Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK)

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, so that light focuses correctly on the retina. In femto-LASIK a thin flap is created with a femtosecond laser and the cornea beneath it is reshaped with an excimer laser; in SMILE a small lens-shaped piece of tissue is removed through a 2–4 mm incision without a flap; in PRK / trans-PRK the surface layer is treated and regrows within a few days. Treatment of both eyes takes about 10–15 minutes under anaesthetic drops. Candidates are generally over 18 with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year. Corneal thickness, topography, pupil size and dry eye are measured beforehand and the method is chosen from these results; if the cornea is unsuitable, another option such as an implantable lens may be considered. Vision usually improves within a day or a few days after LASIK and SMILE, more slowly after PRK. Temporary dry eyes and night glare can occur. From the mid-40s reading glasses may still be needed because of age-related presbyopia.

The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.

Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.

The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes. Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia.

Hospital stay: discharged the same day. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 3–4 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.

Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.

Desk work is usually possible within 2 days and sport after 2 weeks. These times vary from person to person.

No external incision. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.

The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 3 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.

Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.

There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.

Like any operation, Laser Eye Surgery carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.

The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.

From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Laser Eye Surgery, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.