PRK Eye Surgery in Turkey: Cost, VISA & Recovery

Photorefractive Keratectomy is a type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping allows light to focus properly on the retina and results in clearer vision.

Although the recovery period for PRK eye surgery is slightly longer than that of LASIK, it is an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas or those who engage in contact sports or high-impact activities where  eye safety is important.

But this advanced eye surgery is very costly in countries like the US, UK and Australia, with long waiting times. Turkey has become a leading medical tourism hub, especially for eye surgeries like PRK. The country offers world-class ophthalmologists, modern clinics equipped with the latest laser technology, and a strong healthcare infrastructure at far more affordable prices than many Western countries.

In the UK, long NHS waiting lists delay treatment. In the USA, costs are often three to four times higher. In Australia, insurance coverage is limited, and expenses remain steep. Turkey overcomes all these issues by offering affordability, faster access, and comprehensive care, which makes Turkey the best destination for PRK eye surgery. This page will be your guide to everything you need to learn about PRK eye surgery in Turkey.

What are the Indications for PRK Eye Surgery?

PRK eye surgery is not suitable for everyone, but it is often recommended for people who may not be the ideal candidates for LASIK or other vision correction procedures. Doctors usually suggest PRK when particular eye or lifestyle factors make it a safer and more effective option. Here are some indications that make you a suitable candidate for PRK eye surgery in Turkey:

• Age: At least 18 years old
• Pregnancy and Nursing: Not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Vision Stability: A stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least one year
• Eye Health: Free from eye infections or injuries for at least one year
• Tear Production: No chronic dry eye syndrome
• Corneal Condition: No signs of keratoconus or other corneal irregularities

What are the Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery?

Regarding laser eye surgery, PRK vs LASIK is the one that significantly benefits patients. The treatment has a high success rate that goes back decades. Listed below are some of the advantages of photorefractive keratectomy PRK surgery that you should know to make an informed decision regarding your eye health:

• PRK is considered a very safe procedure. Complications are rare, and when they do occur, they are mild and temporary. Since no corneal flap is created, PRK eliminates flap-related risks associated with LASIK.
• PRK has a high success rate. Most patients achieve vision within ±0.50 diopters of their target correction, meaning many no longer require glasses or contact lenses for daily activities.
• RK can treat several eye problems, correcting conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It can also be used to treat presbyopia by creating monovision, where one eye is adjusted for distance vision and the other for near tasks.
• For patients with thin corneas or irregular corneal shapes, PRK is often preferred over LASIK. The procedure limits reshaping to a specific area of the cornea, reduce structural stress while maintaining quality results.
• One of PRK’s benefits is that it does not involve cutting into the cornea. The absence of a corneal flap makes it a gentler procedure with no flap-related complications and is ideal for those who play contact sports or work in environments with a higher risk of eye trauma.
• PRK provides highly predictable outcomes, even for patients with higher refractive errors. Once healing is complete, the vision correction remains stable over time, with long-term visual clarity.

What is the Step-by-Step Procedure for PRK Eye Surgery in Turkey?

The PRK procedure follows a series of precise, medically supervised steps to ensure optimal vision correction and a safe recovery. Here are the clear and medically accurate steps that are performed during PRK eye surgery in Turkey:

• Step 1: For preoperative preparation, the patient lies down comfortably, and the surgeon applies a numbing eye drop for a painless procedure. An eyelid holder is then placed to keep the eye open throughout the procedure.
• Step 2: Next, your surgeon will gently remove the thin outer layer of the cornea. This can be done using a soft brush, an alcohol solution, or a specialised blunt surgical instrument.
• Step 3: A computer-guided excimer laser will precisely reshape the corneal tissue beneath the removed layer. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina.
• Step 4: Doctors typically apply Mitomycin-C, a medication that minimises the risk of corneal haze and scarring, briefly to the corneal surface, particularly in cases requiring higher corrections.
• Step 5: After the laser treatment, a clear and soft bandage contact lens will be placed over the cornea to protect the eye and promote healing.
• Step 6: The patient will then rest briefly in the clinic or hospital before discharge. The surgeon provides detailed postoperative care instructions, including medication guidelines and follow-up schedules. The protective contact lens typically remains in place for about seven days, during which the corneal surface will heal naturally.

How is Recovery After PRK Eye Surgery in Turkey?

After spending some time in the clinic after the procedure, you will be released to go home. While the recovery period of PRK treatment tends to be longer than that of LASIK, if you heal well, you will achieve a permanent solution for all your eye problems.

Here’s what you can expect during the recovery period for a PRK eye surgery in Turkey:

• First few days: During the initial stage of healing, you may feel sore and blurry in your eyes, but these symptoms eventually subside. The bandage contact lens should be in place to protect the healing surface. 
• Day 4 to 7: Your epithelium should be fully healed during this time. After checking your progress and recovery, your doctor will most likely remove the contacts. 
• First few weeks: You will notice noticeable changes in your vision within the first few weeks of the treatment. It will improve gradually, becoming clearer, and you can resume your normal activities. 
• 1 to 3 months: During this period, your vision is supposed to sharpen and stabilise. However, for full recovery after PRK photorefractive keratectomy in Turkey, you may have to wait a few more months. 

Why Opt for PRK Eye Surgery in Turkey?

Turkey has emerged as one of the leading destinations for PRK Photorefractive Keratectomy, Turkish eye surgery, thanks to its strong healthcare infrastructure and commitment to medical excellence. Turkish healthcare combines advanced ophthalmic technologies with internationally accredited hospitals, ensuring that patients receive high-quality treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to that of Western countries.

On top of that, Turkey’s strategic position as a medical tourism hub makes it a preferred choice for patients from the UK, USA, Australia, and beyond. Here are some benefits of a PRK eye surgery in Turkey that you must know:

■ Affordable Pricing:

PRK eye surgery in Turkey costs considerably less than in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia. The cost difference is so high that patients can save up to 60 to 70% without compromising on quality.

■ World-Class Surgeons:

Many Turkish ophthalmic surgeons are internationally trained and actively participate in global medical forums. They remain updated with the latest healthcare techniques that offer high success rates in treatment procedures.

■ Luxury Medical Tourism Services:

Unlike the USA, UK, or Australia, where people are wait listed before treatment procedures, Turkey provides a holistic experience. International patients can benefit from travel assistance, accommodation packages, and multilingual support from Turkish healthcare.

■ State-of-the-Art Technology:

Turkey invests heavily in equipping hospitals with the latest laser systems and diagnostic tools, often on par with or newer than those in Western nations. Meanwhile, the UK and Australia still face delays in adopting newer procedures due to budgetary constraints.

■ Comprehensive Patient Care:

Turkish clinics situated in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir offer all-inclusive packages that cover pre-op evaluations, surgery, post-op care, and follow-up visits. This makes the treatment process smooth and stress-free for patients.