{"id":1919,"date":"2026-10-20T08:54:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-health\/comparisons\/laser-vs-lasik-what-is-the-difference\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:58:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:58:30","slug":"laser-vs-lasik-what-is-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/comparisons\/laser-vs-lasik-what-is-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser vs LASIK"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/\">Knowledge centre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/comparisons\/\">Comparisons<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Laser vs LASIK<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Laser vs LASIK: What Is the Difference?<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon}}<\/span> \u00b7 Last updated <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span> \u00b7 9-minute read<\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-819x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Excimer laser suite for laser eye surgery\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-819x1024.webp 819w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite-768x960.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excimer-laser-eye-surgery-suite.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>Laser vs LASIK is not a choice between rivals: LASIK is one type of laser eye surgery, alongside SMILE and surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK). All reshape the cornea to reduce your need for glasses, and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists says results at three months are equally good. The differences are the flap, recovery time and who each suits. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram picks the method after examining you in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-laser-eye-surgery-and-lasik\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>What is the difference between laser eye surgery and LASIK?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>&#8220;Laser eye surgery&#8221; is the general name for operations that use a laser to change the curve of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, so that light focuses sharply on the retina. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the best-known of them, which is why many people use the two words as if they meant different things. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) lists three families used in the UK:<\/p>\n<ol data-reveal>\n<li><strong>LASIK:<\/strong> a thin protective flap is lifted, the laser reshapes the cornea underneath, and the flap is smoothed back.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lenticule extraction (SMILE):<\/strong> a laser shapes a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, and the surgeon removes it through a small opening. There is no flap.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK):<\/strong> the clear skin layer of the cornea is removed, the laser reshapes the surface beneath, and the skin grows back over about a week.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-reveal>So when someone asks, &#8220;should I have laser or LASIK?&#8221;, the useful question is: <strong>which laser method suits my eyes?<\/strong> The RCOphth says the risks and benefits of the three are similar and that all of them normally give very good results in the right patients. The differences are in how the surgeon reaches the tissue, how quickly you recover and which patients each method fits best.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Some things are the same whichever you choose. You need to be over 18 with a stable prescription (normally no change greater than 0.5 dioptres in two years). Surgery is done under numbing eye drops, usually on both eyes in about half an hour, and you go home the same day. And a good surgeon decides the method only after measuring your eyes.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Verdict) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark verdict-panel\" id=\"verdict\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"verdict-grid row\">\n\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"def-label on-dark\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-thumb\"\/><\/svg>Our verdict, in four lines<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"verdict-list\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>LASIK is a laser eye surgery, not an alternative to it.<\/strong> &#8220;Laser&#8221; is the family; LASIK, SMILE and PRK are the members.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Choose LASIK<\/strong> if you want the fastest visual recovery (many people are back at work the next day, says the RCOphth) and your corneas are suitable for a flap.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Choose SMILE or surface laser<\/strong> if you want to avoid a flap: SMILE for a flap-free treatment of short sight through a small opening; surface laser (PRK or Trans-PRK) if your corneas are thinner or you play contact sports, accepting a slower and more uncomfortable first week.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Do not choose by label.<\/strong> Results at three months are equally good for all types, so the right method is the one your surgeon recommends after your scans.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Verdict) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"lasik-vs-smile-vs-prk-side-by-side\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>LASIK vs SMILE vs PRK: side by side<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>The table compares LASIK with the other two laser families. Recovery, comfort and contact-sport details come from the RCOphth; the SMILE details from EyeWiki, the American Academy of Ophthalmology&#8217;s clinical wiki.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\"><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>LASIK (Femto-LASIK)<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>SMILE \/ SMILE Pro<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Lasers used<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Two: a femtosecond laser makes the flap, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">One: a femtosecond laser shapes the lenticule<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">One: an excimer laser<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Flap?