LASEK eye surgery in Turkey: what it is and how it works
LASEK eye surgery (laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) is a laser operation that corrects short sight, long sight and astigmatism by reshaping the front surface of the cornea. The cornea is covered by a very thin skin of cells called the epithelium. In LASEK the surgeon loosens this layer with a dilute alcohol solution, folds it aside like a hinged page, applies an excimer laser to the exposed corneal tissue to change its curve, and then lays the epithelium back and protects it with a soft bandage contact lens. Because no deeper flap is cut into the cornea, the method is considered for people whose corneas are thin or whose lifestyle makes a deep flap a concern.
LASEK is one of several laser vision procedures. This guide explains how it works, how it differs from LASIK and PRK, who it suits, what recovery feels like, what it costs compared with the UK, US and Germany and how to check a clinic. For the whole range of options see our page on eye treatments in Turkey.
How is the LASEK operation done, step by step?
The operation is done awake, with numbing drops, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes. First an instrument holds the lids open. A small ring is placed on the eye and the alcohol solution is held on the surface for a short time, usually around 20 to 30 seconds, to loosen the epithelium. The surgeon then folds this layer to the side. The excimer laser, which removes microscopic amounts of tissue without heat, is guided by your pre-measured eye map and works for under a minute in most cases while you look at a fixed light. Afterwards the epithelium is repositioned, a bandage contact lens is fitted and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed. You can go home the same day but cannot drive yourself.
Does LASEK eye surgery work? What the evidence says
Surface laser treatments such as LASEK and PRK have been studied for many years, and most people reach functional vision, meaning driving standard without glasses, for the prescription treated. Results are best for low to moderate short sight; very high prescriptions are less predictable and sometimes need a touch-up. Studies generally find similar final results for surface treatments and LASIK, with a slower and more uncomfortable early recovery for surface treatments. Evidence that LASEK gives a measurable advantage over PRK is limited: some surgeons feel the preserved epithelium reduces early discomfort, while others find no meaningful difference, which is why many clinics now offer PRK instead. Reading glasses are still likely to be needed from the mid-40s, because laser correction does not stop presbyopia.
LASEK eye surgery cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
These approximate ranges are for both eyes and are not hospital quotes. Each hospital confirms its own price after a full eye examination.
| Country | Approximate cost range (both eyes) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €700 – €1,900 |
| United Kingdom | €1,800 – €4,000 |
| United States | €2,200 – €5,500 |
| Germany | €1,800 – €4,200 |
What changes the price: the technology used (a standard laser or a wavefront-guided one that also measures irregularities), the strength of your prescription, whether astigmatism is treated, the examinations and mapping before surgery, the follow-up drops and checks and whether enhancements are included. A package usually includes pre-operative tests, the operation, the first post-operative checks, drops and airport transfers. Ask in writing what is covered if a touch-up is needed.
LASEK, LASIK or PRK: which laser eye operation suits you?
All three use the same excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea; they differ in how the laser reaches the tissue. LASIK cuts a flap in the deeper layers of the cornea, giving the quickest recovery; PRK removes the epithelium entirely and lets it regrow; LASEK keeps the epithelium as a flap. Our overview of laser eye surgery compares them in more detail.
| Method | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | Thin corneas, contact sports or work with a risk of eye knocks | Several days of discomfort; slower visual recovery; haze possible |
| LASIK | Suitable corneal thickness, wish for fast recovery | Flap complications are possible; not for thin corneas |
| PRK | Thin corneas, very similar candidates to LASEK | Discomfort in the first days; epithelium regrows over several days |
The decision depends on corneal thickness and shape measured on scans, your prescription, your job and hobbies and your tolerance for a slower recovery. A surgeon should explain why they recommend one method.
Who is a good candidate for LASEK, and who is not?
Typical candidates are adults of at least 18 to 21 whose prescription has been stable for about a year, who have healthy corneas of adequate thickness and no active eye disease. LASEK is often chosen for thin corneas or for people who box, play contact sport or work in jobs where the eye could be struck. It is not suitable if you have keratoconus or other corneal thinning disease, active eye infection or inflammation, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, severe dry eye, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, because the prescription can shift. A thorough examination with corneal mapping decides eligibility; if you are not suitable, an implantable option such as corneal ring implantation for keratoconus may be discussed.
