LASIK surgery in Turkey is a sensitive and precise procedure aimed at correcting vision defects and improving vision for a large group of patients without needing prescription glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK eye surgery in Istanbul is one of the most common procedures and may be the most widely used therapeutic procedure in the field of ophthalmology within Turkish territory. By precisely directing laser beams toward the eye, it is possible to correct various vision problems in a procedure that typically lasts no more than 20 minutes in normal cases and at a low cost compared to neighboring countries.
But what do we mean by LASIK eye surgery? How is this procedure performed in its various types, who is the target audience, and why is it preferred in Turkey over others? We will explain all the details of the procedure in this article. You can also request a free consultation through our website and inquire about special discounts for LASIK surgery by contacting us.
The principle of LASIK surgery in Turkey
The word LASIK is an acronym for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which means “correcting the curvature of the transparent corneal layer using laser.”
To understand its main principle, let us first illuminate the concept of natural vision and how it occurs from the moment we focus on something until we understand the image we see with our eyes. This process occurs instantaneously and quickly in less than a fraction of a second.
In the ideal case, when a person looks at an object, light rays emanate from the body being observed. These rays then enter the eye of the observer and reach the cornea and the transparent lens (the front part of the eye). The entering rays are refracted to varying degrees depending on the distance of the observed object from the eye, to position the shadow beam accurately on the retina (the back part of the eye).
Viewing distant objects requires refracting the beam differently than when viewing close objects. Thus, the rays fall completely on the retina, which then sends light signals to the brain to interpret the visual images clearly.
The cornea may suffer from some problems that affect its natural shape and ability to curve correctly, meaning that the light rays may refract more or less than necessary, causing a distortion in the position of the image on the retina and thus blurring of near or distant vision. Here lies the benefit of Lasik in Turkey in correcting the defective shape of the cornea so that it can provide the necessary refraction of light, achieving excellent and clear vision at all distances.
How is LASIK surgery performed in Turkey?
A skilled eye surgeon first examines the eye using Ultrasound technology, focusing on the cornea to determine the amount of tissue that needs to be removed and reshaped during the procedure.
The procedure begins with local anesthesia around the eye to ensure you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Then, the doctor uses a speculum to separate and hold the eyelids apart, keeping the eye open throughout the procedure.
The corneal surface is then lubricated with a mild alcohol solution for a short period, approximately 30 seconds. Then, this solution is thoroughly removed to ensure the corneal surface is clear for the doctor. The superficial layer of the cornea is then separated from the inner part using a laser, allowing the correction of any defects on the corneal surface.
Using a specified laser, excess tissue is removed, or the shape of the cornea is corrected to enable proper refraction of light rays and ensure the image falls directly onto the retina. After this is completed, the superficial layer of the cornea is repositioned and adequately covered, and the clip holding the eyelids apart is removed.
Typically, this entire procedure takes about 20 minutes, and complications or side effects are rare, especially when performed in an advanced center under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
What happens after LASIK surgery in Turkey?
The recovery and healing phase after LASIK eye surgery is crucial, and patients must follow their doctor’s instructions during this time to ensure the best results from the procedure.
Feeling some discomfort and mild pain in the moments following LASIK treatment is normal. There is no need to worry as this is a natural occurrence due to corneal stimulation during the procedure. These side effects usually subside quickly and spontaneously.
You may also feel like something is stuck in your eye after the procedure, accompanied by slight headaches. These are all temporary and typically disappear after a short period following LASIK.
Your doctor will prescribe pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory eye drops to alleviate these symptoms. You may feel a strong urge to rub your eye, but you must completely avoid doing so.
Someone must accompany you home after undergoing LASIK as your eyes will be sensitive to light. You should wear protective sunglasses when leaving the doctor’s office.
Eye pain lasts two to three days after LASIK treatment, and discomfort usually subsides within a few days after the procedure. However, light sensitivity and blurred vision may persist even after a week.
You will gradually notice an improvement in vision during the few weeks following LASIK, and you can return to work on the fourth or fifth day after it.
During the first two weeks after LASIK surgery, it is advisable to wear sunglasses to protect your light-sensitive eyes from sunlight.
Now, dear reader, here are some tips for the few days following laser eye surgery in Turkey:
- It is essential to avoid physical and visual strain.
- Try covering your eyes, especially on the first night, to prevent continuous movement during sleep. You can wear a protective shield.
- Avoid swimming or washing your face during the initial days after LASIK eye surgery.
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