In-depth answers on LASIK, cataract surgery, pricing, travel, clinical safety and recovery. For quick decision-making questions, see the homepage FAQ.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Turkey
LASIK is suitable for most adults with stable glasses or contact lens prescriptions. The key requirements are: stable prescription for at least 12 months, corneal thickness above a minimum threshold (measured during your pre-op assessment), no significant dry eye disease, and no corneal conditions such as keratoconus. Most patients over 18 and under 55 are good candidates. We assess suitability as part of your free consultation — we'll tell you honestly if LASIK is not the right procedure for your eyes.
The LASIK procedure itself takes approximately 10–15 minutes per eye. You will be at the clinic for 2–3 hours in total, including preparation, the procedure, and an initial post-operative assessment. Most patients are back at their hotel by early afternoon on procedure day.
The procedure itself is not painful — anaesthetic eye drops are applied before surgery, which completely numb the surface of the eye. Most patients report feeling only slight pressure during the creation of the corneal flap. In the hours after surgery, some patients experience mild discomfort, watering, and light sensitivity, which typically resolves within 12–24 hours. Your post-op drops and rest are the main ingredients of recovery.
LASIK can correct myopia (short-sightedness) up to approximately -10 dioptres, hyperopia (long-sightedness) up to +4 dioptres, and astigmatism up to around 5 dioptres. Patients outside these ranges may be better suited to ICL lens implant surgery or PRK/LASEK, which we can also arrange.
Most patients are cleared to fly 24–48 hours after LASIK. If you have your procedure on Monday, you can typically fly home on Tuesday afternoon after your morning post-op check. We schedule your package around this timeline so you spend the minimum necessary time in Istanbul — although many patients choose to stay a day or two longer to enjoy the city.
Both procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea before laser treatment, resulting in faster recovery and less discomfort. LASEK/PRK removes the surface epithelium instead, which is preferable for patients with thinner corneas or certain corneal profiles. The visual outcome is equivalent for most patients — the choice depends on your corneal measurements. We'll recommend the right approach after your pre-op assessment.
For most patients, LASIK results are permanent. The laser correction is applied to the corneal tissue itself, which does not regenerate. However, natural age-related changes in your reading vision (presbyopia) can develop in your 40s and 50s regardless of LASIK. If you have LASIK in your 30s, you may find you need reading glasses later in life — but distance vision typically remains corrected.
Our eye centre uses the same laser platforms as leading UK and German eye centres: Zeiss MEL90, Alcon WaveLight EX500, and VISX platforms, depending on the clinic. Wavefront-guided LASIK — the most precise form of treatment that maps the unique imperfections of your individual eye — is available as standard at our eye centre.
Dry eye is the most common factor that can make LASIK unsuitable. Mild dry eye does not necessarily preclude surgery — your surgeon will assess the degree and may recommend a course of treatment before the procedure. Moderate to severe dry eye typically indicates that LASIK is not advisable; ICL lens implant surgery is generally a better option in these cases as it does not affect the corneal nerves responsible for tear production.
LASIK is one of the most widely performed and extensively studied elective procedures in the world. At experienced, well-equipped centres, the risk of significant complication is very low (under 1%). The most common side effects — dry eye, halos, and glare — are usually temporary and resolve within weeks to months. Serious complications such as infection or significant under/overcorrection are rare. Our clinical governance team only works with surgeons whose complication rates meet international benchmark standards.
94% of patients at our eye centre achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK. The vast majority of the remainder achieve functional vision without glasses, though they may retain a small residual prescription. Your surgeon will give you a realistic expectation based on your specific measurements during the pre-op consultation.
Yes. Contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, affecting the accuracy of pre-operative measurements. Soft contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses at least 1–2 weeks before their pre-op assessment. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens wearers should stop 4–6 weeks before. We'll give you precise guidance based on your lens type when you book.
Cataract Surgery in Turkey
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic drops, typically takes 30–45 minutes per eye, and requires no general anaesthetic or overnight stay in hospital. Vision typically improves within 24 hours of surgery.
