PRK and LASEK (Surface Laser Eye Surgery)

PRK is laser vision correction performed on the surface of the cornea. The thin skin layer (epithelium) is removed, an excimer laser reshapes the tissue beneath, and the skin grows back over a few days. LASEK and trans-epithelial PRK are variations of the same surface approach and share its candidates and recovery.

The final vision matches that of LASIK, and because no flap is cut the cornea keeps more of its strength and there is no flap to dislodge. The cost is comfort and time: several painful days and a visual recovery measured in weeks rather than hours.

What PRK and LASEK (Surface Laser Eye Surgery) involves

After a contact lens holiday, you have the same work-up as for any laser correction: refraction, corneal tomography, thickness, tear tests and a dilated retinal check. On the day, the eye is numbed with drops. The epithelium is removed over an 8 to 9 mm zone, either by loosening it with dilute alcohol for 20 to 30 seconds (in LASEK the sheet is kept and replaced), with a soft brush, or by the laser itself in trans-epithelial PRK. The excimer laser then reshapes the exposed surface in under a minute while a tracker follows the eye. For higher corrections, mitomycin C is dabbed on for a few seconds to reduce haze. The eye is rinsed with chilled fluid and a soft bandage contact lens is placed. Both eyes are usually treated together.

Who is a good candidate for PRK and LASEK (Surface Laser Eye Surgery)?

Surface laser is often chosen because of the cornea or lifestyle, not because it is second best.

• Corneas too thin for a LASIK flap but otherwise normal in shape
• Low to moderate myopia and astigmatism, typically up to about -6 to -8 dioptres
• Boxers, martial artists, military or police personnel at risk of eye trauma
• Surface irregularities or recurrent erosions that benefit from surface treatment
• People with mild dry eye, since fewer corneal nerves are cut

It is usually not the right choice if:

• Keratoconus or suspicious tomography
• Anyone who cannot take about a week away from screens, driving and work
• High hyperopia or very high myopia, where haze and regression are more likely
• Tendency to keloid scarring or autoimmune conditions that impair healing, at the surgeon's judgement
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

الخيارات التقنية

• Alcohol-assisted PRK: The common, reliable way of removing the epithelium.
• LASEK: The loosened epithelial sheet is replaced after laser. Results and healing are much the same as PRK.
• Trans-epithelial (no-touch) PRK: The laser removes the epithelium and reshapes in one step. Slightly quicker healing in some reports.
• Mitomycin C: Applied briefly in higher corrections or retreatments to lower the risk of haze.

ماذا يحدث خلال علاجك

Around 10 minutes per eye under anaesthetic drops. You look at a fixation light, hear a clicking sound and may notice a smell. The procedure itself does not hurt. Pain begins a few hours later and peaks on days 2 and 3, with watering, burning and strong light sensitivity. You are given painkillers, cooling drops and the bandage lens to help.

الإعداد لرحلتك

Plan for 6 to 8 days in Istanbul. Your surgeon reviews photographs and your medical history before you book, and you meet in person the day before surgery for examination, marking and consent with a professional interpreter.

• Stop smoking and nicotine at least four weeks before and after surgery; it is the single biggest avoidable cause of wound problems
• Tell the team about every medicine and supplement you take; blood thinners, some herbal products and hormone treatment may need to be paused on your doctor's advice
• Arrange for someone to travel with you or to be reachable, and keep the first days at home free of work and lifting
• Book a changeable return flight; your surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly

التعافي والنتائج

The surface closes in 3 to 5 days and the bandage lens is then removed. Vision is blurry and fluctuating during the first week, adequate for driving for most people at 1 to 2 weeks, and continues sharpening for 1 to 3 months. Steroid drops are tapered over 1 to 3 months as directed; stopping early raises the risk of haze. Wear good sunglasses outdoors for several months, since ultraviolet light promotes haze.

• Back to everyday activity: 5 to 7 days
• When results show: Functional at 1 to 2 weeks, final at 1 to 3 months
• How long they last: Permanent reshaping; eyes still age

سياسة السلامة والمخاطر والتنقيح

Surface laser avoids flap complications but has its own risks related to healing.

• Significant pain during the first 3 days
• Corneal haze, usually mild and temporary, occasionally needing treatment
• Infection while the surface is open, rare but potentially scarring
• Slow surface healing or recurrent erosion
• Under- or over-correction or regression needing enhancement
• Dry eye and night glare, usually milder than after LASIK
• Raised eye pressure from prolonged steroid drops

Every written proposal arranged through Clinic-Y states what the clinic covers if a correction is needed. Ask for it before you book, not after.

Cost of PRK and LASEK (Surface Laser Eye Surgery) in Türkiye

Clinic-Y does not publish a single price for PRK and LASEK (Surface Laser Eye Surgery), because the honest figure depends on your case. What moves it:

• The laser platform and whether the profile is customised
• Alcohol-assisted versus trans-epithelial technique
• Use of mitomycin C and the length of drop treatment
• The number of follow-up visits and enhancement policy

Send your photographs or reports and you receive written, all-inclusive proposals from suitable teams, side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

الأسئلة المتكررة