LASIK eye surgery Turkey cost is attracting thousands of international patients who want to ditch their glasses but cannot afford the steep prices in the UK, USA, or Europe. However, when it comes to your vision, a low price tag should never be the only deciding factor. This guide compares the costs of LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE procedures, explains why Turkey offers such competitive rates, and provides a safety checklist for choosing the right clinic.
The average LASIK eye surgery Turkey cost falls between $1,500 and $3,000 (€1,350 – €2,750) for both eyes. This price range typically includes the surgery, pre-op tests, post-op medications, and transfers. In contrast, the same procedure in the UK or US can easily exceed $5,000 or £4,000, often without the all-inclusive perks. The price variance depends heavily on the specific technology used (e.g., standard LASIK vs. ReLEx SMILE).
LASIK Eye Surgery Turkey Cost: Understanding the Techniques
LASIK eye surgery Turkey cost varies significantly depending on which generation of laser technology is suitable for your eyes. Not every patient is a candidate for every method.
1. Standard LASIK & iLASIK (The Gold Standard)
- The Procedure: A thin flap is created on the cornea (using a blade or laser), lifted, and the underlying tissue is reshaped.
- Best For: Most nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic patients.
- Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $2,000 (Both eyes).
2. LASEK / PRK (No Flap)
- The Procedure: The outer layer of the cornea is loosened or removed entirely before reshaping. There is no flap creation.
- Best For: Patients with thin corneas or those involved in contact sports (boxing, martial arts).
- Recovery: Longer and more uncomfortable than LASIK (3-5 days of stinging/light sensitivity).
- Estimated Cost: $1,200 – $1,800 (Both eyes).
3. ReLEx SMILE (The New Generation)
- The Procedure: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is minimally invasive, “keyhole” surgery using only one femtosecond laser.
- Best For: High myopia and dry eye sufferers.
- Estimated Cost: $2,500 – $3,500 (Both eyes). This is the most expensive option due to the patent fees paid to the manufacturer (Zeiss).
“Your eyes are not the place to bargain hunt. If a clinic offers surgery for $500, run away. Quality lasers require expensive maintenance and single-use license fees.”
Why Is Turkey So Popular for Eye Surgery?
Turkey has become a global hub not just for hair, but for high-tech surgeries. In fact, many patients combine treatments. Just as people flock here for affordable smiles—you can check our dental implants Turkey foreigner guide to see similar cost advantages—they trust Turkish ophthalmologists for vision correction.
- High Volume, High Experience: Turkish surgeons perform thousands of cases annually. This “high volume” translates to immense expertise, far exceeding the case numbers of an average European surgeon.
- Top-Tier Technology: Reputable clinics in Istanbul use the exact same FDA-approved machines (Carl Zeiss VisuMax, Alcon Wavelight) found in London or New York.
- Lower Overheads: The lower cost of labor and facility operations in Turkey allows clinics to offer premium service at a fraction of the price.
How to Choose a Safe Clinic?
As a local team, we advise you to look beyond the flashy Instagram ads. Here is how to vet a clinic effectively:
- Ask About the Machine: Don’t just ask “Is it LASIK?” Ask “What brand of laser do you use?” If they can’t tell you it’s a specific model from Zeiss, Alcon, or Schwind, be cautious.
- Surgeon Tenure: You want a doctor who has been performing refractive surgery for at least 10-15 years.
- The Consultation: A real surgeon (not a salesperson) should examine your eyes before you pay.
- JCI Accreditation: Ensure the hospital is JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited. You can verify accredited organizations on the official JCI World Hospital Search database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LASIK painful? No. Numbing drops are used, so you feel no pain during the 10-15 minute procedure. You might feel slight pressure, but that is it.
How soon can I fly home? Most doctors recommend waiting 24-48 hours after the final check-up. This ensures the flap is stable and there are no immediate complications.
Is there an age limit? You must be at least 18 years old, but most surgeons prefer patients over 21 to ensure the prescription has stabilized. There is no strict upper age limit, provided you don’t have cataracts.
What if I blink during surgery? You can’t mess it up by blinking. A small device holds your eyelids open, and the laser has an advanced eye-tracker that stops instantly if your eye moves too much.
If you have any important questions about this topic, you can reach us at ask@beforeturkey.com or through the contact form on our Contact page.