Are you thinking about getting laser eye surgery in Turkey? Many people go there for laser eye surgery because of its eye surgery prices. But which is better for laser eye surgery, Turkey or Australia?
This article will explain the differences between laser eye surgery in the two countries. We’ll talk about the types of surgery, costs, and other things you must consider to make the best choice for your eyes.
Why Consider Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye treatment is an outstanding medical treatment that can help you see better. It works by correcting vision problems related to how your eyes focus light, which are called refractive errors. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, laser eye surgery can help you see clearly without them.
Many people choose laser eye surgery because it gives them a long-term way to fix their vision. This means they don’t have to keep wearing glasses or putting in contacts every day.
Over the years, the surgery has improved even more. New technology makes it quicker and more comfortable, with even better results. If you are tired of contact lenses and glasses and want to see clearly without them, laser eye surgery might be a great choice for you!
Laser Eye Surgery In Turkey
Turkey has become a popular place for people to go for medical treatments, including laser eye surgery. Yet, before you decide to get laser eye surgery in Turkey, it’s important to think about a few things.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the main reasons people from Australia go to Turkey is because medical treatments like laser eye surgery cost less than in Australia, which makes it a good choice for people who want to save money.
Things To Consider
Even though lower prices are very appealing, there are some important things to think about:
- Regulation Differences: Turkey’s medical care rules and safety standards might not be as strict as in Australia. In Australia, doctors follow very strict rules to make sure the surgery is safe and accurate.
- Continuity Of Care: After the surgery, you may need follow-up visits to check how you are doing. If your surgeon is far away in Turkey, keeping track of your recovery might be harder.
- Communication Barriers: Sometimes, there may be differences in language and culture when you get treatment in another country. This could make it harder to understand instructions and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Laser Eye Surgery In Australia
Australia is known for its medical treatments. When you choose to have eye surgery in Australia, you can be sure that everything is done carefully and correctly. Here’s what you can expect:
Strict Regulation And Quality Control
In Australia, eye surgeons follow the government’s strict rules and guidelines. These rules help make sure that surgeries like LASIK, lens replacement, and cornea transplants are done with the highest safety standards. Australian surgeons must complete many years of training and practice to ensure they can do these surgeries well. This means you can trust that you’re getting top-quality care.
Comprehensive Aftercare
After you have laser eye surgery in Australia, you will have follow-up visits. These visits are very important to make sure you are recovering well. Your surgeon will check on your healing, answer any questions, and make sure everything is going smoothly. This kind of care helps make sure you get the best results for your vision.
Advanced Treatments With Proven Results
In Australia, doctors use the latest technology to help people with different vision problems. Whether you have myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness), some treatments can help you see clearly. Australian clinics also offer advanced surgeries. These treatments are proven to work well, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best eye care.
Types Of Vision Correction Surgery
Laser eye surgery comes in different types, each designed to help fix different vision problems. Depending on your eyes and your needs, your doctor will suggest the best possible surgery for you. Below are the most common types of laser eye surgery:
LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery. In this procedure, the eye doctor creates a thin flap in the cornea (the clear part at the front of your eye). After creating the flap, the surgeon reshapes the cornea to fix vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
LASIK surgery is suitable for people whose cornea is thick enough to handle the procedure. It is fast, and many patients see a big improvement in their vision right away.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK is another laser eye surgery. It is a good option for people with thin corneas that may not be strong enough for LASIK surgery. In PRK, the surgeon does not create a flap.
Instead, they remove the outer layer of the cornea and use a laser to reshape the inner layers. The outer layer will grow back over time. PRK can take a bit longer to heal than LASIK, but it is very effective for treating vision problems.
PRESBYOND
PRESBYOND is an outstanding type of laser surgery that helps people who have trouble seeing up close because of age. As we age, our eyes may have difficulty focusing on things close up, like reading a book or using a phone. PRESBYOND helps improve both near and far vision so people can see clearly at all distances without needing reading glasses.
SMILE
SMILE is a newer type of laser surgery. In SMILE, the surgeon uses a laser to remove a small piece of tissue from the cornea to change its shape and fix vision problems.
This surgery does not create a flap, which means it’s less likely to cause dry eyes or other side effects. SMILE is a good option for people with nearsightedness who want a gentle, quick procedure with a fast recovery time.
Determining Eligibility For Laser Treatment
Laser eye surgery is a great way to improve vision, but not everyone is the right fit for the procedure. Your eyes need to meet certain conditions to ensure the surgery will work well and be safe for you. A few important factors are taken into account when deciding if laser eye surgery is the right choice for you.
