Bladeless Laser Eye Surgery for Both Eyes, From £1,525

What Is IntraLase Excimer LASIK?

IntraLase Excimer LASIK is a two-step laser procedure that corrects short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye.

The first step uses an IntraLase femtosecond laser to create a thin, precise flap in the cornea. This is the "bladeless" part, older LASIK techniques used a mechanical blade (microkeratome), but the IntraLase laser creates a more uniform, predictable flap with a lower risk of complications.

The second step uses an excimer laser to gently reshape the corneal tissue underneath the flap. This reshaping corrects the way light enters your eye, bringing images into sharp focus on your retina. The flap is then repositioned, where it heals naturally without stitches.

The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes for both eyes. The laser itself is active for only 30 to 60 seconds per eye. It is performed while you are awake, using anaesthetic eye drops, you feel pressure but no pain.

LASIK has been performed for over 25 years and is one of the most studied elective procedures in medicine. Satisfaction rates consistently exceed 95% in published studies.

Am I a Good Candidate?

IntraLase LASIK may be right for you if you:

• Are short-sighted (myopic) with a prescription up to approximately -10.00 dioptres
• Are long-sighted (hyperopic) with a prescription up to approximately +4.00 dioptres
• Have astigmatism up to approximately 5.00 dioptres
• Are aged 18 or over with a stable prescription (no significant change in the past 12 months)
• Have healthy corneas of adequate thickness (measured during your pre-operative assessment)
• Are tired of glasses or contact lenses and want a permanent solution

LASIK may not be suitable if you have very thin corneas, a very high prescription, dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or certain autoimmune conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should wait until after. Your pre-operative assessment determines your suitability, and if LASIK is not right for you, your surgeon discusses alternative options.

What Happens During Your Treatment?

Before Your Procedure

You have a free consultation where your vision, corneal thickness, and eye health are assessed in detail. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them for a period before your assessment (typically 1 week for soft lenses, 2 weeks for rigid lenses) to ensure accurate measurements.

Day 1, Surgery Day

You arrive at the clinic and your eyes are prepared with anaesthetic drops. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 minutes for both eyes. You are awake throughout but feel no pain, only gentle pressure. The IntraLase laser creates the corneal flap (a few seconds per eye), the excimer laser reshapes the cornea (30 to 60 seconds per eye), and the flap is repositioned. You rest for a short time at the clinic before returning to your hotel.

Days 2-3, Recovery in Turkey

You return to the clinic the following day for a check-up. Most patients notice significantly improved vision within hours of the procedure, and many achieve near-perfect vision by the next morning. You are given protective eyewear and eye drops to use during your recovery. Avoid rubbing your eyes and keep them well lubricated.

After You Fly Home

Your 12 months of aftercare begins. Your patient coordinator checks in regularly. You should see your optician at home at 1 month and 3 months for routine follow-up assessments.

Recovery and Aftercare

LASIK recovery is remarkably quick. Most patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two.

Hours after the procedure: Your vision may be blurry or hazy, and your eyes may feel watery, gritty, or sensitive to light. This is completely normal. Rest with your eyes closed for a few hours. Most patients notice a significant improvement by the evening.

Day 1: The majority of patients can see well enough to go about their day, watching television, using their phone, and walking around comfortably. Avoid screens for prolonged periods and wear the protective eyewear provided when sleeping.

Week 1: Vision continues to sharpen. Most patients are driving within 2 to 3 days (once confirmed by your surgeon). Avoid swimming, contact sports, and dusty or smoky environments. Use your eye drops as prescribed.

Month 1: Your vision typically stabilises. A small number of patients experience mild dryness or fluctuating vision during this period, both are normal and usually resolve fully.

Months 1-3: Final visual stabilisation. By 3 months, your prescription is considered settled. In rare cases where a minor correction is needed, an enhancement procedure can be discussed.

Risks and Considerations

LASIK is one of the most thoroughly studied elective procedures, with a strong safety profile built over 25 years and millions of procedures. However, it is important to understand the risks.

Dry eyes: The most common side effect. Most patients experience some dryness in the weeks after LASIK, managed with lubricating eye drops. For the majority, this resolves within 3 to 6 months. A small number of patients experience longer-lasting dryness.

Halos and glare: Some patients notice halos or starbursts around lights at night, particularly in the early weeks. This usually improves as the cornea heals. Patients with larger pupils may be slightly more affected.

Under- or over-correction: In a small percentage of cases, the initial treatment may not achieve the full correction. An enhancement (touch-up) procedure can be performed once your eyes have stabilised, typically after 3 to 6 months.

Flap complications: Very rare with the IntraLase femtosecond laser. The bladeless technique creates a more precise and uniform flap compared to older mechanical methods, significantly reducing flap-related risks.

Regression: A small number of patients may experience a slight return of their original prescription over the years. Enhancement procedures can address this if needed.