LASIK – SMILE Pro Laser Vision Correction

Laser Vision Correction in Turkey

Advanced Vision Correction with SMILE Pro, Femto LASIK, TransPRK & PRK

For millions of people around the world, glasses and contact lenses are an everyday necessity. Thanks to modern laser vision correction, many can now enjoy clear vision with little or no dependence on visual aids.

Turkey has become one of Europe’s leading destinations for laser eye surgery, attracting patients from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, North America and the Middle East. Patients are drawn not only by competitive prices, but also by experienced surgeons, advanced technology and comprehensive patient care.

At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital in İzmir, laser vision correction has been performed since 1992. Over the past three decades, our philosophy has remained unchanged: the best laser procedure is not the newest one—it is the one that is safest and most appropriate for your individual eyes.

Today, we offer the full spectrum of modern laser vision correction procedures, including:

• SMILE Pro
• Femto LASIK
• TransPRK (No-Touch Laser)
• PRK

Because every eye is unique, no single procedure is ideal for everyone. A thorough examination is the only way to determine which treatment offers the safest surgery and the best long-term visual outcome.

Why Choose Turkey for Laser Vision Correction?

Turkey has earned an international reputation for high-quality ophthalmic care. Every year, thousands of overseas patients travel here for laser eye surgery because they can access experienced surgeons, modern technology and personalised care at a cost that is often significantly lower than in many Western countries.

However, price should never be the primary reason for choosing a clinic.

When considering laser vision correction abroad, patients should also look for:

• An experienced refractive surgeon
• A comprehensive pre-operative examination
• Modern diagnostic technology
• Access to more than one laser procedure
• Honest advice if laser surgery is not suitable
• Structured postoperative follow-up
• Clear communication in English

Choosing the right surgeon is far more important than choosing the cheapest package.

Why Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?

Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital is one of Turkey’s dedicated ophthalmology hospitals, located in the coastal city of İzmir.

Unlike large multi-specialty hospitals, we focus exclusively on eye care.

Our international patients appreciate our personalised approach, where every treatment recommendation is based on detailed examination rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Our advantages include:

• More than 30 years of laser vision correction experience
• LASIK performed since 1992
• Latest-generation Zeiss laser technology
• SMILE Pro with VisuMax 800
• Advanced corneal imaging and diagnostics
• Professor-led examinations
• English-speaking international patient coordinators
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Individual treatment planning
• Comprehensive postoperative care

Our aim is simple:

Recommend the right procedure—not the most frequently performed one.

What Is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction is a group of procedures designed to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses by reshaping the cornea.

When the cornea does not focus light accurately onto the retina, vision becomes blurred.

Modern laser procedures precisely reshape the cornea so that incoming light focuses correctly, improving visual clarity.

Laser vision correction can treat:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)
• Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
• Astigmatism
• Mixed refractive errors

The exact procedure depends on your eye structure rather than your spectacle prescription alone.

One Name, Four Different Procedures

Many patients search online for LASIK surgery because it is the best-known laser procedure.

In reality, laser vision correction has evolved considerably over the past three decades.

Today, several different procedures are available, each with its own advantages and indications.

At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital we perform:

SMILE Pro

The latest generation of minimally invasive laser vision correction using the Zeiss VisuMax 800 platform.

Ideal for many patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism.

→ Learn more about SMILE Pro

Femto LASIK

One of the world’s most established laser procedures, combining a femtosecond laser with an excimer laser.

Suitable for treating myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

→ Learn more about Femto LASIK

TransPRK (No-Touch Laser)

A completely flap-free surface laser procedure where the laser performs the treatment without any surgical instrument touching the eye.

Often recommended for thinner corneas or selected occupations.

→ Learn more about TransPRK

PRK

The original surface laser treatment, still an excellent option for carefully selected patients.

Although recovery is slower than LASIK or SMILE Pro, long-term visual outcomes are excellent.

→ Learn more about PRK

Which Laser Procedure Is Best?

This is the question we hear most often.

The honest answer is:

There is no single “best” laser eye surgery.

The best procedure depends on:

• Your prescription
• Corneal thickness
• Corneal shape
• Corneal biomechanics
• Tear film quality
• Pupil size
• Occupation
• Sporting activities
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Future visual needs

For example:

A patient with moderate myopia may be an excellent SMILE Pro candidate.

Another patient with hyperopia may achieve better results with Femto LASIK.

Someone with thinner corneas may benefit from TransPRK.

Another patient may not be suitable for laser treatment at all and instead achieve a better outcome with EVO ICL.

