Astigmatism Treatment in Turkey: Cost & Best Doctors 

Astigmatism is a common vision disorder that causes blurred and distorted images at all distances due to an irregular curvature of the eye’s refractive surfaces, such as the cornea or lens. This defect prevents light from focusing properly on the retina and results in unclear outlines and impaired vision. When neglected, it can lead to vision impairment, resulting in complete blindness.

Most people tend to have some degree of astigmatism, even though they remain unaware of it until it becomes too late to recover fully, even after surgeries. Even though millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition, limited public awareness and understanding often result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of it.

Learning about ‘what is astigmatism surgery’ can help patients identify astigmatism in its early stages and get prompt treatment for their condition. 

In countries like the UK and the USA, patients often face long waiting times, limited insurance coverage, and high treatment costs for the correction of vision conditions like astigmatism, which make timely and affordable care difficult to access. Similarly, in Australia, high medical expenses, complex healthcare systems, and extended waitlists act as barriers to getting quality eye care.

In contrast, Turkey has emerged as one of the leading countries for getting astigmatism surgery, offering top-notch medical facilities by highly experienced ophthalmologists, all at very low treatment costs. The price for astigmatism surgery in Turkey ranges around $400 to $800 per eye, which is a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Medical tourism companies like CureTurkey offer complete eye care packages, including advanced procedures such as LASIK and keratectomy, along with the necessary accommodation and postoperative care. This page will be your guide to everything you need to know about astigmatism treatment in Turkey.

What are the Indications for Getting Astigmatism Treatment?

While a mild degree of astigmatism can be treated with contact lenses and prescription glasses, only very severe forms of the condition, including myopic astigmatism, need advanced forms of treatment. The indications for getting astigmatism surgery in Turkey are:

• Persistent fatigue in the eye, especially after reading or screen use
• Swelling or pressure in the eyes
• Burning or irritation in the eyes
• Ongoing eye pain
• Excessive tearing
• Frequent headaches, often related to eye strain
• Blurry & distorted vision in one or both eyes
• Double vision, especially when focusing on specific objects

What are the Astigmatism Treatment Options in Turkey? 

Here are the different astigmatism surgery Turkey procedures that can correct astigmatism: 

■ PRK:

Also known as Photorefractive Keratectomy, PRK is a laser eye surgery that is designed to correct eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure involves the removal of the outer layer of the cornea and reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with the excimer laser. This alters the way light enters your eye and perceives images. The entire procedure takes around 5 to 15 minutes per eye to complete, and you will receive numbing drops to minimise discomfort. The recovery takes about a month or two and is suitable for patients with thin corneas and dry eyes. 

■ LASIK Surgery:

LASIK treatment for astigmatism is one of the most popular laser-based procedures that is used for correcting astigmatism and other refractive errors. This procedure uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve the way light enters the eye, focusing on the retina. During this technique, a thin flap is created in the cornea to reshape the underlying tissue with a laser, and the flap is repositioned to heal naturally. This procedure is the best option for patients looking to achieve quick results with minimal downtime

■ Epi-LASIK:

Epi-LASIK is a surface-based laserprocedure that uses a specialised laser to lift the epithelial layer instead of mechanically removing it. Once the cornea is reshaped, the epithelial layer is then attached back into place, making it the best procedure for people with severe astigmatism needing a quick recovery period. It is ideal for patients with thin corneas and high astigmatism and includes lower risks of complications.

■ Toric Intraocular Lenses:

Toric IOLs are used during cataract surgeries and refractive lens exchange to correct astigmatism. Here, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with a specially designed artificial lens that corrects both cataracts and astigmatism. This option is best for older patients and those who are not suitable candidates for laser surgery. The procedure provides long-lasting results and eliminates the need for glasses.

■ Implantable Collamer Lenses:

ICL is a procedure where a phakic intraocular lens is implanted inside the eye without removing the natural lens. This option is best for patients with high levels of astigmatism, thin corneas, or those who are not eligible for the LASIK/PRK procedure. The procedure is reversible with excellent results and has a shorter recovery period.

■ Astigmatic Keratotomy:

In an astigmatic keratotomy procedure, small incisions are made in the cornea to correct its curvature and reduce astigmatism. It is sometimes combined with cataract surgery or lens implantation and is used for treating low-to-moderate cases of astigmatism & has a quicker recovery period.