<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Yes, a thin protective flap that is lifted and put back<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">No flap<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">No flap; the skin layer is removed and regrows<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>How the tissue is reached<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Under the flap<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Through a 2\u20133 mm opening<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">From the surface, after the skin layer is removed<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Treats<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Short sight, long sight, astigmatism<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Short sight, with or without astigmatism (US approval covers short sight only)<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">Short sight, long sight, astigmatism<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Visual recovery<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Fastest: many people return to work the next day<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Slightly slower than LASIK<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">A week or longer before the driving standard; fully settled over about three months<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Eye comfort<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Mild surface discomfort is normal early on<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Surface comfort may recover slightly faster than after LASIK<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">Normally very sore while the skin layer regrows (about a week); Trans-PRK shortens recovery by 1\u20132 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Contact sports<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Wait at least one month<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Sooner than after LASIK<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">Sooner than after LASIK<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Flap-related risk<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Yes (for example a flap that shifts after a knock or eye rubbing)<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">None<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">None<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Results at three months<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">Equally good<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Equally good<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">Equally good<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Often chosen by<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK (Femto-LASIK)\">People who want the quickest return to normal and have suitable corneas<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">People who want no flap and are short-sighted<\/td><td data-label=\"Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK)\">People with thinner corneas, contact-sport players, and those who prefer no flap<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"note-sm\" data-reveal>Your surgeon recommends a method only after your examination. Source for recovery, contact sports and results at three months: RCOphth, Laser Vision Correction patient information (2024).<\/p><h3 data-reveal>What this means in plain words<\/h3>\n<p data-reveal>LASIK trades a flap for speed. Because the corneal skin layer stays intact, healing is quick, but the flap itself needs respect: no contact sports for at least a month and no eye rubbing. Surface laser has no flap, but the skin layer has to regrow, which makes the first week sore and slows visual recovery. SMILE sits between the two: no flap and the skin layer mostly intact, but it treats short sight only, and the tissue removed is slightly greater and slightly deeper than in LASIK, according to the RCOphth.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"who-each-laser-method-suits\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Who each laser method suits<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">LASIK may suit you if\u2026<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>You want the quickest recovery.<\/strong> Patients undergoing LASIK are often able to return to work the day after surgery (RCOphth).<\/li>\n<li><strong>You are long-sighted or have a mixed prescription.<\/strong> LASIK treats short sight, long sight and astigmatism. Long-sighted people often notice it more from their thirties onwards, as the eye&#8217;s own lens stiffens; our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/comparisons\/short-sightedness-vs-long-sightedness\/\">short-sightedness vs long-sightedness<\/a> explains how the two differ.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your corneas are healthy and thick enough<\/strong> for a flap, which your surgeon confirms with corneal scans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You do not play contact sports,<\/strong> or you are happy to avoid them for at least a month.<\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/lasik\/\">LASIK and Femto-LASIK in Istanbul <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">SMILE or SMILE Pro may suit you if\u2026<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>You are short-sighted<\/strong> (with or without astigmatism) and want a method without a flap.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You are active.<\/strong> There is no flap to dislodge, so you can return to contact sports sooner than after LASIK (RCOphth).<\/li>\n<li><strong>You are prone to dry eyes.<\/strong> SMILE cuts fewer corneal nerves than LASIK. In one study summarised by EyeWiki, 80% of SMILE patients no longer needed any eye drops six months after surgery, against 57% of LASIK patients. The RCOphth says differences between techniques are small, so treat this as a possible advantage, not a promise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Two honest caveats: SMILE is used mainly for short sight, and if a touch-up is ever needed it is often done with surface laser rather than by repeating SMILE.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/smile-pro\/\">SMILE Pro in Istanbul <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">Surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK) may suit you if\u2026<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Your corneas are thinner.<\/strong> With no flap to cut, surgeons often consider surface laser when corneal thickness is a concern. Your scans decide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You play contact sports<\/strong> or have a job with a risk of knocks to the eye.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You can take a slower first week.<\/strong> The eye is normally very sore while the skin layer regrows, and you may need a week or longer before you reach the driving standard (RCOphth).<\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/prk-lasek\/\">PRK and LASEK in Istanbul <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">When none of them is the right answer<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>The RCOphth notes that some people with lower prescriptions are better suited to lens implants, and that implantable lenses (phakic lenses) are often a good alternative when the prescription is outside the usual laser range: up to \u221210.00D of short sight, up to +4.00D of long sight and up to \u00b16.00D of astigmatism. For people of retirement age, where early cataract is common, lens replacement is often preferred. Cataracts and some problems of the eye surface can also rule laser out. Our surgeons tell you if another treatment is better for you, before you travel.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"how-much-does-each-laser-method-cost\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How much does each laser method cost?