Laser Eye Surgery with iLASIK
The iLASIK method is an advanced version of the traditional LASIK procedure (Laser-in-situ Keratomileusis) and has remained one of the most commonly performed laser eye treatments since 2004. As a result, extensive long-term studies and experience are available.
| Method | LASIK with the femtosecond laser |
| Usage | Nearsightedness (up to -8 diopters), farsightedness (up to +4 diopters), astigmatism (up to 5 diopters) |
| Procedure | Preparation of the corneal flap using the VisuMax femtosecond laser, flap folding, and corneal tissue removal with the excimer laser |
| Duration of surgery | Approximately 15-20 minutes for both eyes |
| Cost | 1390 for both eyes |
Advantages over conventional LASIK
Unlike conventional LASIK, which uses a microkeratome (a mechanical cutting instrument), iLASIK employs a so-called femtosecond laser (the term “Femto” refers to the laser’s pulse frequency, which operates in femtoseconds).
The lateral incision in the cornea for flap preparation is therefore performed by the femtosecond laser rather than a blade. This virtually eliminates incision-related complications. The thickness, orientation, and position of the laser incision can be precisely calculated and controlled by a computer.
Procedure of the iLASIK method
The preparation
Before the actual laser treatment can take place, a comprehensive pre-examination of the patient is conducted. This includes performing a wavefront analysis.
Wavefront analysis measures higher-order visual aberrations, ensuring a more precise ablation of the cornea by the excimer laser. This procedure is referred to as iLASIK with wavefront optimization.
At the start of the operation, the surface of the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops. During the laser treatment, the patient experiences no pain. The skin around the eye, eyelashes, and eyelids are cleaned and disinfected.
To keep the eye open and stable during the procedure, an elastic eyelid speculum is used.
The surgeon places a fixation ring on the eye, stabilizing it through a suction mechanism. Using a contact lens as a guide, the femtosecond laser is then employed to create the corneal flap.
Steps of the Surgery
Step 1: Creation of the Flap (Femtosecond Laser)
To determine the size and precise dimensions of the corneal lamella (flap) to be created, the surgeon inputs the relevant data into the laser device’s software.
The femtosecond laser is then used to perform the circular incision in the cornea. The laser beam discharges its energy at a precisely defined depth within the cornea, generating numerous tiny bubbles on this plane. The merging of these bubbles results in a cleanly cut, precise, and highly stable flap.
For safety, this process is closely monitored and verified by the surgeon using an operating microscope and a monitor. Once the femtosecond laser has created the corneal flap, the fixation ring can be removed from the eye, and the flap is carefully folded back using fine instruments.
The VisuMax femtosecond laser system from the German company CARL ZEISS is used for this procedure.
Step 2: Corneal Reshaping
In this step of the Femto-LASIK procedure, the actual laser treatment is performed. The individual data previously collected through wavefront analysis (iLASIK) are incorporated into the operation.
The surgeon adjusts the laser system to match the patient’s corneal characteristics, preparing for the subsequent reshaping of the cornea. The patient’s vision errors are corrected by removing specific layers of corneal tissue. In Wavefront-Guided Femto-LASIK, in addition to standard vision errors, higher-order aberrations such as glare or difficulty seeing at night can also be corrected.
During the application of the excimer laser, an eye-tracking system is employed. This system detects and compensates for even the slightest eye movements, ensuring precise laser treatment. This process takes only a few seconds.
Step 3: Repositioning the Flap
After the procedure is successfully completed, the corneal flap is folded back into its original position. It immediately adheres to the cornea, acting as a completely natural bandage for the eye. Vision improves significantly within a short period of time.
In this video, the individual steps of the iLASIK procedure are clearly explained again.
Usage
The iLASIK procedure can correct nearsightedness up to approximately -8 diopters, astigmatism up to +/- 5 diopters, and farsightedness up to approximately +4 diopters.
A prerequisite for the procedure is sufficient corneal thickness, which is measured during the pre-examination using corneal topography (pachymetry).
Recovery After iLASIK
After the surgery, patients may experience wound pain lasting approximately 4-5 hours. Common symptoms include excessive tearing and a burning sensation, similar to cutting onions. The intensity of these symptoms varies from person to person.
A foreign body sensation, increased light sensitivity, and glare sensitivity are also common during the first days and weeks.
Thanks to the cornea’s natural pumping mechanism, the flap adheres securely immediately after surgery and is blink-resistant. However, patients must avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, especially in the initial days following the procedure.
Vision fluctuations (blurry vision) are also common during the healing period, often caused by dry eyes. Artificial tears are used to treat dry eyes, and this issue typically resolves within 4-6 weeks.
By the day after surgery, 90% of vision is usually restored and continues to improve daily. Full visual acuity is typically achieved within 1-2 weeks, coinciding with the resolution of dry eye symptoms.
Most patients can return to their regular activities and daily life within 1-3 days. Light physical activities such as running or mild fitness training can be resumed after two weeks. However, patients should avoid contact sports (e.g., martial arts, football), swimming, or sauna use for four weeks.
In rare cases, overcorrection or undercorrection may occur, requiring an additional adjustment. Re-LASIK is covered under the 15-year guarantee included in the treatment price and can be performed no earlier than six months after the initial procedure.
iLasik vs Relex Smile
The ReLEx SMILE procedure, unlike iLASIK, is a relatively new method that has been successfully used worldwide for about 15 years. By 2017, ReLEx SMILE accounted for 10% of all laser eye surgeries performed globally.
The major advantage of the ReLEx SMILE method is that no corneal flap is required during the procedure. This means the cornea does not need to be extensively incised. Instead, the femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the cornea at a precisely determined depth. The lenticule is then removed by the surgeon through a minimally invasive channel on the side of the cornea. This lateral opening is only a few millimeters in size.
Thanks to this minimally invasive technology, the corneal tissue is preserved. Our doctors especially recommend the ReLEx SMILE treatment for patients with high diopter values.
iLasik cost
Undergoing laser eye surgery, such as iLASIK, must be privately funded in the UK or other European countries like Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
Health insurance does not fully cover the costs of the procedure. However, private health insurers may partially reimburse the expenses depending on their coverage.
iLASIK is relatively expensive in the UK, with prices typically starting at €1,500 per eye or more. Some laser centers set their prices based on the patient’s diopter values. For example, a patient with values of -5 or higher might pay up to €4,000 for both eyes.
Comparing prices with eye clinics in Turkey reveals potential savings of up to two-thirds of the costs charged in Germany. For instance, at the Bati Göz Eye Clinic, iLASIK costs only €1,390 for both eyes. The treatment price also includes two nights of complimentary accommodation in a 4-star hotel and airport transfers.
| Augenlasern-Kosten (per Auge) | Türkei | UK, Europe |
|---|---|---|
| iLasik | from 700 Euro | from 1500 Euro |
| Relex Smile | from 1200 Euro | from 2500 Euro |
| PRK / LASEK | from 700 Euro | from 1000 Euro |
iLASIK in Turkey with Health Travels
Since 2011, we have assisted more than 4,500 patients on their journey to Turkey for their laser eye surgery. At Health Travels, we are always available to support our patients before, during, and after their stay in Turkey.
In Istanbul, we have been successfully collaborating for years with the Bati Göz Eye Clinic. This laser center is among the best eye clinics in Istanbul and has been awarded the TÜV Rheinland certificate. Additionally, the clinic is recognized as a Carl ZEISS “Center of Excellence,” as the entire laser system (VisuMax & MEL90) and all diagnostic equipment are supplied by ZEISS.