■ Retinal Surgery:

Retinal surgery is applicable in very rare cases of astigmatism where vision problems stem from retinal abnormalities rather than corneal curvature. This surgery can be used for treating astigmatism when other techniques turn out to be ineffective. This type of treatment corrects the retina and how it perceives the light, fixing the blurriness and restoring clear vision. The procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete and has a quicker recovery time. 

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Astigmatism Surgery in Turkey? 

Undergoing an astigmatism surgery in Turkey requires following the step-by-step procedure: 

• Step 1: The first step in an astigmatism treatment is consultation with a qualified expert, who will evaluate the severity of their eye condition. 
• Step 2: The patient will then be made to undergo some pre-surgery eye examinations, such as keratometry, topography, and mapping of the front surface of the eye, to determine the most appropriate treatment method for them. 
• Step 3: Before surgical intervention, the patient will be briefed in detail about the procedure, recovery process, and what to expect during all of it. They will also be given preoperative instructions, such as avoiding makeup, contact lenses, or certain medications before surgery.
• Step 4: Then during the surgery, they will be laid on the operating table and administered local anaesthesia to prepare their eyes and numb the area. 
• Step 5: The specific procedure is performed to correct astigmatism:
  • For LASIK: A flap is created on the cornea, then reshaped with a laser, and the flap is repositioned.
  • For PRK/Epi-LASIK: The corneal surface is reshaped directly without creating a flap.
  • For Toric IOLs or lens-based surgery: The eye's natural lens is replaced with a toric intraocular lens to correct astigmatism.
• Step 6: Once the implantation is done, you will be given drops or medications for a certain period to aid in the recovery period.
• Step 7: Follow-up visits are scheduled within 24 to 72 hours after surgery and periodically afterward to monitor healing and vision improvements.

How is Recovery After Astigmatism Treatment in Turkey?

Immediately after your astigmatism surgery in Turkey, you might feel some swelling, redness, and an itchy or burning sensation in your eyes, which will subside eventually. Your surgeon will likely prescribe a low-dose painkiller and recommend an eye cover to screen your eyes from dust and sunlight. The eye cover will keep you from rubbing or scratching your eye accidentally, especially while sleeping. 

In order to accelerate your healing process, you will need to refrain from doing any heavy tasks and adhere strictly to the restrictions and advice of your doctor. You must also attend immediate follow-up examinations to evaluate your progress. 

Most astigmatism surgeries in Turkey guarantee long-lasting results, and you likely won’t need to wear glasses after the treatment. For successful recovery within a month or two, take the eye drops and medications exactly as instructed by your doctor. However, most people can return to normal daily activities within a few weeks and obtain clearer vision. 

Why Should You Get Astigmatism Treatment in Turkey? 

Turkey is renowned for successfully treating various eye disorders, like cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, and corneal transplantation, making it a popular and trusted choice for people travelling abroad to receive high-quality treatment at an affordable cost. While the cost mainly depends upon factors like the city, the kind of hospital, and the type of procedure used for treating a specific condition, Turkey is way cheaper than countries like the UK, the USA, and Australia. Laser eye surgery astigmatism Turkey costs start from $1,000 per eye and can go up to $3,000, unlike the UK and USA, where the cost starts from $8,500 per eye. Turkey has emerged as a popular medical tourism destination, attracting international patients, especially to cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Bursa and Ankara, for the reasons listed below: 

■ Excellent Medical Care:

Turkey offers excellent medical care with highly experienced & board-certified ophthalmologists who utilise state-of-the-art technology and medical devices in internationally accredited clinics to deliver impressive success rates. 

■ Comprehensive Procedure Packages:

Thanks to the comprehensive medical tourism packages offered by companies like CureTurkey, which partners with reputable hospitals to provide international patients with the best treatment package without compromising on quality. These treatment packages include special discounts, accommodation, aftercare, and transportation, making the treatment both cost-effective and convenient for the patients.

■ Affordable Treatment and Flexible Payment Options:

Turkey utilises its affordable treatment options and advanced healthcare system to provide international patients with transparent payment options and low astigmatism surgery cost, ensuring they do not need to depend on other sources for information. In this manner, patients can experience a seamless and successful astigmatism surgery in Turkey and regain their clear vision without incurring any financial burdens.

■ High Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction:

Astigmatism treatment in Turkey is known for its high success rates of 98%, with studies indicating that the procedure achieves up to 98% successful outcomes in leading Turkish hospitals and clinics. Numerous patient testimonials and online reviews highlight successful outcomes and improved vision within only a few days after the treatment.