Laser eye surgery can make a big difference in your life. It helps people see clearly and removes the need for glasses or contact lenses. More and more people are choosing laser eye treatments, and some are even going to other countries for it. But which is better for laser eye surgery, Turkey or Australia?
In this article, we will talk about laser eye surgery in Turkey and Australia and how to make a good choice.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a cutting-edge medical treatment that helps people see more clearly. Some people have trouble driving, while others have difficulty reading. Some may also feel that everything looks unclear.
This surgery helps fix these problems by focusing on the part of the eye called the cornea. The cornea is the clear, round part at the front of your eye. It helps light enters the eye, and when it’s shaped correctly, light focuses properly on the back of the eye, giving you clearer vision.
Common refractive errors these surgeries can help fix are:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (blurry vision caused by an uneven cornea)
There are different types of laser refractive surgery. Each one is designed to help the eye focus better so you can see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses.
Different Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
There are a few types of vision correction surgery, and they all work in slightly different ways to help people see better. The most common types are:
LASIK Surgery
LASIK is the most popular type of laser refractive surgery. The doctor makes a small, thin flap in the cornea. Then, the laser adjusts the shape of the cornea to improve how light focuses on the back of the eye. After the laser is done, the flap is put back in place. This surgery is quick, and most people heal quickly.
PRK Surgery
PRK is like LASIK, but the doctor removes the outer layer instead of making a flap in the cornea. Then, the doctor uses the laser to reshape the cornea underneath. After the surgery, the cornea’s outer layer grows back over time. PRK is a good option for people whose corneas are too thin for LASIK surgery.
SMILE Surgery
SMILE is a newer type of laser vision correction that is slightly less invasive than LASIK and PRK. The doctor uses a small laser to remove a small piece of tissue from the cornea through a tiny cut. This helps reshape the cornea to improve vision. SMILE surgery is less likely to cause dry eyes after the procedure.
PRESBYOND
PRESBYOND is a type of laser eye surgery for people over 40 who have difficulty seeing things up close. This condition is called presbyopia. As we age, our eyes lose the ability to focus clearly on nearby objects, making reading or other close-up tasks harder.
PRESBYOND uses a laser to gently reshape the cornea, allowing the eye to focus near and far. This surgery can help people reduce their dependence on reading glasses.
Why Do People Go To Turkey For Laser Eye Surgery?
Some people go to Turkey because the total laser eye surgery cost is less than in other countries, including Australia.
Even though the prices are low, there are some things to consider if you’re contemplating laser eye surgery in Turkey. Turkey’s health rules and safety checks may not be as strict as in Australia, which could mean the care you get is not always the same.
Why Australia’s Laser Eye Surgery Is A Good Choice
Australia can be a good option for laser vision correction for many reasons:
Experienced Doctors
Australian doctors are highly trained and skilled in laser eye surgery. They have the knowledge and experience needed to perform the surgery effectively. These doctors stay up-to-date with the latest advances to provide their patients with the best possible care.
High Standards
Australia has some of the highest healthcare standards in the world. This means you can feel confident knowing that every step of your surgery will follow strict rules. These rules are in place to make sure you get the best possible care before, during, and after your procedure.
Modern Equipment
Australian clinics use the most advanced tools to ensure the surgery is done accurately. These tools include excimer lasers and femtosecond lasers, which are the latest technology in laser eye surgery. These lasers are designed to reshape the cornea with great precision, ensuring the best possible results.
Care After Surgery
After your laser eye surgery, Australian doctors will take great care to ensure your eyes heal well. They will provide you with the necessary guidelines to help your eyes recover, and they will closely track your healing process. If you have any concerns, your doctor is there to help guide you through the recovery period.
Long-Term Eye Health
In Australia, doctors don’t just focus on the surgery—they care about your long-term eye health. This focus on long-term care helps ensure that your eyes remain healthy and your vision stays clear for years.
Choosing laser eye surgery in Australia means selecting a country that prioritises your health and vision.
What Happens At The Initial Consultation?
Before you can have laser eye surgery, you must visit the doctor for an initial consultation. This visit is very important because it helps the doctor decide if you are ready for surgery.
What Will The Doctor Check?
