For patients in South Africa

Laser Eye Surgery in Turkey from South Africa: what to check before you go

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, so that you rely less on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but whether you are suitable can only be decided once your eyes have been measured. This page sets out what South African patients should check before booking and how to plan the trip and aftercare.

The techniques offered

The right technique depends on your prescription, age, corneal thickness and recovery preferences. Four options are offered:

• LASIK: a thin flap is created in the cornea, the laser reshapes the tissue beneath and the flap is repositioned.
• IntraLase: LASIK in which the flap is made with a femtosecond laser rather than a blade.
• PRK: no flap is made, which can suit people with thinner corneas. Recovery tends to take longer.
• SMILE: a small disc of tissue is removed through a tiny keyhole incision, without a flap. It treats short-sightedness and astigmatism.

Each technique is explained on the laser eye surgery page, the LASIK page and the SMILE page. Treatment is carried out by a board-certified ophthalmologist; details of the clinic are on clinic facts.

Suitability is decided on arrival

Suitability is only confirmed after a full eye examination in Turkey, including detailed measurements of your cornea, prescription and overall eye health. Generally, candidates are over 18, have had a stable prescription and have healthy eyes without significant eye disease. You may be told that laser surgery is not right for you. If so, an alternative such as lens replacement may be recommended where appropriate; see lens replacement for South African patients. Before you book, ask:

• What happens to my trip and my booking if I am found not suitable?
• How long should I stop wearing contact lenses before the assessment? Follow the clinic’s instructions exactly.
• Will one or both eyes be treated on the same day?

How long the trip takes

Expect eye tests and a consultation with the ophthalmologist on arrival, the procedure, and a check before you leave. Most patients can fly home one to three days after surgery, subject to the ophthalmologist’s approval. From Johannesburg or Cape Town, the direct flight to Istanbul takes around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South Africans travel on an e-Visa. Book a return ticket you can change in case your check-up suggests waiting another day.

The flight home and the South African sun

Dry eyes are common after laser eye surgery, and cabin air on a ten-hour flight is very dry. Keep the prescribed eye drops in your hand luggage and use them as directed during the flight. Light sensitivity is also common in the first days, so wear good sunglasses, and keep wearing them outdoors in the strong South African sun while your eyes heal. Avoid swimming, contact sports and heavy lifting until you are told it is safe.

Recovery and check-ups at home

Mild discomfort, watery eyes, light sensitivity and blurred vision are common in the first few days. For most patients vision reaches its final result within one to three months, depending on the technique. Possible risks include temporary dry eyes, glare, halos around lights and fluctuating vision, and more rarely infection, inflammation or under- or over-correction needing further treatment. Because your later check-ups will be in South Africa:

• Take home a written record of the procedure, your eye measurements and your prescription
• Book check-ups with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at home before you travel
• Turkey is only one hour ahead of South Africa, so remote follow-up questions are easy to arrange

What our treatment guarantee covers is set out on that page, and how complaints are handled is published on our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not treat your eyes before they have been fully measured, we will not push laser surgery if another option suits you better, and we will not let you fly home before the ophthalmologist is satisfied with your check.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for laser eye surgery?

Most patients can fly home one to three days after treatment, subject to the ophthalmologist’s approval. Allow time for eye tests on arrival and a little spare time.

Which laser eye surgery techniques are offered?

LASIK, IntraLase (blade-free LASIK), PRK and SMILE. Which one suits you depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, age and eye health, and is decided after your eye examination.

What happens if I am told I am not suitable?

Suitability is only confirmed after detailed eye measurements on arrival. If laser eye surgery is not the right option, an alternative such as lens replacement may be recommended where appropriate. Ask before you book what happens to your trip in that case.

What decides the cost of laser eye surgery?

The technique recommended after your eye assessment, whether one or both eyes are treated, the follow-up appointments included, and what the package covers, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm quotation is only possible once the procedure has been recommended.

Will my medical aid cover laser eye surgery in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover refractive laser surgery, and travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Ask your scheme and insurer before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.