This is why every recommendation begins with a comprehensive eye examination—not with choosing a particular laser machine.

Our Philosophy

Technology continues to evolve rapidly.

Newer does not automatically mean better for every patient.

Instead of asking:

“Which laser is the newest?”

We encourage patients to ask:

“Which procedure is safest for my eyes?”

That philosophy has guided our refractive surgery practice for more than thirty years.

Our goal is never to perform the same operation on every patient.

Our goal is to recommend the treatment that provides the best balance of safety, visual quality and long-term stability for each individual.

SMILE Pro – The Next Generation of Laser Vision Correction

SMILE Pro represents the latest evolution in laser vision correction and is one of the most significant advances in refractive surgery in recent years.

Developed by ZEISS, SMILE Pro builds on the success of the original SMILE procedure while introducing a faster laser platform, improved precision and a more comfortable patient experience.

Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE Pro reshapes the cornea without creating a large corneal flap. Instead, the laser creates a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) inside the cornea, which is removed through a very small incision.

Because only a small incision is required, more of the cornea’s natural structure remains intact.

Although this offers important advantages for many patients, it does not mean SMILE Pro is automatically the best choice for everyone. Selecting the right procedure always depends on a detailed eye examination.

What Makes SMILE Pro Different?

Traditional LASIK involves two laser systems:

• A femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap.
• An excimer laser to reshape the cornea.

SMILE Pro is different.

The entire refractive correction is created using a single femtosecond laser, without the need for an excimer laser and without creating a large corneal flap.

This makes the procedure:

• Less invasive
• Extremely precise
• Comfortable for patients
• Very fast

For many patients, the laser treatment itself takes only a few seconds.

ZEISS VisuMax 800 Technology

At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, SMILE Pro is performed using the ZEISS VisuMax 800, one of the newest femtosecond laser platforms available worldwide.

Compared with previous generations, the VisuMax 800 offers:

• Faster laser treatment
• Improved patient comfort
• Advanced eye tracking
• Precise centration
• Gentle corneal docking
• Highly reproducible results

The laser portion of the treatment is completed in approximately 8–10 seconds per eye, reducing the time the eye needs to remain still.

Although the treatment is remarkably fast, precision remains the priority. Every procedure is carefully planned using detailed corneal measurements and advanced diagnostic imaging.

Potential Advantages of SMILE Pro

For suitable candidates, SMILE Pro offers several potential benefits.

Small Incision

Instead of creating a large corneal flap, only a very small incision is required.

This preserves more of the cornea’s natural anatomy.

Better Preservation of Corneal Biomechanics

Because no large flap is created, more of the anterior corneal tissue remains intact.

For appropriately selected patients, this may help preserve the cornea’s natural biomechanical strength.

Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms in Some Patients

The cornea contains microscopic nerves that contribute to normal tear production.

Since SMILE Pro generally affects fewer of these nerves than flap-based procedures, many patients experience fewer dry-eye symptoms during recovery.

However, every eye is different. Patients with significant pre-existing dry eye still require careful assessment before any laser vision correction procedure.

Fast Recovery

Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within the first day.

Vision continues to sharpen over the following days and weeks as healing progresses.

Comfortable Procedure

The treatment is performed under anaesthetic eye drops.

Most patients describe the procedure as painless, experiencing only mild pressure for a few seconds.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is commonly recommended for patients with:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)
• Myopic astigmatism
• Healthy corneas
• Stable spectacle prescription
• Sufficient corneal thickness
• Realistic expectations

The final decision is always based on a comprehensive examination rather than spectacle prescription alone.

When Might Another Procedure Be Better?

Although SMILE Pro is an excellent option for many patients, it is not the ideal treatment for everyone.

For example:

Hyperopia

Patients with long-sightedness are generally better treated with Femto LASIK or other suitable procedures.

Thin or Irregular Corneas

Some patients may benefit more from TransPRK or PRK.

Very High Refractive Errors

Certain patients may achieve better long-term outcomes with EVO ICL, a lens-based procedure that does not remove corneal tissue.

Significant Ocular Surface Disease

Patients with severe dry eye, corneal disease or other eye conditions may require treatment of the underlying condition before considering laser vision correction.

SMILE Pro vs Femto LASIK

Patients often ask which procedure is better.

The answer depends on the individual eye.

SMILE Pro may offer advantages for many patients with myopia because of its minimally invasive approach and flap-free technique.

Femto LASIK, however, remains an outstanding procedure with decades of proven clinical success and continues to be the preferred option for many patients, particularly those with hyperopia or treatment patterns that require excimer laser customisation.