NHS waiting times for cataract surgery have extended significantly, with many patients waiting 12–18 months or longer. Through iSee Turkey, patients can typically be seen within 2 weeks of their initial enquiry and have surgery within 30 days. Many patients travelling for cataract surgery are doing so specifically because they cannot wait for NHS treatment.
We offer three main categories: monofocal IOLs (excellent distance vision, reading glasses still needed), multifocal IOLs (designed for distance, intermediate, and near vision), and trifocal or extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses (the most advanced option, providing a full range of vision with minimal glare). Premium lenses cost more but are still significantly cheaper in Istanbul than in the UK. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate lens for your lifestyle and visual needs.
Yes — and most patients do. The standard protocol is to operate on each eye on separate days (usually consecutive days), allowing your surgeon to assess the outcome of the first eye before proceeding with the second. Your package is priced to cover both eyes in a single trip.
Our eye centre reports a cataract surgery success rate of 99% — defined as achieving the planned visual outcome without significant intraoperative complication. This matches published benchmarks from major UK and European ophthalmology centres. Serious complications are very rare; posterior capsule tears occur in approximately 1–2% of cases and are typically manageable by an experienced surgeon.
This depends on your chosen IOL. With a standard monofocal lens, you will typically still need reading glasses. With a premium multifocal or trifocal lens, the majority of patients achieve spectacle independence for most activities. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific eye anatomy.
Many UK private health insurance policies do cover cataract surgery, but typically with restrictions: there may be excess charges, outpatient consultation costs, and additional charges for premium IOLs. Some policies require the surgery to be performed at a UK facility. We recommend checking your policy carefully. For patients whose insurance does not cover surgery abroad, the cost saving at iSee Turkey often makes self-funding the most practical option.
Your pre-op assessment (typically on the afternoon of your arrival day) involves biometry to measure the length of your eye and the curvature of your cornea — measurements used to select the ideal IOL power for your eye. You'll also have a thorough eye examination, a discussion of lens options with your surgeon, and opportunity to ask any remaining questions.
Most patients notice significant visual improvement within 24 hours of surgery. The eye continues to heal and vision stabilises over 4–6 weeks. You should avoid swimming, contact sports, and dusty environments for 4 weeks, and avoid rubbing your eyes for at least a month. Our 3-month video aftercare programme monitors your recovery and coordinates with your local optician if needed.
PCO — sometimes called secondary cataract — is a common occurrence where the lens capsule left in place during cataract surgery becomes cloudy over time, typically within 2–5 years. It causes vision to become hazy again. Treatment is simple, quick, and painless: a YAG laser procedure performed in a few minutes as an outpatient. Our aftercare programme includes guidance on recognising PCO symptoms and connecting you with a local specialist if needed.
Cost & Value
The price difference is structural, not a reflection of quality. Operating costs in Turkey — staff salaries, clinic overheads, malpractice insurance, and facility costs — are significantly lower than in Western Europe, even at the highest-standard JCI-accredited eye hospital. The surgical equipment and techniques are identical. Think of it the same way you might think of a five-star hotel in Istanbul versus the same hotel brand in London: the experience is comparable, but the local cost base is fundamentally different.
No. Your iSee Turkey quote includes the procedure, hotel, all transfers, patient care services, medication, and 3 months of video aftercare. The only costs you bear separately are your flights and personal spending in Istanbul. We are very clear about this: the quote we send is the price you pay to us. We do not add charges upon arrival, at the clinic, or at checkout.
We accept bank transfer, debit card, and credit card payments. We recommend paying by credit card where possible for additional consumer protection. A deposit secures your booking; the balance is due approximately 2 weeks before travel. Your patient care team will provide full payment details in writing.
Your 3-month video aftercare programme covers follow-up with your surgeon and coordination support. If an unexpected complication arises that requires in-person treatment, we work with you to assess options — either attending your local optician or ophthalmologist, returning to Istanbul (we will coordinate a return appointment), or connecting you with a UK specialist who can liaise with your Istanbul surgeon. Our goal is that you never feel unsupported after returning home.