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Surface laser is usually the lowest-priced method, LASIK sits in the middle and SMILE is usually the highest. The method changes the price less than where you have it done: Istanbul prices are well below UK and US prices.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><p data-reveal><strong>Typical published prices, both eyes<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Method<\/th><th scope=\"col\">UK, both eyes (2026)<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Istanbul, both eyes (USD, 2025\u201326)<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Laser Istanbul Clinic<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK<\/th><td data-label=\"UK, both eyes (2026)\">\u00a32,590\u2013\u00a36,500<\/td><td data-label=\"Istanbul, both eyes (USD, 2025\u201326)\">$1,450\u20132,700<\/td><td data-label=\"Laser Istanbul Clinic\">from <span class=\"ph\">{{price}}<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">PRK \/ LASEK<\/th><td data-label=\"UK, both eyes (2026)\">\u00a31,150\u2013\u00a35,900<\/td><td data-label=\"Istanbul, both eyes (USD, 2025\u201326)\">not published separately<\/td><td data-label=\"Laser Istanbul Clinic\">from <span class=\"ph\">{{price}}<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">SMILE \/ SMILE Pro<\/th><td data-label=\"UK, both eyes (2026)\">\u00a33,990\u2013\u00a37,500<\/td><td data-label=\"Istanbul, both eyes (USD, 2025\u201326)\">$2,000\u20133,450<\/td><td data-label=\"Laser Istanbul Clinic\">from <span class=\"ph\">{{price}}<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"note-sm\" data-reveal>Advertised ranges, not quotes. Many UK clinics quote per eye, so double a &#8220;from&#8221; price to compare. Many advertised Istanbul packages include a hotel and airport transfers; our prices do not. At Laser Istanbul Clinic, laser treatment starts from <span class=\"ph\">{{price}}<\/span> for both eyes, including the pre-operative examination and scans, surgery by your named surgeon, medication, follow-up checks in Istanbul, a personal interpreter, a coordinator and remote follow-up. Hotel and airport transfers are a separate charge, arranged on request; flights are not included.<\/p><p data-reveal>Comparing the middle of each range, typical Istanbul LASIK prices are about 65% below UK prices and about 60% below US prices, and SMILE is about 66% below UK prices (our market research, 2025\u201326). For laser alone, Gulf prices are much closer to Istanbul prices.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>When you compare two quotes, line them up on the same points:<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Per eye or both eyes?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Which laser, by name?<\/strong> &#8220;LASIK&#8221; alone does not tell you which flap technology or laser platform is used.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Which tests are included?<\/strong> Corneal mapping should be part of the price.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What happens if a touch-up is needed?<\/strong> According to the RCOphth, extra laser treatments to fine-tune the result are normally included for up to two years, and up to 1 in 10 patients need some additional surgery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Can the NHS or insurance pay?<\/strong> Usually not. Surgery to correct the need for glasses is not available as an NHS procedure and is not covered by private health insurance, says the RCOphth.<\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/prices\/\">Price list: all eye treatments in GBP, EUR, USD and SAR <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Related pages) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"read-more-about-each-treatment\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Read more about each treatment<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<ul class=\"pg-links row row-cols-1 row-cols-sm-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/lasik\/\"><span>LASIK and Femto-LASIK in Istanbul<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/smile-pro\/\"><span>SMILE Pro in Istanbul<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/prk-lasek\/\"><span>PRK and LASEK in Istanbul<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\"><span>laser eye surgery in Turkey<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Related pages) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Checklist cards) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"how-do-the-risks-compare\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How do the risks compare?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"col-12\"><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>The risks of the three families are similar, and they are small for suitable patients. According to the RCOphth:<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"checklist row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-2\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Permanent serious loss of vision is rare.<\/strong> Fewer than 1 in 5,000 patients need a corneal transplant to restore vision after laser surgery, and good vision can normally be restored when that is needed.<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Up to 1 in 10 patients<\/strong> need some additional surgery to get the best result. This is the most common &#8220;problem&#8221; and usually feels like the original treatment.<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Glare, halos and starbursts<\/strong> are common early on, especially after treatment for higher prescriptions, and are usually mild with modern lasers and improve within a few months.<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Dry eye symptoms and variable vision<\/strong> come from a less stable tear film while the cornea heals; comfort usually returns to normal within a few months.<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Red blotches on the white of the eye<\/strong> are particularly common after LASIK and can take up to six weeks to clear. They are temporary and do not affect eye health.<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sec-foot-flow prose\"><p data-reveal>What differs between methods is mostly <strong>which risks apply<\/strong>: only LASIK has flap-related problems, and only surface laser has a sore healing week. Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of laser vision correction, according to the RCOphth. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists severe dry eye and keratoconus among the reasons laser may not be suitable, which is why careful checks of the cornea come before any method is chosen.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Checklist cards) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Process (Step cards: 3 columns) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"how-do-i-choose-between-laser-and-lasik\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How do I choose between laser and LASIK?<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<ol class=\"steps row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Get your measurements first<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Corneal thickness, corneal shape, tear film and your prescription decide which methods are safe for you.