Neither procedure is universally superior.

Each has specific indications, advantages and limitations.

Our responsibility is to recommend the procedure that offers the safest and most predictable result for your eyes.

SMILE Pro vs TransPRK

Both procedures avoid creating a corneal flap.

The difference lies in the way the cornea is treated.

TransPRK reshapes the corneal surface using an excimer laser.

SMILE Pro creates and removes a lenticule from within the cornea through a small incision.

TransPRK may be recommended for certain corneal characteristics or occupations, while SMILE Pro often offers faster visual recovery and greater comfort for suitable candidates.

Is SMILE Pro Safer Than LASIK?

Rather than asking whether one procedure is “safer”, it is more appropriate to ask:

Which procedure is safer for your eyes?

For the right patient, both SMILE Pro and Femto LASIK have excellent safety profiles and outstanding long-term results.

The key to achieving those results is not simply choosing the newest technology—it is careful patient selection, meticulous pre-operative assessment and precise surgical planning.

Our Approach

At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, we do not believe in recommending the same procedure to every patient.

Some patients benefit most from SMILE Pro.

Others achieve better outcomes with Femto LASIK, TransPRK, PRK or EVO ICL.

During your consultation, we evaluate not only your prescription but also the health and structure of your eyes, your occupation, lifestyle and long-term visual needs.

Only then do we recommend the procedure we believe offers the best balance of safety, visual quality and long-term stability.

Quick Answer

Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?

SMILE Pro is the latest generation of laser vision correction and offers important advantages for many patients with myopia, including a flap-free technique, a small incision and rapid recovery. However, Femto LASIK remains an excellent option for many patients, especially those with hyperopia or treatment patterns requiring excimer laser customisation. The most suitable procedure depends on a comprehensive eye examination rather than on the technology alone.

Your Comprehensive Eye Examination

Every successful laser vision correction procedure begins with a thorough eye examination.

Many patients believe that their spectacle prescription alone determines whether they are suitable for laser eye surgery. In reality, this is only one small part of the assessment.

A comprehensive examination allows us to evaluate not only your vision but also the health, shape and structure of your eyes to determine the safest and most effective treatment.

During your consultation, we assess:

• Your current spectacle and contact lens prescription
• Corneal thickness (Pachymetry)
• Corneal topography and tomography
• Corneal biomechanics
• Wavefront analysis
• Tear film quality and dry eye assessment
• Pupil size under different lighting conditions
• Anterior chamber measurements
• Lens transparency
• Retinal examination after pupil dilation
• Intraocular pressure
• Overall ocular health

Advanced diagnostic equipment enables us to create a personalised treatment plan rather than applying the same procedure to every patient.

Sometimes the examination confirms that laser vision correction is the best option.

In other cases, we may recommend an alternative such as EVO ICL or simply advise against surgery if we believe it is not in your best interest.

Our philosophy is straightforward:

Not every patient who wants laser surgery should have laser surgery.

Patient safety always comes first.

Preparing for Your Consultation

To ensure the most accurate measurements, contact lenses should be discontinued before the examination.

General recommendations are:

• Soft contact lenses: approximately one week
• Rigid gas permeable lenses: several weeks (depending on wearing history)

If you have previously undergone LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery or any other eye procedure, please bring any available medical records.

This information helps us better understand your ocular history and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

Laser vision correction is performed as an outpatient procedure.

You do not need to stay overnight in hospital.

After confirming your treatment plan, anaesthetic eye drops are applied to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

Depending on the chosen technique, surgery generally takes only a few minutes per eye.

Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the experience is.

Following a short recovery period, you can usually return to your hotel on the same day.

Recovery After Laser Vision Correction

Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed.

SMILE Pro

Many patients notice improved vision within the first 24 hours.

Vision typically continues to sharpen over the following days.

Most daily activities can usually be resumed quickly, although individual healing times vary.

Femto LASIK

Visual recovery is generally rapid.

Many patients return to office work within one or two days.

Temporary dryness or mild fluctuations in vision are common during the early healing period.

TransPRK

Because the surface layer of the cornea needs time to regenerate, recovery is slower than with SMILE Pro or Femto LASIK.

Most patients experience several days of discomfort before vision gradually improves.

PRK

PRK has the longest recovery period among laser procedures.

Although visual recovery takes longer, long-term visual outcomes remain excellent in appropriately selected patients.

Postoperative Care

Successful surgery does not end in the operating room.

Careful postoperative follow-up is an important part of achieving excellent long-term results.

