Eye Surgery in Türkiye: Comparing Laser Treatment and Trifocal Lens Replacement

عناقيد · Dec 20, 2025

Laser treatment or lens replacement?

Türkiye has specialist eye centres offering several forms of vision-correction surgery. Choosing between them requires an individual eye assessment, rather than a promise of permanent freedom from glasses.
Clinical review, 8 October 2026: this edition qualifies the original article's claims of painless treatment, guaranteed 6/6 vision within 24 hours, universal three-day trips and “smart lenses” as a definitive solution after age forty. Outcomes, recovery and suitability vary. The original international ranking claims could not be substantiated.

1. Laser procedures

Laser surgery changes the cornea to correct suitable refractive errors. Age alone does not determine eligibility; a stable prescription, corneal measurements and overall eye health matter.
Femto-LASIK / iLASIK: a femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap, followed by laser reshaping. Numbing drops are used, but discomfort, dry eyes and fluctuating vision can occur. Some patients resume ordinary activities quickly; perfect sight the following day is not guaranteed.
TransPRK, sometimes marketed as “No-Touch”: surface laser treatment avoids a LASIK flap. It may be considered for some patients unsuitable for LASIK or involved in contact sports, but a thin cornea does not automatically make it safe. Surface healing can involve several days of discomfort, with visual recovery taking longer. “No-Touch” is a technique label, not a claim that no instrument or aftercare is involved.
SMILE: a small-incision lenticule procedure for selected refractive errors. Suitability depends on the device's approved range and the examination; very high short-sightedness is not an automatic indication.

2. Trifocal intraocular lenses

“Smart lens” is a marketing term commonly used for multifocal or trifocal implants. Lens replacement removes the natural lens and inserts an artificial one. A trifocal design aims to provide near, intermediate and distance vision, potentially reducing dependence on glasses.
It is an intraocular operation, not a routine answer for everyone over forty with reading difficulty. Discuss alternatives, glare and haloes, contrast, retinal risk and the possibility of still needing glasses or another procedure.
The removed natural lens cannot later develop a cataract, but the remaining capsule can become cloudy (posterior capsule opacification) and require treatment. This does not mean lifelong protection from every cause of blurred vision. Procedure times vary; an advertised ten-minute operation is not a complete care schedule.

3. Planning the treatment trip

Assessment: expect prescription testing and appropriate corneal mapping, pressure and retinal examination. The surgeon decides whether treatment is suitable.
Treatment: anaesthesia and the procedure depend on the operation. Many patients go home the same day, with protective instructions; arrange help and do not drive yourself.
Review: attend the scheduled checks, obtain the prescribed drops and written instructions, and agree ongoing follow-up before travelling.

A three-day itinerary may be advertised, but it is not a general medical clearance to fly or end follow-up. Confirm a personalised timetable and how complications will be handled after you return home.

4. Preparation and recovery

Contact lenses: stop them for the period specified by your eye team before measurements. The original one-week rule is too broad: the FDA gives examples of two weeks for soft lenses, at least three for toric soft/RGP lenses and four for hard lenses.
Age and stability: refractive surgery is generally considered in adults with stable prescriptions; some devices or procedures have higher minimum ages.
Dry eyes: use prescribed lubricants and other drops exactly as directed. Dryness can last longer than a month and occasionally be persistent.
Protection: follow advice on sunglasses, eye shields, make-up, swimming and sport. Do not resume contact sports just because vision seems clear.

Seek urgent ophthalmic assessment for severe pain, worsening or sudden loss of vision, new flashes/floaters or a curtain-like shadow. Clear informed consent and reliable aftercare are essential parts of the decision.