The doctor will take time to check your eyes and make sure everything is in good condition. This will help ensure that the surgery is precise and that you will get the best results possible.
- Corneal Thickness: One of the first things the doctor will check is how thick your cornea is. The cornea is the clear part at the front of your eye. It needs to be thick enough for laser eye surgery. If the cornea is too thin, the doctor may suggest a different type of treatment. The doctor may use special tools to measure the thickness of your cornea carefully.
- Your Vision: The doctor will check your vision to see if you have problems. These are common issues that laser eye surgery can help fix. The doctor will do tests to see how clearly you can see both far away and close up. The doctor will ask about your prescription if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
- Eye Health: The doctor will also check your eyes to ensure their health. They will look for signs of problems that would require treatment, like cataract surgery, for example. If your eyes are not healthy, the doctor may suggest other treatments or wait until they are in better condition.
- Your Health: The doctor will ask about your health to make sure you are a good candidate for surgery. You must be over 18 years old and healthy enough for the surgery. If you have any health conditions that affect healing, the doctor will discuss them. They may suggest waiting or other options that are better for you.
The initial consultation is an important step in your laser eye surgery journey. During this time, the doctor will explain everything to you and ensure your eyes and health are ready for the surgery.
If you are a good candidate, the doctor will discuss the next steps and what to expect during the surgery. This is a chance for you to ask questions and feel confident about the process.
What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a quick and simple procedure that can take a few minutes for each eye. The doctor uses numbing eye drops so you won’t feel much pain during the surgery. Understanding what happens during the procedure and what you can expect afterwards is important.
Once your eyes are ready, the doctor will use a laser to reshape your cornea carefully. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped part at the front of your eye. Changing its shape helps light focus correctly on the back of your eye, improving your vision.
The doctor may create a small flap in the cornea for LASIK surgery before using the laser. The process may differ slightly for other types of laser eye surgery, like PRK or SMILE, but all aim to improve how well you can see.
How Long Does It Take To Heal?
One of the best things about laser eye treatment is the short recovery time. You may notice your vision improving just a few hours after the procedure. While your eyes might feel a bit dry or sensitive at first, this usually goes away quickly.
- First Few Days: You must rest your eyes for the first day or two. You can return to normal activities, like work or school, within a couple of days. It’s important not to rub your eyes during this time.
- Complete Healing: Although you might see better almost immediately, it can take a few weeks for your eyes to heal completely. During this time, the doctor may schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and ensure everything is going well.
What To Expect After Surgery
Your doctor will tell you how to care for your eyes as they heal. For example, you might need to avoid swimming, dusty areas, or heavy exercise for a short time.
You may also need to put in anti-inflammatory eye drops. In addition, wearing sunglasses can help protect your sensitive eyes from bright light. After recovery, you should enjoy clear vision and no longer need glasses or contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does eye laser surgery take?
Laser eye surgery usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The actual treatment takes only a few minutes, but the whole process is a little longer because of the preparation.
Should I wear contact lenses after surgery?
Typically, you don’t need contact lenses or glasses after surgery. But make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and go to all your follow-up appointments.
What are the risks of laser treatment?
Laser eye surgery has some risks, like infections or dry eyes. But these problems are manageable, especially when you choose a good doctor and follow your care instructions.
What if I’m nervous about staying awake during surgery?
Feeling a little nervous is normal, but the doctor will help you stay calm. The numbing drops ensure you won’t feel much pain, and the procedure is quick.
Conclusion
Are you thinking about laser eye surgery? Now is a great time to learn more. With caring doctors, modern tools, and personalised support, we’re here in Melbourne to help you see clearly.
Book your first appointment today to find out if laser eye surgery is a good choice for you. We’ll answer your questions, check your eyes, and help you on your way to better vision.
Call Eye Laser Specialists now at 03 9070 5788 or 03 9070 0910!
A clearer vision is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
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Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed January 9, 2025]
Healthdirect Australia 2024. Laser eye surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 9, 2025]
WebMD Editorial Contributors 2022. Am I a Candidate for Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/candidate-refractive-laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 9, 2025]
Williams F 2021. What to know about LASIK and dry eyes. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lasik-dry-eyes [Accessed January 9, 2025]
Zimlich R 2022. Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 9, 2025]