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Tell your surgeon how you live<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Contact sports, a job where a week of discomfort is hard, and how fast you need to be back at work all point towards different methods.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Ask which laser, which method and why<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A good surgeon explains why one method suits your eyes better than the other two, and says honestly when none does.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Compare like with like on price<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ask what is included and what a touch-up costs.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Compare with the alternative<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For most people the realistic alternative to laser is contact lenses. The RCOphth says roughly 1 in 3,000 contact-lens wearers each year develops a serious corneal infection. Our comparison of <a href=\"\/en\/eye-health\/comparisons\/contact-lenses-vs-laser-eye-surgery-10-year-cost-and-safety\/\">contact lenses vs laser eye surgery: 10-year cost and safety<\/a> sets out the long-term numbers.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Process (Step cards: 3 columns) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"who-chooses-your-laser-method-in-istanbul\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Who chooses your laser method in Istanbul?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 lede\" data-reveal>At Laser Istanbul Clinic the surgeon who examines you is the surgeon who operates, and you know their name before you book.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131:<\/strong> laser eye surgery (LASIK, SMILE Pro and PRK), cataract and premium lens surgery, ICL, eyelid and oculoplastic surgery, squint and glaucoma. An ophthalmology specialist since 1992 and former Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Harran University, with 21 peer-reviewed papers listed on PubMed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram:<\/strong> laser eye surgery, cataract surgery and retinal disease. An ophthalmology specialist since 1999, trained at Trakya University and Y\u00fcz\u00fcnc\u00fc Y\u0131l University. She speaks English, and her retinal expertise matters for people with a high short-sighted prescription, whose retina needs a careful check before laser.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/strong> (Do\u00e7. is the Turkish title for Associate Professor): if your scans show a weak or irregular cornea, our cornea and keratoconus specialist reviews your case. He speaks Turkish and English.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Your surgery takes place in a fully equipped, Ministry of Health\u2013licensed operating theatre in Istanbul, and you receive the address before you travel. After a full examination with corneal mapping in Istanbul, your surgeon names the laser method that suits you and explains the risks for your eyes, through your personal interpreter.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici\/\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131: profile and treatments <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/op-dr-aysan-bayram\/\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram: profile and treatments <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer\/\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer: profile and treatments <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><p data-reveal>More comparisons: <a class=\"in-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/comparisons\/\">All eye-care comparisons \u2192<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a1\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q1\">Is LASIK the same as laser eye surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>LASIK is one kind of laser eye surgery, but not the only kind. &#8220;Laser eye surgery&#8221; covers LASIK, SMILE (lenticule extraction) and surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK). All of them use a laser to reshape the cornea and correct short sight, long sight or astigmatism. LASIK is the one that uses a flap.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a2\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q2\">What is the difference between laser eye surgery and LASIK?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Laser eye surgery is the whole family of treatments, and LASIK is the member that makes a thin flap before the laser reshapes the cornea underneath. The other members skip the flap: SMILE removes a small disc of tissue through a small opening, and surface laser removes the skin layer and reshapes the surface. The three give equally good results at three months, but recovery and risks differ.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a3\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q3\">LASIK or SMILE: which is better?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Neither is better for everyone. LASIK treats short sight, long sight and astigmatism, and gives the fastest visual recovery. SMILE has no flap and treats short sight, with or without astigmatism. The RCOphth says visual recovery after lenticule extraction may be slightly slower, while surface comfort may recover slightly faster. Your surgeon recommends one after scanning your eyes.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a4\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q4\">LASIK or PRK: which is better?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It depends on your corneas and your lifestyle. LASIK recovers fastest, and many people return to work the next day. PRK has no flap, so contact sports are possible sooner, but the eye is normally very sore for about a week while the skin layer regrows, and you may need a week or longer before you reach the driving standard. By three months, results are equally good.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a5\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q5\">Is LASIK safer than the other laser methods?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>No method is safer in general; the risks are similar and small for suitable patients. What differs is the type of risk: only LASIK has flap-related problems, while surface laser has a sore healing week. Fewer than 1 in 5,000 patients need a corneal transplant after laser surgery (RCOphth), and careful screening of your corneas is the best protection.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a6\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q6\">Which laser method is cheapest?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Surface laser (PRK or LASEK) is usually the lowest-priced method, LASIK sits in the middle and SMILE is usually the highest. Typical published prices in Istanbul for both eyes are $1,450\u20132,700 for LASIK and $2,000\u20133,450 for SMILE. Laser treatment with us starts from <span class=\"ph\">{{price}}<\/span> for both eyes; hotel and transfers are not included.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a7\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q7\">Can I have laser eye surgery if I have thin corneas?