LASIK eye surgery is a precision laser procedure designed to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism, reducing dependency on glasses. Turkey has emerged as a global leader for this treatment, offering advanced technology and experienced ophthalmologists at competitive prices. This guide explores safety, costs, and top providers like Istanbul European Clinic.
OVERVIEW
Procedure
LASIK Eye Surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
Duration
15–30 minutes (both eyes)
Length of Stay in Hospital
Outpatient (2–4 hours)
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia (numbing eye drops)
Cost in Turkey
€1,500 – €3,000 (Typical Range)
Success Rate
96% – 98% (Varies by patient profile)
Final Results
Stabilization within 3–6 months
Scars
No visible external scarring
Pain
Minimal discomfort; typically painless during surgery
Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif
Written by Abdulaziz Ali
Published on December 26, 2025 12:00 am
TABLE OF CONTENT
Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey
Access to Advanced Technology Turkish clinics often utilize the latest FDA-approved laser systems, such as Femtosecond and Wavefront-guided lasers. This ensures high precision and safety standards comparable to top clinics in Western Europe and North America.
Significant Cost Savings Patients can expect to save 50% to 70% on lasik eye surgery cost turkey compared to prices in the UK or USA. These savings are due to lower operational costs and exchange rates, not a reduction in medical quality.
Experienced Specialists Surgeons in Istanbul perform a high volume of refractive surgeries annually, granting them extensive experience. Many are board-certified and have trained internationally, ensuring expertise in handling complex vision correction cases.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in Turkey Compared to Other Countries
The following table compares the estimated costs for LASIK. Prices can fluctuate based on the specific technique (e.g., iLASIK, SMILE) and the clinic chosen.
Country
Typical Range (€)
Turkey
€1,500 – €3,000
United Kingdom
€4,000 – €6,500
United States
€4,000 – €7,500
Note: Prices vary by case complexity, technology used, and clinic; always request a personalized quote for accuracy.
How to Choose Safe, Reputable Clinics and Surgeons for LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey
Verify Clinic Accreditations
Ensure the facility holds recognized certifications such as JCI (Joint Commission International) or ISO standards. These accreditations guarantee that the hospital meets strict global requirements for hygiene, safety, and patient care.
Check Surgeon Credentials
Look for a surgeon who specializes specifically in refractive surgery rather than general ophthalmology. Verify their board certifications and ask about their experience with the specific type of laser technology they propose for your eyes.
Review Patient Testimonials
Read authentic reviews on independent platforms to understand the patient experience. Look for feedback regarding the consultation process, the cleanliness of the facility, and the quality of post-operative support provided.
What to Consider Before Getting a LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey
Medical eligibility & health history
Not everyone is a candidate; you must be over 18 with a stable prescription for at least one year. Conditions like severe dry eye, thin corneas, or autoimmune diseases may disqualify you from standard LASIK.
You will undergo comprehensive eye mapping (topography) upon arrival to confirm safety. You must stop wearing soft contact lenses at least one week (and hard lenses longer) before these tests to ensure accurate measurements.
Plan to stay in Turkey for at least 3 to 4 days to allow for the surgery and the mandatory follow-up exam. Having a travel companion is highly recommended to assist you immediately after surgery when your vision may be blurry.
Post-op plan, mobility, and pain management expectations
Most patients experience itching or a “gritty” sensation for the first 24 hours. You will need to sleep with protective eye shields to prevent rubbing your eyes, which is critical for the corneal flap to heal correctly.
Many patients can return to office work within 2 to 3 days after surgery. However, you must avoid swimming, saunas, and contact sports for at least a month to prevent infection and flap displacement.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old (preferably over 21).
Stable Vision: Your prescription must not have changed significantly in the last 12 months.
Corneal Health: You must have sufficient corneal thickness and no diseases like keratoconus.
General Health: You should not be pregnant, nursing, or have uncontrolled diabetes.
Realistic Expectations: You understand that while 20/20 vision is the goal, it is not guaranteed.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey Results
Success Percentage and Satisfaction Clinical data suggests that over 96% of LASIK patients achieve their desired vision correction, often reaching 20/25 vision or better. Patient satisfaction is generally very high, provided that pre-operative screening was conducted rigorously to exclude unsuitable candidates.
LASIK Eye Surgery Turkey Recovery Time
LASIK Eye Surgery 1 Week Post Op: Your vision should be significantly clearer, though some fluctuation is normal. You must continue using antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as prescribed and strictly avoid getting water, soap, or sweat directly into your eyes.
LASIK Eye Surgery 3 Weeks Post Op: Most immediate side effects like light sensitivity or tearing typically subside by this stage. You can usually resume light exercise, but you should continue to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your healing eyes from UV rays.
LASIK Eye Surgery 3 – 6 Months Post Op: Your vision should be fully stabilized, and symptoms like dry eyes or halos at night usually resolve. This is the period where the final results of the lasik eye surgery turkey become permanent and daily life returns to normal.
LASIK Eye Surgery 1 Year Post Op: By the one-year mark, your eyes are considered fully healed. It is recommended to have a standard annual eye exam to monitor the general health of your eyes, even if your vision remains perfect.
How Does The LASIK Eye Surgery Turkey Procedure Work?
The surgeon reviews your medical history and performs a slit-lamp examination. This step determines if LASIK, or an alternative like PRK or SMILE, is the safest option for your specific eyes.
