Ophthalmology
LASIK Eye Surgery abroad
Laser vision-correction surgery that reshapes the cornea to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
jiahungli / flickr · BY-SA- Global range
- $1,000–$6,000
- Clinics tracked
- 6
- Recovery
- 1–2 weeks
- Final results
- 1–4 weeks
Overview
LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina, correcting short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. It is a quick, well-established outpatient procedure with rapid recovery, and is sought abroad where high-volume centres offer it at lower prices.
Not everyone is a candidate — corneal thickness, prescription, and eye health determine suitability, and alternatives like SMILE or PRK may be more appropriate. Because the procedure is fast and the technology fairly standardised, the priorities are thorough candidacy screening and the quality of the assessment, not just the headline price.
Where to get it
Tracked destinations with cost ranges. Open a destination for clinics, surgeons and what to verify.
Techniques
Femto-LASIK
A femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap (bladeless), then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea.
SMILE
A flapless, minimally invasive technique removing a small lenticule through a tiny incision.
PRK / LASEK
Surface-based reshaping without a flap — suited to thinner corneas; slightly longer recovery.
The process
- 1Detailed eye exam and corneal mapping to confirm suitability
- 2Numbing drops applied (no general anaesthesia)
- 3Flap creation (LASIK) or surface preparation (PRK)
- 4Laser reshaping of the cornea — minutes per eye
- 5Brief rest; eye shields and drops for aftercare
Recovery timeline
Days 1–2
Blurred vision, light sensitivity and watering; vision improves quickly.
Week 1
Most daily activities resumed; drops used to prevent dryness.
Weeks 2–4
Vision stabilises; night-time halos (if any) settle.
Candidacy
- ✓Stable prescription for at least a year
- ✓Adequate corneal thickness and healthy eyes
- ✓Over 18 (ideally early 20s+)
- ✓Realistic expectations; not pregnant/nursing
What to ask
- ›Am I a suitable candidate, and how was that assessed?
- ›Which technique do you recommend for my eyes and why?
- ›What are your outcome and re-treatment statistics?
- ›What aftercare and follow-up do you provide, including back home?
Risks
- Dry eyes (often temporary)
- Glare or halos at night
- Under- or over-correction
- Flap complications (LASIK)
- Rarely, infection
LASIK Eye Surgery abroad: frequently asked questions
Where is the best country to get LASIK eye surgery?
No single country is "best" for lasik eye surgery — it depends on the clinic, not the border. The most-travelled-for destinations we cover are Turkey; compare them on cost and the MedTraveling Transparency Index instead of picking by reputation.
How much does LASIK cost abroad?
Abroad, lasik eye surgery typically runs $1,000–$6,000 depending on the country and clinic, roughly 20% below a typical US private price of about $4,400. We track live published prices by destination — open the cost guide for Turkey to see clinic-by-clinic figures rather than a single average.
Is LASIK permanent?
The corneal reshaping is permanent, though age-related vision changes (like presbyopia) can still occur later and aren't prevented by LASIK.
Does it hurt?
Numbing drops mean the procedure itself is painless; mild irritation, watering and light sensitivity are common for a day or two afterward.
LASIK or SMILE?
SMILE is flapless and may cause less dry eye, suiting some patients; LASIK corrects a wider range of prescriptions. Candidacy testing determines the best option.