Relex Smile Laser Eye Surgery, Türkiye
Relex Smile laser eye surgery in Türkiye is a minimally invasive laser vision-correction procedure, performed under numbing eye drops so that discomfort during treatment is kept low. Relex Smile uses ultra-fast femtosecond laser technology to correct vision precisely and safely. Thanks to a short recovery period, patients can quickly return to their daily activities with improved vision. Discover the benefits of Relex Smile laser surgery in Türkiye today!
What is Smile laser eye surgery in Türkiye?
Relex Smile laser eye surgery technology ensures a safer, gentler and faster procedure. Through an opening of just 2 mm, the laser prepares a 3D disc (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed effortlessly thanks to this precise approach.
The Relex Smile lenticule matches, in volume and shape, the amount of tissue needed to correct your refractive error. The procedure preserves corneal stability and has minimal impact on tear film production, making it an excellent option for patients with dry eyes or contact lens intolerance. This makes it our laser eye procedure of choice for patients who have problems with contact lenses.
Smile laser eye surgery in Türkiye: risks and how it works
Relex Smile and LASIK are safe, reliable and affordable procedures for correcting refractive errors. However, they do have certain limitations and considerations. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a state-of-the-art laser method developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and approved in Germany since 2008. Compared with LASIK, SMILE has fewer side effects because no flap is created, although healing may take slightly longer. In 2017, SMILE was used in more than 10% of laser operations to correct refractive errors worldwide.
Who is the ideal candidate for Relex Smile eye surgery in Türkiye?
- You are 18 or older: ReLEx SMILE is ideal for people over 18 whose vision is fully developed and stable.
- Understanding your refractive error: particularly suitable for people with myopia and mild astigmatism.
- Stable vision: candidates should have had stable vision for at least one year before the procedure.
- Healthy eyes: no infections, eye diseases or severe dry eye that could affect healing.
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding: hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect vision, so it is best to postpone the procedure.
- Sufficient corneal thickness: ReLEx SMILE requires enough corneal tissue for safe and effective laser treatment.
- Willing to follow instructions: following your surgeon's pre- and post-operative instructions is essential for the best results.
At The More Clinics, we provide personalised care to make sure ReLEx SMILE is right for you. Our expert surgeons carry out detailed assessments to determine the best vision correction option.
We also provide dedicated post-operative follow-up for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards clear, natural vision.
Get your laser eye surgery package in Türkiye with a 30% discount!
ReLEx SMILE eye surgery in Antalya, Türkiye: procedure and what to expect
Before the procedure:
- Comprehensive eye examination: you will have a thorough eye examination to assess your suitability for ReLEx SMILE.
- Medical history: your surgeon will discuss your medical history and any potential risks or complications.
- Preparation: you may need to stop wearing contact lenses before the procedure so that your cornea can return to its natural shape.
During the procedure:
- Outpatient surgery: ReLEx SMILE is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
- Anaesthetic eye drops: numbing drops will be applied, and you may be given medication to help you relax.
- No flap required: unlike LASIK, ReLEx SMILE does not require a flap, which reduces the risk of complications.
Step-by-step ReLEx SMILE eye surgery process:
- Laser incision: a femtosecond laser creates a small, precise incision in the cornea.
- Tissue removal: a tiny lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) is created and removed through the small incision.
- Vision correction: removing the lenticule reshapes the cornea, correcting your refractive error.
After the procedure:
- Post-operative care: you will receive detailed instructions on eye care and on your prescribed medication and eye drops.
- Quick recovery: most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days of the procedure.
- Follow-up appointments: regular check-ups will monitor your healing and confirm that your vision is improving as expected.
Relex Smile method
Zeiss's ReLEx SMILE laser method (small incision lenticule extraction) is a new refractive laser surgery method based on PRK and LASIK. The SMILE method involves extracting a corneal lenticule using a femtosecond laser; the lenticule is then removed manually. In terms of healing time, the procedure is similar to LASIK, but post-correction is more complex and is carried out as surface PRK.
Smile laser eye surgery cost
SMILE eye surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a popular alternative to LASIK, offering a minimally invasive approach to vision correction. The cost of SMILE surgery varies considerably depending on the country, the clinic's reputation and the surgeon's expertise. Here are the approximate costs of SMILE eye surgery by country:
| COUNTRY | SMILE laser eye surgery cost per eye |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £3,800 to £5,000 |
| United States | $5,500 - $7,000 |
| Canada | $5,500 - $8,000 |
| Germany | €3,800 - €5,900 |
| France | €3,700 - €4,800 |
| Türkiye | $1,600 - $2,500 |
Notes:
- These costs are approximate; actual prices may vary.
- Currency fluctuations may affect costs outside your country of residence.
- Additional costs such as pre-operative tests, post-operative care and medication may not be included in the base price.
- Renowned clinics or surgeons may charge higher fees.
Smile eye surgery cost in Türkiye
Türkiye is known for offering affordable Smile eye surgery while maintaining high standards of care. In cities such as Istanbul or Antalya, for example, Smile surgery costs approximately 1 200 to 1 800 dollars per eye, compared with 3 500 to 6 000 dollars in the United States or other Western countries.
Many medical care packages for international patients in Türkiye include:
- Logistics: airport transfers and transport to the clinic.
- Accommodation: stays in 4- or 5-star hotels.
- Travel assistance: help with organising your trip.
This makes Türkiye a popular destination for cost-effective, high-quality SMILE eye surgery.