Eye Treatments
Vision treatments that start with a thorough eye examination and are planned around your eyes and your lifestyle.
Procedure time
About 10–30 minutes per eye
Anaesthesia
Usually local anaesthetic eye drops
Recommended stay in Türkiye
About 3–7 days
Back to daily life
A few days to 1 week for most procedures
Approximate values — your doctor confirms them after assessing your case.
Eye Treatments
Eye treatments cover a wide range of care, from laser correction of short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism to cataract surgery, lens implants and treatments for keratoconus. Laser procedures reshape the cornea so that light focuses more precisely on the retina. Lens procedures replace the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens chosen to suit your visual needs.
Every eye is different, so the right procedure can only be chosen after a comprehensive examination that includes corneal mapping, corneal thickness, eye pressure and a retinal check. Laser correction is not suitable for everyone, and for some patients a lens-based option is more appropriate. Like any surgery, eye procedures carry risks, such as dry eye, changes in night vision or the need for a further correction, which your surgeon will discuss with you openly.
Türkiye has become a popular choice for international patients thanks to well-equipped eye centres, experienced ophthalmic surgeons and short waiting times. At Trend Link we coordinate the review of your reports, your examination and surgery appointments, transfers, accommodation and interpreting, and we help you arrange your follow-up checks after you return home.
Techniques & options
LASIK / Femto-LASIK
A thin flap is created in the cornea and the tissue beneath is reshaped with an excimer laser. In Femto-LASIK the flap is made with a femtosecond laser rather than a blade. Vision usually recovers quickly, and it is widely used for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.
SMILE
A femtosecond laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. As no flap is created, less corneal tissue is disturbed; it may be preferred for suitable patients with short-sightedness and astigmatism.
PRK / LASEK
The cornea's surface layer is removed and the laser is applied directly to the surface. It can be an option for people with thinner corneas or those who play contact sports. Recovery is slower than with LASIK, and grittiness and watering tend to be more noticeable in the first few days.
Cataract surgery with lens implants
The clouded natural lens is usually removed through a small incision using phacoemulsification and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. You and your surgeon choose between monofocal, multifocal (trifocal), extended depth of focus (EDOF) and toric lenses, which also correct astigmatism.
Refractive lens exchange / smart lenses
Even without a cataract, the natural lens can be replaced with a multifocal or EDOF lens, particularly for people over 45 with reading difficulties or high prescriptions unsuitable for laser. The aim is to reduce reliance on glasses; some patients notice visual effects such as halos.
Keratoconus treatments
In keratoconus the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. Corneal cross-linking may be used to help slow its progression, and depending on the stage, intracorneal ring segments or specialist contact lenses may also be planned.
Is it right for you?
- Adults aged 18 or over whose prescription has been broadly stable for at least a year
- People with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Those whose corneal thickness and shape are found suitable for laser treatment
- Patients whose cataracts are affecting their everyday vision
- People over 45 with reading difficulties who would like to explore lens options
- Those diagnosed with keratoconus or progressive corneal thinning
Recovery timeline
First 24 hours
Grittiness, watering, light sensitivity and blurred vision are common. It is important not to rub your eyes, to rest and to use the prescribed drops as directed.
First week
After LASIK, SMILE or cataract surgery, many people return to routine activities within a few days. With PRK/LASEK, vision can take longer to clear. Swimming, the sea and eye make-up are avoided for a while to protect the eye.
First month
Vision gradually stabilises, and dry eye or halos around lights at night may ease. Contact sports should wait until your surgeon gives the go-ahead.
3–6 months
Vision has largely settled by this stage. Occasionally a further correction may be needed; this is decided by your surgeon based on your follow-up examinations.
Your treatment journey
Initial review
You share your existing eye reports, prescription history and general health information with us. These are passed to an ophthalmologist for a preliminary review.
Treatment plan and written quote
You receive a written quote setting out the possible procedures, what is included and how the process works. The final choice of procedure is made by your surgeon after your examination in Istanbul.
Travel and arrival
We arrange visa support, flights, VIP airport pick-up, your hotel and an interpreter. You will be told in advance how long to stop wearing contact lenses before your examination.
Comprehensive examination and treatment
After detailed tests, including corneal mapping, corneal thickness, eye pressure and a retinal check, your surgeon explains the most suitable option. Treatment is usually carried out on the same or the following day under anaesthetic eye drops.
Check-ups and aftercare
A follow-up examination takes place the next day and, if needed, a few days later. You fly home once your surgeon confirms you are fit to travel, and we help you arrange later check-ups at home or remotely.
What affects the cost
You receive a written, itemised quote once your reports have been reviewed — before you travel.
- The chosen procedure (LASIK, Femto-LASIK, SMILE, PRK or a lens procedure)
- Whether one eye or both eyes are treated
- The type of intraocular lens (monofocal, multifocal, EDOF or toric)
- The scope of pre-operative tests and follow-up examinations
- Length of stay, choice of hotel and number of companions
- Transfers, interpreting and any additional services
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether I am suitable for laser eye surgery?
Suitability depends on your age, whether your prescription is stable, and measurements such as corneal thickness and corneal mapping. Your reports are shared with a surgeon for a preliminary review, but the final decision is only made after a detailed examination in Istanbul. If laser is not suitable, your surgeon may consider other options such as a lens procedure.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
Because treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic eye drops, most patients describe a feeling of pressure or touch rather than pain. Stinging, burning and watering can occur for a few hours afterwards. With PRK/LASEK these symptoms can be more noticeable for the first few days, and your surgeon may prescribe medication to keep you comfortable.
What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE?
In LASIK a flap is created in the cornea and the laser is applied beneath it. In SMILE no flap is made; a thin piece of tissue shaped inside the cornea is removed through a small incision. Which option suits you depends on your prescription, corneal structure and lifestyle, and is decided by your surgeon.
When can I fly after treatment?
After laser treatment many patients can fly within a few days, and check-ups after cataract or lens surgery are usually completed within the first week. Your surgeon will still confirm your return date after your follow-up examination. We therefore recommend leaving a few days of flexibility when booking your flights.
What are the risks of eye surgery?
The most common side effects are dry eye, light sensitivity and halos around lights at night, which usually improve over time. Less commonly, infection, inflammation, under- or over-correction and the need for a further procedure can occur. Cataract and lens surgery also carry their own specific risks. Your surgeon will explain these in detail in relation to your own eyes.
Will smart lenses free me from glasses completely?
Multifocal and EDOF lenses aim to reduce the need for glasses at distance, intermediate and near for many patients, but results vary and no guarantee can be given. Some people still need glasses for fine print or in dim light, and some notice halos. Discussing your expectations openly with your surgeon is key to choosing the right lens.
Connect Today For A Better Tomorrow
Share your reports and expectations with us, and after a specialist review we will prepare your personalised treatment plan and written quote.