Corneal Thickness
The cornea is the clear part of your eye that the surgeon will reshape during the procedure. For some surgeries, like LASIK, the cornea needs to be thick enough to make a flap. Other options, like PRK, might be better if your cornea is too thin.
Vision Problems
Laser eye surgery can treat common vision issues such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Yet, it may not be suitable for people with severe vision problems or conditions that affect the eyes.
Eye Health
Your eye health is very important. If you have certain eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or dry eyes, it might affect your ability to have surgery. The surgeon will check for these conditions before recommending surgery.
Preparing For Your Surgery
Getting ready for laser eye surgery is an important step. Following your surgeon’s instructions can help ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you can expect when preparing for your surgery:
Step 1: Eye Examination
Before your surgery, you’ll need to attend a thorough eye examination. During this exam, your surgeon will check your eyes carefully. They will measure the size and shape of your eyes, check the health of your cornea, and test your vision.
This helps the surgeon decide if laser eye surgery is the right choice for you. If everything looks good, they will review the surgery details with you.
Step 2: Follow The Surgeon’s Instructions
Once your surgeon confirms that you are ready for surgery, they will give you some instructions. It is very important to follow these instructions carefully. For example, your surgeon may tell you to stop wearing contact lenses for a few days before your surgery.
This helps make sure your eyes are in the best shape for the procedure. You may also need to avoid certain medications or use eye drops before surgery.
Step 3: Arrange Transportation
You will need to arrange for someone to take you to and from the clinic on the day of your surgery. After the surgery, your eyes will be sensitive, and you might not be able to see clearly right away.
The Recovery Process
After your laser eye surgery, your eyes will need some time to heal. The recovery process is usually quick. Yet, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice and care for your eyes to ensure everything heals well. Here’s what to expect during recovery:
Mild Discomfort
After surgery, you may feel some mild discomfort. Your eyes might be a little dry, itchy, or light-sensitive. These feelings are normal and usually go away within a few days. If you feel any discomfort, your surgeon may give you eye drops to help reduce irritation and keep your eyes moist.
Using Eye Drops
Your surgeon will likely recommend using anti-inflammatory eye drops. These drops help to reduce swelling, which helps your eyes heal faster. It’s very important to use the drops exactly as instructed by your surgeon. This will help make sure you have the best results.
Following Surgeon’s Advice
Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your eyes during recovery. It’s important to follow these carefully. For example, you may need to avoid rubbing your eyes, wearing makeup, or swimming for a short time after the surgery. Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments with your surgeon so they can check your progress.
Quick Recovery
You should start seeing improvements in their vision within a few days after surgery. Your vision may be blurry at first, but it will gradually get clearer. The full recovery process may take a few weeks, but you can return to your normal activities fairly quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have LASIK if I have thin corneas?
If your corneas are thin, your doctor might suggest another surgery like PRK instead of LASIK.
Are there risks with laser refractive surgery?
Like any surgery, there are risks, such as infection, dry eyes, or blurry vision. However, these problems are rare, and most people don’t have serious issues. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits to you before the surgery.
Can eye laser surgery be undone?
No, laser eye surgery can’t be undone. Once the doctor reshapes the cornea, it stays that way. That’s why it’s very important to talk with your doctor and make sure the surgery is right for you before you have it.
Conclusion
If you’re contemplating laser eye surgery in Turkey, consider the lower cost and the high-quality care in Australia. While Turkey may seem like a good choice for medical travel, Australia’s strict rules and strong aftercare can help you feel assured and comfortable.
No matter if you want better vision, need to fix refractive errors, or want to try more advanced treatments, take your time to learn about your options. Your journey to a clearer vision begins with figuring out the best laser eye surgery option for you.
If you’re excited to learn more about laser eye surgery and how it can help you, contact Dr Anton Van Heerden at (03) 9000 0389! He is here in Melbourne to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
About the Clinical Care Standards. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Available at: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/about-clinical-care-standards [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Healthdirect Australia 2024. Laser Eye Surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Landwehr J 2024. Can You Rub Your Eyes Too Much—And Is It Dangerous for Your Eye Health? Health. Available at: https://www.health.com/rubbing-eyes-too-much-dangerous-8430871 [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Meštrović T 2023. LASIK Complications. News-Medical. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/LASIK-Complications.aspx [Accessed January 27, 2025]
Silver N 2021. What Causes Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery, and How to Treat Them. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/dry-eyes-after-lasik [Accessed January 27, 2025]
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