What does LASEK recovery feel like, day by day?
The first two to three days are the most uncomfortable: the eyes may feel gritty, burn, water and be sensitive to light, which painkillers, lubricating drops and rest help. Vision is blurred while the surface heals. The bandage lens is usually removed after about three to five days. Many people can read and use screens after about a week and see well enough to drive within one to two weeks, but vision continues to sharpen for several weeks and may take one to three months to settle. Typical aftercare includes antibiotic drops, steroid drops that are tapered over weeks, lubricating drops, sunglasses and avoiding eye make-up, swimming and rubbing for a few weeks.
LASEK eye surgery recovery and your trip to Turkey
Most patients stay about four to six nights: pre-operative tests on the first day, surgery the next, and checks after the bandage lens is removed. Because the early recovery is slower than LASIK, many people prefer a week away. Air travel is normally allowed once your surgeon is happy with the first checks; use lubricating drops on the flight. Arrange for follow-up with a local optometrist or eye clinic at about one, three and six months and tell them you had LASEK.
What results can you realistically expect?
The aim is vision good enough for daily life without glasses or contact lenses, not a promise of 20/20. Many patients reach this, particularly with low to moderate prescriptions, and some need a small enhancement or still wear light glasses for night driving or detailed work. Night-time glare and halos are common in the first months and usually fade. Be wary of any gallery that implies perfect results for everyone, and remember that results are shown as eyesight charts rather than photographs. Your eyes can continue to change with age, and cataracts or presbyopia later in life are not prevented.
Risks and complications of LASEK
All laser eye surgery has risks. The NHS and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists list dry eyes, glare, halos and starbursts, under- or over-correction, regression of the effect, delayed healing of the surface and infection. LASEK and PRK also carry a risk of corneal haze, a cloudiness that usually clears but can need treatment. Rare, serious problems include corneal ectasia (progressive bulging) and loss of best-corrected vision. A careful pre-operative scan lowers the risk of treating an unsuitable cornea. Ask how the clinic handles complications and who treats you if a problem appears after you return home.
How to choose an eye hospital and which questions to ask
Check that the surgeon is an ophthalmologist who performs refractive surgery regularly, that the hospital is licensed and that full corneal mapping is done before you are offered surgery. Red flags are a quote without an eye examination, pressure to book quickly, promises of perfect vision and no plan for aftercare. Read how our process works and request a plan through our free quote page.
- Is LASEK, PRK or LASIK the right choice for my corneal thickness and prescription?
- Which laser and which mapping technology do you use?
- Are enhancements or touch-ups included, and for how long?
- How many days must I stay, and who checks my eyes at home?
- What is your plan if I develop dry eye or haze?
Hospitals with Eye Surgery in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
LASEK is a laser vision correction method in which the thin surface layer of the cornea is loosened and folded aside, an excimer laser reshapes the tissue underneath and the layer is put back under a bandage lens.
Most people reach vision good enough to manage without glasses for daily life, especially with low to moderate prescriptions. Some need a touch-up, and reading glasses are still likely later in life.
Approximate ranges are €700 to €1,900 for both eyes in Turkey, against about €1,800 to €4,000 in the UK. The laser technology, prescription and package contents change the price; the hospital confirms it in writing.
LASIK cuts a flap in deeper corneal layers and recovers faster. LASEK works only on the surface layer, suits thinner corneas and brings more discomfort and slower visual recovery in the first days.
The operation itself is done with numbing drops. The first two to three days can bring a gritty, burning feeling and light sensitivity, which eases with painkillers, drops and rest.
The bandage lens comes out after about three to five days, and many people read and use screens after a week. Vision keeps sharpening and can take one to three months to settle.
It is often chosen for thin corneas because no deep flap is cut, but there is still a minimum thickness needed. Corneal scans decide whether any laser procedure is safe for you.
The reshaping of the cornea is lasting, but your eyes can still change with age, and a prescription may drift. Presbyopia and cataracts are not prevented.
It is widely performed, but it carries risks including dry eye, haze, glare and infection, and rarely more serious problems. A full examination and scans reduce the chance of treating an unsuitable eye.
About four to six nights is usual, covering tests, surgery and the check after the bandage lens is removed. Your surgeon confirms when it is safe to fly.