For patients in South Africa

SMILE laser eye surgery in Turkey from South Africa: who it suits

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism without making a flap in the cornea. A laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny keyhole opening. This page explains who SMILE suits and who it does not, how the trip from South Africa works, and what to arrange for aftercare at home.

How SMILE differs from LASIK

In LASIK a flap is made and the tissue beneath is reshaped. In SMILE, a femtosecond laser forms a small disc of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, and it is removed through a small incision, so no flap is created. This keeps more of the cornea’s natural structure and reduces the risk of flap-related problems. SMILE also generally disturbs the corneal nerves less than LASIK, which may make dry eyes after surgery less likely or less severe.

LASIK, on the other hand, can treat a wider range of prescriptions. Neither is right for everyone, and the surgeon recommends one after measuring your eyes. See LASIK for South Africans, the laser eye surgery guide for South Africans and the SMILE treatment page.

Who it suits, and who it does not

• Adults over 18 with a stable prescription and healthy eyes
• Short-sightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism

If you are long-sighted, SMILE is not an option; LASIK or lens replacement may be discussed instead. For every eye treatment in one place, start with the eye treatment guide for South Africans. Ask before booking what happens to your trip if the examination rules SMILE out.

The trip from South Africa

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa, and Turkey is only one hour ahead of South Africa, so jet lag is minimal. A typical stay:

• Eye measurements and a consultation with the ophthalmologist on arrival
• Treatment of both eyes in the same appointment, under anaesthetic eye drops
• A check before you leave, with most patients flying home one to three days after surgery

Book a return ticket you can change. Whether you are ready to fly is the ophthalmologist’s decision.

Recovery and care at home

Anaesthetic drops make the procedure virtually painless; the eye may feel gritty or irritated for a short time afterwards. Many patients notice better vision within 24 to 48 hours, and sight keeps stabilising over the following weeks. Temporary dry eyes can happen after any laser eye surgery, and cabin air on a ten-hour flight is dry, so keep your prescribed drops in your hand luggage. Wear good sunglasses outdoors in the South African sun while your eyes heal.

• Take home a written record of the procedure and your eye measurements
• Book a check-up with an optometrist or ophthalmologist in South Africa before you travel
• Ask your medical scheme and travel insurer what they cover; elective eye surgery abroad is usually excluded

Our treatment guarantee covers medical complications arising from the treatment, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary, for one year; covered treatment is carried out in İzmir without charge, but flights and accommodation remain your own responsibility. How problems are handled is published on our complaints page, and who treats patients is on clinic facts.

What we will not do

We will not offer SMILE for long-sightedness, we will not choose a technique before your eyes have been measured, and we will not clear you to fly before the ophthalmologist is satisfied with your check.

Frequently asked questions

Can SMILE treat long-sightedness?

No. SMILE treats short-sightedness and astigmatism. Long-sighted patients may be better suited to LASIK or lens replacement.

Is SMILE better than LASIK?

Both are safe and effective in suitable patients. SMILE avoids a flap and may cause less dry eye, while LASIK can treat a wider range of prescriptions. The surgeon recommends one after measuring your eyes.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for SMILE?

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

Are both eyes treated on the same day?

Yes. SMILE is routinely done on both eyes in the same appointment, taking around 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

What decides the cost of SMILE laser eye surgery?

Whether SMILE is the technique recommended after your assessment, whether both eyes are treated, the follow-up included, and what the package covers, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm quotation follows the assessment.

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