct Astigmatism?
Yes. Laser refractive surgery includes personalized methods designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism based on the patient’s eye structure.
What Should I Pay Attention to After Laser?
Eyes are not bandaged; however, avoid touching the eyes for the first 24 hours.
Avoid bathing on the first day; ensure no water enters the eyes.
Use prescribed drops regularly as instructed.
Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Mild stinging and tearing in the first few hours is normal.
Wearing sunglasses is recommended.
When Can I Return to Daily Life After Laser?
Most people can return to work or social life the next day. However, swimming, sea water, and heavy sports activities should be avoided for the first 20 days.
Can Laser Surgery Be Performed a Second Time?
Yes. If some prescription remains and corneal structure is suitable, an enhancement procedure can be performed. It is typically planned no earlier than 6 months after the initial surgery and requires detailed evaluation.
Who Is Not Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser treatment is generally not suitable for:
Individuals under 18
Those whose prescription has changed within the last 1 year
Patients with keratoconus, significant dry eye, or active eye infection
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Is Laser Treatment Permanent?
Yes—when performed at the right time and in the right candidate, results are permanent. However, age-related refractive changes (such as presbyopia) may still lead to the need for glasses later in life.
Laser Eye Surgery Prices
Pricing is determined after a detailed examination of the eye structure by the physician. The preoperative eye assessment takes about 1.5 hours and includes comprehensive testing. The exact cost is determined based on the findings of this evaluation. You can book an appointment to learn which laser method is suitable for you and to undergo a detailed eye examination.
Last Updated: 01.07.2025
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Refractive surgery is an elective eye surgery performed—based on the patient’s preference—to correct refractive errors and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It may include surgical reshaping of the cornea, implantation of an intraocular lens, or lens exchange procedures, depending on the patient’s eye condition and suitability.
For Which Conditions Is Laser Vision Correction Used?
It is used to treat refractive errors such as:
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Astigmatism
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?
Laser treatment takes approximately 4–5 minutes per eye and is generally painless. It is very important that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure and follows the doctor’s instructions. After treatment, the patient leaves the laser room without eye bandaging.
Types of Laser Vision Correction
In laser treatment—commonly known as “laser eye correction”—there are 13 different techniques. The preoperative eye examination for laser treatment takes about 1.5 hours and requires a detailed evaluation with diagnostic tests.
Does the Vision Problem Fully Go Away After Laser Surgery?
The aim of laser surgery is to reduce the refractive error to approximately ±0.50 diopters. The goal is to help you see as well without glasses as you can currently see with glasses. Prescriptions of 0.50 diopters and below are generally considered within the “glasses-free” range and are regarded as a successful outcome.
If laser is performed while the prescription is still progressing, you may need glasses again later. Therefore, it is necessary that the prescription has not increased for at least 1 year. After laser surgery, about 95% of myopic patients and 70% of hyperopic patients remain glasses-free.
Up to What Prescription Can Laser Be Performed?
Laser can be performed—if the eye structure is suitable—for:
Myopia up to -10 diopters
Astigmatism up to 6 diopters
In general, for any prescription where the patient feels the need for glasses and does not want to wear them, laser may be considered if the eye anatomy is appropriate.
What Is the Minimum Age for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser procedures can be performed after the age of 18.
Who Is Eligible for Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment may be suitable for:
Individuals over 18
Those with adequate corneal thickness
Myopia up to -10 diopters
Astigmatism up to 6 diopters
Hyperopia up to +4 diopters
Individuals without systemic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes or rheumatic disease
Individuals without other ocular conditions (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, etc.)
Individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Contrary to common belief, laser surgery is not new; it has been successfully performed since 1990. Laser vision correction is commonly used for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Prescription Be Completely Zero After Laser Treatment?
The aim is to reduce refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and improve visual performance. A mild residual refractive error may remain after treatment, depending on the eye structure, degree/type of prescription, and individual healing response.
Before laser treatment, a comprehensive eye exam is performed, including:
Corneal thickness
Corneal topography (surface mapping)
Prescription stability
Tear film quality
Retina and optic nerve evaluation
Because each eye is unique, treatment is planned individually. The final visual outcome can vary depending on overall eye health, prescription values, and the healing process. For this reason, expectations should always be discussed with the laser eye specialist before treatment.
Can Someone Who Had Laser Later Have Cataract Surgery?
Yes. Laser treatment does not prevent future eye surgeries, including cataract surgery. The eye structure is preserved and surgical planning remains possible.
How Is the Laser Method Selected?
The technique is chosen based on detailed evaluation such as corneal thickness, prescription values, corneal mapping, and topographic analysis. Techniques like SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, and PRK are selected according to the patient’s eye structure.
How Long Does Laser Surgery Take?
The total laser time for both eyes is approximately 10 minutes. However, including preparation, drops, and final checks, the overall process typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Is Laser Treatment a Procedure That Involves Bleeding?
No. The laser is applied to the cornea, which is an avascular (non-blood-vessel) tissue, and the procedure is performed with anesthetic drops. Therefore, there is no bleeding and no stitches.
Will There Be Pain or Stinging After Laser?
It depends on the technique:
With LASIK/SMILE, mild stinging and tearing may occur for the first few hours.
With surface ablation techniques such as PRK/LASEK, discomfort and pain may last 2–3 days. This is temporary, and the eye is protected with a contact lens.
Will Laser Cause Dry Eye?
Yes, temporary dry eye is common after laser. It is managed with artificial tear drops and typically improves within a few months.
Can Laser Be Performed for Low Prescriptions?
Yes. If the patient does not want to wear glasses and the eye structure is suitable, laser can be performed even for low prescriptions. Suitability must be confirmed through detailed testing.
Does Laser Correct Astigmatism?
Yes. Laser refractive surgery includes personalized methods designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism based on the patient’s eye structure.
What Should I Pay Attention to After Laser?
Eyes are not bandaged; however, avoid touching the eyes for the first 24 hours.
Avoid bathing on the first day; ensure no water enters the eyes.
Use prescribed drops regularly as instructed.
Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Mild stinging and tearing in the first few hours is normal.
Wearing sunglasses is recommended.
When Can I Return to Daily Life After Laser?
Most people can return to work or social life the next day. However, swimming, sea water, and heavy sports activities should be avoided for the first 20 days.
Can Laser Surgery Be Performed a Second Time?
Yes. If some prescription remains and corneal structure is suitable, an enhancement procedure can be performed. It is typically planned no earlier than 6 months after the initial surgery and requires detailed evaluation.
Who Is Not Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser treatment is generally not suitable for:
Individuals under 18
Those whose prescription has changed within the last 1 year
Patients with keratoconus, significant dry eye, or active eye infection
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Is Laser Treatment Permanent?
Yes—when performed at the right time and in the right candidate, results are permanent. However, age-related refractive changes (such as presbyopia) may still lead to the need for glasses later in life.
Laser Eye Surgery Prices
Pricing is determined after a detailed examination of the eye structure by the physician. The preoperative eye assessment takes about 1.5 hours and includes comprehensive testing. The exact cost is determined based on the findings of this evaluation. You can book an appointment to learn which laser method is suitable for you and to undergo a detailed eye examination.
Last Updated: 01.07.2025
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
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