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Possibly, but not with every method. Very thin corneas can rule out some laser treatment, so your surgeon measures corneal thickness and shape and may choose a surface laser, or advise a lens treatment instead. If your scans show an irregular cornea, our cornea specialist reviews your case.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a8\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q8\">Does laser fix reading glasses?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q8\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Not on its own. Glasses may still be needed for reading in older patients after laser, says the RCOphth. From the mid-40s, surgeons often aim for good distance vision in one eye and good vision at arm&#8217;s length in the other, which at least partly restores near vision. For people of retirement age, lens replacement is often preferred.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a9\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q9\">Are LASIK and other laser surgery available on the NHS?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q9\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Generally not. The NHS says laser eye surgery is not usually offered, except for eye conditions that could lead to loss of vision, and the RCOphth says it is not covered by private health insurance either. People normally pay for it themselves, which is why many compare prices abroad.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-921a16b9-a10\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-q10\">How long do the results last?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-921a16b9-a10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-921a16b9-q10\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Prescriptions can still change with age, whichever method you choose. According to the RCOphth, short sight and astigmatism normally stabilise in the late teens or early twenties, but natural changes can occur at any stage, so laser vision correction sometimes needs to be repeated. Results can take up to two years to stabilise fully, and most clinics charge for treatment of natural prescription changes that happen after two years.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is LASIK the same as laser eye surgery?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"LASIK is one kind of laser eye surgery, but not the only kind. \\\"Laser eye surgery\\\" covers LASIK, SMILE (lenticule extraction) and surface laser (PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK). All of them use a laser to reshape the cornea and correct short sight, long sight or astigmatism. 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Very thin corneas can rule out some laser treatment, so your surgeon measures corneal thickness and shape and may choose a surface laser, or advise a lens treatment instead. If your scans show an irregular cornea, our cornea specialist reviews your case.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does laser fix reading glasses?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not on its own. Glasses may still be needed for reading in older patients after laser, says the RCOphth. From the mid-40s, surgeons often aim for good distance vision in one eye and good vision at arm's length in the other, which at least partly restores near vision. For people of retirement age, lens replacement is often preferred.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are LASIK and other laser surgery available on the NHS?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Generally not. The NHS says laser eye surgery is not usually offered, except for eye conditions that could lead to loss of vision, and the RCOphth says it is not covered by private health insurance either. People normally pay for it themselves, which is why many compare prices abroad.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long do the results last?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Prescriptions can still change with age, whichever method you choose. According to the RCOphth, short sight and astigmatism normally stabilise in the late teens or early twenties, but natural changes can occur at any stage, so laser vision correction sometimes needs to be repeated. Results can take up to two years to stabilise fully, and most clinics charge for treatment of natural prescription changes that happen after two years.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>*Medical facts (opened and checked, October 2026):**<\/li>\n\t\t<li>**American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery<\/em>.** LASIK as a type of refractive surgery for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism; flap, excimer laser reshaping, flap reattaches by itself; candidates 18+ (ideally over 21) with stable prescription and healthy corneas; severe dry eye and keratoconus among the reasons not to have it. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/treatments\/lasik<\/li>\n\t\t<li>**EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology), <em>Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)<\/em>.** 2\u20133 mm opening, no flap; FDA-approved for myopia, not hyperopia; no significant difference between SMILE and femtosecond LASIK in refractive outcomes in a meta-analysis; at six months 80% of SMILE patients vs 57% of LASIK patients had finished using eye drops (study summarised); minimal corneal nerve severance. https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Small_Incision_Lenticule_Extraction_(SMILE)<\/li>\n\t\t<li><strong>US FDA, Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data, VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (PMA P150040\/S003, 4 Oct 2018).<\/strong> SMILE indicated for myopia with or without astigmatism, sphere \u22121.00D to \u221210.00D, cylinder \u22120.75D to \u22123.00D, patients 22 or older (basis for &#8220;US approval covers short sight only&#8221;). https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/scripts\/cdrh\/cfdocs\/cfpma\/pma.cfm?id=P150040<\/li>\n\t\t<li>**NHS, <em>Laser eye surgery and lens surgery<\/em>.** Not usually offered on the NHS except for sight-threatening conditions or problems that glasses and contact lenses cannot correct; several types of laser surgery exist. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>*Prices and surgeon facts (project files):**<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Find out which laser method suits your eyes, free<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Send your glasses or contact-lens prescription and any recent eye report, and Prof. Dr. Sat\u0131c\u0131 or Op. Dr. Bayram will tell you whether LASIK, SMILE, PRK or a lens treatment may suit you, who would operate and what it would cost, in writing, with no obligation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Get my free online consultation<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":1867,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1919","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1919"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3064,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919\/revisions\/3064"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}