Yes — subject to your pre-operative assessment confirming that the planned procedure is appropriate. In rare cases where pre-op measurements indicate that a different or more complex procedure is needed, your surgeon will discuss this with you before proceeding and we will advise on any pricing implications before anything takes place. You are always in control of the decision.
VAT rules on medical services vary. In Turkey, medical services at accredited hospitals are generally exempt from VAT for foreign patients. We recommend consulting a tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances and jurisdiction.
Cancellations made more than 30 days before travel receive a full refund minus the consultation deposit. Cancellations between 14–30 days may forfeit the deposit. Cancellations within 14 days may incur additional charges depending on clinic and hotel bookings already confirmed. We handle all cancellations with transparency and flexibility; circumstances such as medical changes or family emergencies are treated with understanding.
Yes — we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover for planned treatment abroad. Some standard travel policies exclude elective medical procedures; look for a policy that specifically covers medical tourism, or a specialist medical travel insurance product. We can advise on what to look for in a policy.
We do not currently offer in-house financing, but the cost of most procedures through iSee Turkey is sufficiently low that many patients find it manageable without a payment plan. We're happy to discuss phased payment arrangements in certain cases — ask your patient care specialist.
Travelling to Istanbul
Istanbul is served by two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) — the main hub, typically used for flights from the UK, Europe, and North America — and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Both airports have direct connections to iSee Turkey partner hotels and clinics via our transfer service. We recommend checking both airports when searching for flights, as prices can differ significantly.
UK citizens can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. EU citizens from most member states also benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements. Citizens of other countries should check the current visa requirements via their government's official travel advisory. We can advise on documentation requirements for your specific nationality.
Your iSee Turkey package includes a private transfer from the airport directly to your hotel. Your patient care team will meet you at arrivals with a name card. All you need to do is land — we handle everything from that point.
Istanbul is a safe destination for international visitors, with a well-developed medical tourism infrastructure and millions of visitors annually. As with any major city, standard travel precautions apply. Our International Patient Centre team is available by phone throughout your stay and will guide you on neighbourhoods, transport, and anything you need during your visit.
Absolutely — and many patients do. We can arrange hotel rooms with twin or double occupancy at the same partner hotels. Your companion's hotel stay adds only a small supplement to the package cost. Istanbul is a city with extraordinary things to see and do; many companions report that it was one of the best trips they'd taken.
No Turkish is needed — and none expected. Your patient care team communicates with you in English throughout, and all clinical discussions, consent forms, and discharge notes are provided in English. At our eye centre, the international patient team works entirely in English. If you speak German, Spanish, French, or Portuguese, we can assign a patient care specialist who speaks your language.
After LASIK, most patients feel well enough to walk around the following day. Cataracts typically require a slightly more restful first day, but many patients enjoy gentle sightseeing from day 2. Your patient care team will advise on what to avoid (direct sun, dusty environments, swimming) and what's perfectly fine. Istanbul's restaurants, bazaars, and Bosphorus views are a favourite among recovering patients.
We provide a full pre-travel checklist when you confirm your booking. Key items: any existing eye reports or prescriptions, your glasses or contact lens case, sunglasses (important post-surgery), comfortable clothing, and your travel insurance documents. If you wear contact lenses, remember to switch to glasses at least 1–2 weeks before your pre-op assessment. Everything else — drops, medication, documentation — we provide.
Safety & Standards
JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation is the international gold standard for hospital quality and safety. It requires hospitals to meet rigorous, independently audited standards across clinical care, patient rights, infection control, medication safety, and facility management. JCI-accredited eye hospital are re-evaluated every three years. Fewer than 7% of hospitals worldwide hold JCI accreditation. We only refer patients to JCI-accredited facilities.
