Laser eye surgery is a common treatment for improving vision. It can fix problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Because it can be cheaper, more people travel to other countries for this treatment. But which is better for laser eye surgery, Turkey or Australia?
This article will discuss which country may be better for you and what to expect.
Why Is Laser Eye Surgery So Popular?
Laser eye surgery helps people see better without needing glasses or contact lenses. For many people like you, it can be life-changing. Imagine waking up and seeing clearly without wearing glasses or dealing with the hassle of contact lenses. This is what makes laser eye surgery so exciting for lots of people!
Laser eye surgery can fix problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These problems can make it hard to see clearly, but laser surgery can change the shape of the eye to improve vision. Healthy and clear eyes can make everyday tasks like driving, reading, or even playing sports much easier and more enjoyable.
Why Do People Choose Laser Eye Surgery In Turkey?
Turkey has become popular for medical tourists because the overall laser eye surgery cost is less expensive. The lower costs come from living expenses and healthcare being cheaper in Turkey.
It also offers treatments such as LASIK and PRK. While these treatments are available, not every clinic has the latest machines or the best-trained doctors. So, it’s important to think carefully about where you go for your surgery.
Why Is Australia A Good Choice For Laser Eye Surgery?
Australia is a great choice for laser refractive surgery for many important reasons. Let’s take a look at why so many people trust Australia for this kind of surgery.
Quality Standards In Australia
One of the main reasons Australia is a good choice for laser eye surgery is its very high standards for health and well-being. In Australia, doctors and clinics must follow strict rules to protect patients.
This means that when you go to a doctor in Australia, you can trust that they have the right training and skills. All doctors who perform laser eye surgery must undergo years of study and practice to ensure they are experts in their field.
Doctors in Australia are also regularly checked to ensure they are following the right steps during surgery. This means you will be in good hands, and the surgery will be done carefully.
These high standards help ensure that you get the best care possible. If you ever have any concerns, you can be sure your doctor will take the time to listen and give you the support you need.
Great Technology In Australia
Another reason Australia is a great choice for laser eye surgery is because it uses some of the best technology. The machines used for surgery in Australia are very advanced and precise.
For example, doctors use lasers like the femtosecond laser and excimer laser to make tiny, careful changes to the shape of the eye. These lasers help doctors improve your vision by making very small, accurate cuts that allow for the best results.
With this technology, doctors can help correct different vision problems. The lasers work quickly and accurately, which helps speed up recovery and smooth the whole process.
Australia’s high-tech machines are some of the best in the world, so you can feel confident in the treatment you’ll receive.
Care After Surgery
One more reason why Australia is a good choice is the excellent care you’ll get after your surgery. After the laser eye surgery, doctors in Australia will follow up with you to check how your eyes are healing. If you have any questions or concerns, the doctor will be there to help.
You can visit the doctor for follow-up appointments, where they’ll check your eyes and make sure everything is going well.
Your doctor will tell you how to care for your eyes after the surgery to ensure a quick recovery and the best results. They will also guide you through any steps you need to take to keep your eyes healthy.
Knowing that you’ll receive this kind of care after your surgery helps you feel safe and comfortable, knowing that you’re in good hands.
Types Of Laser Vision Correction Surgery In Australia
Australia offers several laser eye surgery techniques. These surgeries are designed to help people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. Here are some of the most common types of laser eye surgery available in Australia:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is one of the most popular surgeries for fixing vision problems. In this surgery, the doctor makes a small flap on the surface of your eye. Once the flap is made, the doctor uses a laser to reshape the inside of your eye. This helps the eye focus better and improves your vision.
LASIK is quick, and you can start feeling better soon after the surgery. You may get back to your usual activities in just a few days. This is why LASIK is one of the most commonly chosen surgeries for people who want to get rid of glasses or contact lenses.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a newer type of laser treatment that’s becoming more popular because it’s gentler than traditional LASIK surgery. During SMILE surgery, the doctor uses a laser to remove a small piece of the corneal tissue. The best part about SMILE is that it doesn’t need to create a flap in your eye like LASIK, making the surgery more comfortable for some people.
SMILE is a good option if you have stronger prescriptions or want a smoother recovery process. It’s also a great choice for dry eyes because it causes less irritation and dryness.
PRESBYOND (Laser Vision Correction For Presbyopia)
PRESBYOND is a type of laser surgery for people over 40 who have trouble seeing things up close, like when reading a book or looking at their phones. As people age, their eyes may have trouble focusing on close objects.
