LASIK Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive eye surgery designed to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea — the clear front part of the eye — LASIK enables light to be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

As an ophthalmologist, I always emphasize that LASIK can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, but a thorough pre-operative evaluation is essential to ensure candidacy and safety.

LASIK works by precisely reshaping the corneal tissue:

1. Creation of a corneal flap: Using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser.

2. Reshaping of the underlying corneal tissue: An excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to correct the specific refractive error.

3. Repositioning the flap: The flap naturally adheres without stitches.

This minimally invasive process typically takes about 10–15 minutes per eye, with immediate return of vision improvement for most patients.

LASIK is effective for correcting:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects.

• Astigmatism: Blurred vision due to irregular corneal shape.

• Mixed astigmatism: A combination of near- and farsightedness.

Certain complex conditions, like extremely thin corneas or severe dry eye syndrome, may require alternative procedures.

The best LASIK candidates generally:

• Are at least 18 years old.

• Have stable vision for at least 1 year.

• Have a refractive error within treatable limits.

• Have healthy corneas (sufficient thickness and no severe dry eye).

• Do not have autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes.

• Have realistic expectations about outcomes and potential risks.

A detailed eye examination with topography and corneal thickness measurements determines eligibility.

If LASIK is not suitable, alternatives include:

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface ablation without a corneal flap.

• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive laser procedure.

• Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL): Inserting a lens inside the eye for very high prescriptions.

• Refractive lens exchange (RLE): Replacing the natural lens, often in older patients.

Each alternative has specific advantages depending on patient anatomy and vision goals.

Proper preparation improves surgical safety and outcomes:

• Contact lens discontinuation: Soft lenses stopped 1–2 weeks before, hard lenses 3–4 weeks.

• Pre-operative eye exams: Mapping corneal thickness, shape, and dryness levels.

• Medication review: Some medications may interfere with healing.

• Arranging transportation: Vision will be temporarily blurred immediately after surgery.

Patients should also mentally prepare by understanding realistic recovery timelines.

A typical LASIK surgery follows these steps:

1. Anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye.

2. Creation of the corneal flap with either a microkeratome blade or femtosecond laser.

3. Lifting the flap carefully to expose the underlying cornea.

4. Reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser, programmed to correct the patient’s specific refractive error.

5. Repositioning the flap without sutures; the cornea naturally heals.

The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes, with rapid visual improvement in most cases.

Several LASIK techniques and technologies exist today:

• Traditional LASIK: Uses a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap.

• Femto-LASIK (Bladeless LASIK): A femtosecond laser creates the flap for more precision and safety.

• Contoura Vision (Topography-Guided LASIK): Maps the cornea in 22,000 points to correct tiny imperfections, resulting in more customized, sharper vision.

Newer technologies improve accuracy, minimize side effects, and offer faster recovery.

Recovery after LASIK is usually fast and straightforward:

• First 24–48 hours: Mild burning, tearing, light sensitivity. Vision improves significantly within hours.

• First week: Use prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops. Avoid rubbing eyes, dusty environments, and swimming.

• First month: Vision continues to stabilize. Nighttime halos and glare may temporarily occur.

• After 3–6 months: Final visual outcome achieved for most patients.

Regular post-op visits ensure healing is on track.

While LASIK is very safe, potential risks include:

• Dry eyes: Common but usually temporary.

• Glare, halos, and starbursts: Especially at night during the healing phase.

• Overcorrection or undercorrection: Rarely requiring enhancement surgery.

• Flap complications: Extremely rare with modern techniques.

• Regression: Partial return of refractive error over years.

A thorough pre-operative assessment and choosing a skilled surgeon minimize these risks.

LASIK surgery costs vary based on technology, surgeon experience, and country:

• United States: $2,000–$3,500 per eye.

• Turkey: $1,000–$1,800 per eye (popular for affordable, high-quality care).

• Germany: $2,000–$2,500 per eye with cutting-edge technology.

• Thailand: $1,200–$2,000 per eye.

Always verify if the price includes pre-op evaluations, surgery, post-op care, and enhancement guarantees.

Top destinations for high-quality LASIK include:

• Turkey: World leader in medical tourism with affordable and advanced LASIK centers.

• Germany: Known for precision, advanced diagnostics, and safe outcomes.

• United States: Pioneering innovative techniques but at a higher cost.

• Spain: Quality care with relatively lower costs compared to the U.S.

• South Korea: Cutting-edge technologies and highly experienced ophthalmologists.

Clinic accreditation, surgeon credentials, and patient reviews must be checked carefully when choosing abroad.

Choosing the right provider is critical for a safe and successful outcome:

• Board certification in ophthalmology.

• Extensive experience specifically in refractive surgeries.

• Use of advanced technology (e.g., femtosecond laser, Contoura mapping).

• Clear communication about candidacy, expectations, and risks.

• Transparent pricing without hidden costs.

Patient testimonials, success rates, and detailed pre-op consultations matter greatly.

In most cases, LASIK results are permanent. However:

• Minor vision changes may occur naturally with aging (presbyopia around age 40+).

• Some patients may require enhancement procedures years later if minor regression occurs.

• Maintaining eye health and regular check-ups are essential for long-term success.

Modern LASIK technology has minimized regression rates dramatically compared to early versions.

Correcting vision through LASIK often leads to profound psychological improvements:

• Increased self-confidence without glasses or lenses.

• More active lifestyle opportunities, such as swimming and sports.

• Relief from the daily hassle of contact lenses and glasses.

• Improved career opportunities where visual freedom matters (e.g., military, aviation).

Studies show LASIK patients have high satisfaction rates — often over 95%.

Q1: Does LASIK hurt?
The procedure itself is painless due to numbing drops; mild irritation may occur for a few hours post-op.

Q2: How soon can I return to work?
Many patients return to work within 1–2 days, depending on their healing.

Q3: Is LASIK suitable for presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)?
LASIK primarily corrects distance vision; alternative procedures like monovision LASIK or lens exchange may be better options.

Q4: Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
Yes — in fact, it's standard practice for both eyes to be operated on in one session.

Q5: Will I still need reading glasses later in life?
Yes, presbyopia is a natural aging process not fully prevented by LASIK.