All surgeons at our eye centre hold specialist ophthalmology qualifications from Turkish and/or European training programmes, are registered with the Turkish Medical Association, and have documented experience in the procedure you are having. We are happy to provide your surgeon's CV and publication history on request. We actively encourage patients to ask questions and do their own due diligence.
Our eye centre is fully equipped to manage surgical complications, with intensive care units, anaesthesia teams, and specialist on-call physicians. Your patient care team is present throughout and will liaise directly with the clinical team on your behalf. Surgical complications at our partner centres are very rare — but we have clear protocols in place should anything unexpected occur.
Yes. Our eye centre uses the same manufacturer platforms as leading UK eye centres: Zeiss, Alcon, and VISX laser systems for refractive surgery; Alcon and Johnson & Johnson phacoemulsification systems for cataract surgery. The disposables, IOL brands, and pharmaceutical products are identical. There is no "budget" version of the technology — the savings come from operating costs, not equipment.
JCI accreditation requires hospitals to demonstrate compliance with international infection prevention and control standards, including sterile field protocols, instrument sterilisation procedures, surgical site infection rates, and hand hygiene compliance. Our eye centre publishes infection rate data and undergo independent annual audits. We review this data before and after renewing any clinic partnership.
Yes. Our team visits our eye centre in person, reviews accreditation documents, outcome data, and patient feedback before entering any partnership. We conduct ongoing monitoring through patient follow-up surveys and periodic site visits. We have ended partnerships with clinics that did not meet our standards. Our clinical advisory board — which includes European-trained ophthalmologists — reviews our partner criteria annually.
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. You will receive a full discharge summary in English at the end of your stay, including your pre-operative measurements, procedure notes, IOL specifications (if applicable), and post-operative instructions. We provide a digital copy for your records and can share it with your UK optician or GP on request.
Recovery & Aftercare
Your aftercare programme includes video consultations with your Istanbul surgeon at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. Your International Patient Centre team schedules these appointments and assists with any translation needed. We also provide a WhatsApp support line for questions between appointments, and can connect you with a UK optician or ophthalmologist if in-person assessment is advisable.
Most patients with desk-based or office jobs return to work 1–2 days after LASIK. Screen use is fine from the day after surgery, though you may experience mild light sensitivity or blurring for a day or two. Physically demanding work or work in dusty environments should be avoided for 1–2 weeks. Your surgeon will give specific guidance at your post-op check.
After LASIK, most patients can drive within 24–48 hours once their post-op check confirms adequate vision. After cataract surgery, you should not drive until your surgeon has confirmed that your vision meets the legal standard for driving — typically at your first post-op review. Do not drive to or from your surgery appointment; this is included in your transfers package.
Light walking is fine from the day after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise, contact sports, and swimming for 4 weeks after LASIK and cataract surgery. Gym work that involves straining, heavy lifting, or risk of impact to the face should be avoided for the same period. After the 4-week mark, most patients can return to normal physical activity.
Avoid all eye makeup — mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow — for at least 2 weeks after surgery. This reduces the risk of contamination and infection during the initial healing period. Foundation and face makeup can typically be worn from day 3–4, but should be kept away from the eye area. Your discharge instructions will include specific guidance.
You will be prescribed antibiotic drops (to prevent infection), anti-inflammatory drops (to reduce post-operative swelling), and lubricating drops (to relieve dry eye). These are dispensed at the clinic before you leave and are included in your package. You'll receive a clear written schedule showing which drops to use, when, and for how long.
Most post-operative symptoms — mild blurring, watering, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort — are normal. You should seek urgent attention if you experience: sudden loss of vision, severe pain that is not controlled by paracetamol, significant increase in redness, or a large floater or curtain appearing in your vision. Your patient care team provides a 24-hour emergency contact number, and your discharge summary includes guidance on when to seek urgent local care.
Yes — and we encourage you to inform your GP and optician about your surgery. Your discharge summary in English provides all the information they need to understand your procedure and monitor your recovery. Most UK opticians are happy to provide routine post-operative checks and refraction tests after surgery abroad. We can write to your optician on your behalf if requested.
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