With PRESBYOND, the surgery helps make your eyes focus at all distances so you can see clearly both near and far. This means you won’t need reading glasses anymore!
It’s a great choice for you if you want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses as you get older. Many people choose PRESBYOND to improve their vision and simplify life.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is another type of laser surgery that is like LASIK. It’s used when LASIK might not be the best choice. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t need a flap on the eye. Instead, the doctor removes a small part of the eye’s surface and reshapes it using a laser.
Although PRK may take longer to heal after the surgery than LASIK, the results are still great. PRK is a good option for people with thin corneas or other factors that make LASIK unsuitable. The recovery time might be a bit longer, but most people heal completely and enjoy clear vision.
What Happens During Laser Eye Treatment?
Before laser eye surgery, you’ll first have an appointment with your doctor. During this visit, the doctor will check your eyes carefully to make sure you are a good candidate for the surgery.
The doctor will also explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have. This is a good time to learn more about the surgery and how it can improve your vision.
The Surgery
You will be awake on the day of your surgery, but don’t worry! You won’t feel much pain. The doctor will use eye drops to numb your eyes during surgery, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
During the surgery, the doctor will use a laser to reshape the inside of your eye. This helps fix your vision so you can see better without glasses or contact lenses.
While the doctor works, you may feel pressure on your eye, but it won’t hurt. You should feel completely comfortable during the procedure.
After The Surgery
You may also need to wear eye protection, like sunglasses, to keep your eyes safe. The doctor will give you drops to help your eyes heal and reduce swelling. You might feel tired, but rest is very important during your recovery.
The doctor will ask you to come back for a few follow-up visits to check on your healing. These visits help the doctor make sure your eyes are healing well and that your vision is getting better.
You may start to notice a big improvement in your vision after just a few days, but it can take a few weeks for your eyes to heal fully. During these visits, the doctor will answer any more questions you might have about your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of eye laser surgery?
Laser eye surgery works very well for most people. After the surgery, you should see better and no longer need glasses or contacts. Success depends on your eyes, but the results are usually very good.
What if I blink or move during the surgery?
The machines used for laser eye surgery are very smart. If you blink or move, the laser will stop and adjust so the surgery stays safe and accurate.
Can I wear contact lenses after surgery?
You should no longer need contact lenses after laser eye surgery. Yet, you might still need glasses for things like reading or driving. It depends on your eyes.
How do I know if I can get laser eye surgery?
Your doctor will check your eyes and talk to you about your health to see if the surgery is right for you. A consultation is the best way to know if you’re a good candidate.
Are there any risks with LASIK eye surgery?
Some risks include dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights. However, these problems are rare and can often be treated if they occur.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes, doctors usually treat both eyes during the same surgery. This helps your eyes heal together and makes the recovery easier.
Can I go back to my normal activities right after surgery?
No, you need to rest for a few days. Avoid rubbing your eyes or doing anything that might irritate them. Your doctor will tell you when it’s okay to return to your regular activities.
Can I wear makeup after laser eye surgery?
You should avoid wearing makeup near your eyes for at least a week after surgery. This helps prevent infection and gives your eyes time to heal.
Can I drive right after laser eye surgery?
No, you should not drive right after surgery. Your vision might be blurry at first, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to drive again.
Can laser eye surgery fix all vision problems?
Laser eye surgery can help with many vision problems, like trouble seeing things far away, up close, or blurry spots. But it cannot fix cataracts, for example. Cataracts are a different problem that needs another kind of surgery. Your doctor will look at your eyes and tell you if laser eye surgery is a good choice.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery can help you see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses. While some places like Turkey may offer lower prices, it’s important to think about your comfort and the quality of care you receive. In Australia, doctors follow strict rules and use advanced equipment to make sure you get the best treatment possible. This means you can trust that your eyes are in good hands.
Do you want to see better without glasses or contact lenses? Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to help! He can answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Call Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 to book your appointment and find out if this surgery is right for you. Start your journey to a clear vision today!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
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 8, 2025]
Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
Healthdirect Australia 2024. Laser eye surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
WebMD Editorial Contributors 2022. Am I a Candidate for Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/candidate-refractive-laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
Williams F 2021. What to know about LASIK and dry eyes. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lasik-dry-eyes [Accessed January 8, 2025]
Zimlich R 2022. Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 8, 2025]