Patients receive detailed written instructions regarding:

• Eye drops
• Protective eye shields
• Eye hygiene
• Swimming and sports
• Computer use
• Driving
• Flying
• Makeup
• Follow-up appointments

Our international team remains available to answer questions after you return home.

Possible Risks and Complications

Every surgical procedure carries potential risks.

Fortunately, serious complications following modern laser vision correction are uncommon when patients are carefully selected.

Possible temporary side effects may include:

• Dry eye symptoms
• Glare
• Haloes around lights
• Light sensitivity
• Mild visual fluctuations

These symptoms usually improve as healing progresses.

Rare complications may require additional treatment or enhancement procedures.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the benefits, limitations and potential risks based on your individual eyes.

Professor Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu’s Perspective

“I have been performing laser vision correction since 1992.

During these years, I have witnessed the remarkable evolution of refractive surgery—from mechanical microkeratomes to femtosecond lasers, wavefront-guided treatments and today’s SMILE Pro technology.

Every innovation has made surgery safer and more precise.

However, one principle has never changed.

Technology alone does not determine success.

The most important decision is choosing the right procedure for the right patient.

Sometimes that means recommending SMILE Pro.

Sometimes Femto LASIK.

Sometimes TransPRK.

Occasionally, the safest recommendation is not to perform laser surgery at all.

My goal has never been to perform the newest procedure on every patient.

My goal has always been to recommend the treatment I would confidently choose for a member of my own family.”

— Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser vision correction permanent?

The correction itself is permanent. However, natural age-related changes in the eyes, such as presbyopia or cataracts, may still develop later in life.

Is the procedure painful?

No. Anaesthetic eye drops are used, and most patients experience only mild pressure during surgery.

How long does surgery take?

The laser treatment itself usually lasts only seconds. Including preparation, both eyes are generally treated within 20–30 minutes.

When can I drive?

Driving depends on your visual recovery and your surgeon’s advice. Many patients are able to drive within a few days, but this varies between individuals.

Can both eyes be treated on the same day?

Yes. In almost all cases, both eyes are treated during the same session.

Will I still need glasses?

Many patients achieve excellent vision without glasses for everyday activities.

However, reading glasses may still become necessary later in life because of natural ageing of the eye.

Am I too old for laser vision correction?

Age alone is not the deciding factor. The health of your eyes and the type of refractive error are more important than chronological age.

Can laser surgery treat cataracts?

No. Cataracts require lens replacement surgery rather than laser vision correction.

What if I am not suitable for laser surgery?

Alternative treatments such as EVO ICL or refractive lens exchange may be considered depending on your eyes.

Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?

Neither procedure is universally better. The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual eye characteristics.

Quick Answers

Is laser eye surgery safe?

Modern laser vision correction has an excellent safety profile when patients are carefully selected and surgery is performed by experienced refractive surgeons.

Which laser eye surgery is best?

There is no single best procedure. The most suitable treatment depends on your prescription, corneal measurements, tear film, lifestyle and long-term visual needs.

How long does laser eye surgery last?

The corneal reshaping is permanent, although natural ageing changes may still occur later in life.

Can laser eye surgery remove astigmatism?

Yes. Modern laser procedures can effectively treat many forms of astigmatism when patients are suitable candidates.

Is SMILE Pro better for dry eyes?

SMILE Pro may reduce postoperative dry-eye symptoms in some patients because fewer corneal nerves are affected. Individual results vary.

What is the recovery time after LASIK?

Most patients experience rapid visual recovery and resume many normal activities within one or two days.

Is TransPRK painful?

Some discomfort is expected during the first few days while the corneal surface heals.

Can I fly after laser eye surgery?

Most patients can travel shortly after surgery, although your surgeon will provide personalised advice.

Can I use a computer after laser surgery?

Yes. Frequent lubricating eye drops and regular breaks are recommended during the first few days.

How soon can I exercise?

Light walking is usually possible quickly, while swimming, contact sports and strenuous exercise should be postponed according to your surgeon’s instructions.

Will my eyesight change again?

The laser correction is stable, but natural ageing of the eye continues throughout life.

Can I have cataract surgery later?

Yes. Having laser vision correction does not prevent cataract surgery in the future.

Can I undergo SMILE after 40?

Many patients over 40 are suitable, although presbyopia and lens changes must also be considered.

Can both eyes be treated together?

Yes. Bilateral treatment on the same day is standard practice for most patients.

How do I know which procedure is right for me?

Only a comprehensive examination can determine whether SMILE Pro, Femto LASIK, TransPRK, PRK or EVO ICL is the most suitable option.