Advanced diagnostic tools perform corneal topography and wavefront analysis. These tests create a detailed 3D map of your eye’s surface, which guides the laser to correct your unique refractive errors.
Numbing drops are applied to ensure the process is painless. The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap, uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue in seconds, and then gently repositions the flap.
Immediately after surgery, you will rest in a dark room for a short period. Your vision will be foggy, and your eyes may water, but you will be discharged to your hotel with protective eyewear and drops.
You must return to the clinic usually 24 hours after the surgery. The surgeon checks the flap position and visual acuity to ensure healing is on track before clearing you for travel.
Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey
Dry Eyes: A temporary decrease in tear production is common for the first few months.
Visual Disturbances: Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night.
Light Sensitivity: You may be sensitive to bright light for a few days post-op.
Under/Over-correction: In rare cases, the laser may remove too little or too much tissue.
Flap Complications: Rare issues involving the healing of the corneal flap (infection or displacement).
What our PATIENTS say
tuba çetin
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Samimi, profesyonel ve ilgili bir ekip. Güvenle tercih edilebilir.
Lale Gökdemir
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After two pregnancies, I wanted to restore my abdominal area. IEC arranged the consultation, surgery, and even accommodation. The clinic staff were attentive and the surgeon was very skilled, explaining each stage in detail. The recovery plan was strict but clear, and now my stomach looks flat and toned again. I couldn’t be more satisfied with both the results and the care provided.
Sofia Martinez
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My Lipo 360 with IEC was organized end-to-end — transfers, clinic, and a clear recovery plan. Surgeons were experienced and the nursing team checked on me regularly. After following the aftercare, swelling reduced as expected and the contour is much improved. Professional and reassuring experience.
İlayda
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What I loved most about Istanbul European Clinic was the personal attention I received. The team genuinely cared about my comfort and well-being, not just the procedure. The facility itself was beautiful and modern, and everything was run very smoothly. A fantastic experience overall!
Jessica White
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
IEC offers outstanding service — very reliable, organized, and caring. They made sure all details were taken care of, and I could focus on my treatment and recovery without worry. A great choice for health tourism.
Marvin Hugh
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience with IEC in Turkey was fantastic. They handled everything from consultation to follow-up in a professional and stress-free way. I always felt well-informed and supported, which made the whole process so much easier.
Gisel H.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Did teeth whitening at IEC before my wedding. Color changed like 3 shades whiter, friends noticed right away. Price was fair, very happy with the result ✨
Deniz
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had eye surgery at IEC two weeks ago. clinic was modern and equipment looked new. Receptionist english not perfect but we managed fine.
The cost generally ranges between €1,500 and €3,000 per patient for both eyes. This price often includes the procedure, pre-op tests, and post-op medication, which is significantly lower than in the UK or US.
Yes, Turkey is a leading destination for refractive surgery. Clinics in Istanbul utilize advanced technology and employ surgeons who perform thousands of procedures annually, ensuring high expertise.
No surgical procedure is 100% safe. While LASIK has a very high safety profile and success rate, risks such as dry eyes, infection, or flap complications exist and should be discussed with your doctor
Yes, laser eye surgery is cheaper in Turkey due to lower labor costs, operational expenses, and currency exchange rates, not because of lower quality technology or care.
For many international patients, it is worth it due to the high quality-to-price ratio. You receive world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost, often with premium service packages included.
Compared to the lifetime cost of glasses and contact lenses, LASIK is often considered cost-effective. However, the upfront cost can be significant, which is why Turkey’s lower prices are attractive.
In extremely rare cases, severe complications like corneal ectasia (thinning) or severe infection could lead to vision loss. However, strict pre-op screening minimizes these risks significantly.
Turkey has a strong reputation for ophthalmology. Many Turkish hospitals are JCI-accredited and equipped with the latest German or American laser technology, making it a good choice for eye care.
The ideal age is typically between 21 and 40. By age 21, the prescription usually stabilizes, and before age 40, the eyes are less likely to be affected by age-related presbyopia.
The corneal reshaping from LASIK is permanent. However, as you age, you will likely develop presbyopia (need for reading glasses) around age 45-50, which is a natural aging process unrelated to the surgery.
People with thin corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes, or unstable vision prescriptions are generally not allowed to undergo LASIK.
Using a certified medical tourism facilitator like Flymedi ensures safety. They vet clinics, verify surgeon credentials, and handle logistics, providing an extra layer of security compared to booking directly.
Look for the JCI (Joint Commission International) seal on the clinic’s website. Cross-reference this with independent review platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to read about real patient experiences.
Compare clinics based on the specific laser technology they use (e.g., Zeiss VisuMax vs. standard lasers), the surgeon’s years of experience, and whether they offer comprehensive aftercare packages.
Reputable clinics provide detailed medical reports to share with your local doctor. Some offer telehealth consultations to guide your local ophthalmologist in managing minor issues like dry eye or inflammation.
Agencies and clinics often provide packages that include the surgery, VIP airport transfers, and hotel accommodation. Istanbul European Clinic and similar providers typically bundle these for international patients.
You typically need to send a recent eye prescription and, if available, a medical summary to the clinic. They will review your data and provide a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate.
Ensure you are comparing “apples to apples.” Check if the price includes pre-op tests, post-op drops, and accommodation. A lower price might exclude essential items that higher-priced packages include.
The primary factors are the cost of living, staff wages, and facility rents, which are lower in Turkey than in Western Europe. This allows clinics to offer the same advanced technology at a lower price point.
