Femto LASIK in Turkey: A Proven and Precise Laser Vision Correction Procedure
Quick Answer
Femto LASIK is one of the world’s most established laser vision correction procedures. By combining a femtosecond laser with an excimer laser, it can accurately correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. It offers rapid visual recovery, excellent long-term outcomes and remains the preferred option for many patients—even in the era of SMILE Pro.
What Is Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK is an advanced form of LASIK surgery that uses two highly precise laser systems to reshape the cornea and improve vision.
Unlike older LASIK techniques that used a mechanical blade (microkeratome) to create the corneal flap, Femto LASIK creates the flap with a femtosecond laser. This bladeless approach improves precision, consistency and safety.
After the flap is gently lifted, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea according to your unique prescription. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without stitches.
Because of its accuracy and predictable outcomes, Femto LASIK has become one of the most widely performed refractive procedures worldwide.
How Does Femto LASIK Work?
Vision problems occur when light entering the eye is not focused correctly onto the retina.
Femto LASIK changes the shape of the cornea so that light is focused accurately, producing clearer vision.
The procedure involves two steps:
- Femtosecond laser: Creates an ultra-thin, precisely measured corneal flap.
- Excimer laser: Reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the refractive error.
The flap is then repositioned, allowing the eye to heal naturally.
Which Vision Problems Can Femto LASIK Treat?
Femto LASIK is suitable for many patients with:
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Mixed refractive errors
One of the major advantages of Femto LASIK is its versatility. While SMILE Pro is currently designed mainly for myopia and myopic astigmatism, Femto LASIK can effectively treat a broader range of prescriptions, making it the preferred choice for many patients with hyperopia.
Why Is Femto LASIK Still One of the Best Options?
With the introduction of newer procedures such as SMILE Pro, some patients assume that Femto LASIK has become outdated.
This is not the case.
Femto LASIK continues to be one of the most reliable and predictable laser vision correction procedures available.
Its strengths include:
- Decades of clinical experience
- Excellent long-term results
- High precision
- Fast recovery
- Ability to treat a wide range of refractive errors
- Compatibility with customised excimer laser treatments
For many eyes, Femto LASIK remains the best procedure—not because it is older, but because it is the most appropriate.
Advantages of Femto LASIK
Proven Long-Term Results
Millions of Femto LASIK procedures have been performed worldwide, providing extensive clinical evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness.
Excellent Visual Accuracy
The excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue with extraordinary precision, helping achieve highly predictable visual outcomes.
Broad Range of Treatment
Femto LASIK can correct:
- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Mixed refractive errors
This flexibility makes it suitable for patients who may not be candidates for SMILE Pro.
Rapid Recovery
Many patients notice a significant improvement in vision within hours of surgery.
Most return to office work and everyday activities within one or two days.
Comfortable Procedure
The surgery is performed under anaesthetic eye drops.
Patients generally experience little or no pain during treatment.
Highly Customisable
Femto LASIK can be combined with advanced excimer laser technologies, including wavefront-guided and topography-guided treatments in selected patients, allowing a personalised approach to vision correction.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Femto LASIK may be suitable if you:
- Are over 18 years of age
- Have a stable prescription
- Have healthy corneas
- Have sufficient corneal thickness
- Have myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
- Have realistic expectations
A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine suitability.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
Femto LASIK may not be recommended if you have:
- Progressive keratoconus
- Very thin corneas
- Certain corneal scars
- Significant dry eye disease
- Active eye infections
- Advanced cataracts
- Unstable refractive error
In such cases, SMILE Pro, TransPRK, EVO ICL or lens replacement surgery may be more appropriate.
Femto LASIK vs SMILE Pro
This is one of the most common questions we receive.
The answer depends entirely on your eyes.
SMILE Pro offers a minimally invasive flap-free approach and may be an excellent option for many patients with myopia.
Femto LASIK, however, remains the preferred choice for:
- Hyperopia
- Mixed refractive errors
- Certain forms of astigmatism
- Patients who may benefit from customised excimer laser treatments
Neither procedure is universally superior.
The best procedure is the one that matches your eye anatomy and visual needs.
Femto LASIK vs PRK
PRK and TransPRK reshape the corneal surface without creating a flap.
Femto LASIK involves flap creation but generally provides:
- Faster visual recovery
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Earlier return to normal activities
PRK remains an excellent option for selected patients, particularly when surface treatment is preferred.
What Happens During Surgery?
The procedure is performed as day surgery.
After anaesthetic eye drops are applied:
- The femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap.
- The flap is gently lifted.
- The excimer laser reshapes the cornea.
- The flap is repositioned.
- The process is repeated for the second eye.
Most patients spend approximately 20–30 minutes in the treatment room.
Recovery After Femto LASIK
Recovery is usually rapid.
Most patients:
- Notice clearer vision within hours
- Return to office work within one or two days
- Experience only mild discomfort
- Continue using prescribed eye drops for several weeks
Vision may fluctuate slightly during the early healing period before stabilising.
Is Femto LASIK Permanent?
The corneal reshaping performed during Femto LASIK is permanent.
However, natural ageing changes such as presbyopia and cataracts may still occur later in life.
This does not mean the procedure has failed—it simply reflects the normal ageing process of the eye.
Why Choose Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?
Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu has been performing LASIK surgery since 1992, witnessing the evolution from early laser systems to today’s advanced femtosecond technologies.
Every patient undergoes a detailed assessment before treatment.
Rather than recommending the same procedure for everyone, we select the option that provides the safest, most predictable and most stable long-term result.
Our refractive surgery service includes:
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Advanced corneal imaging
- Professor-led assessment
- Personalised treatment planning
- English-speaking patient coordinators
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Professor’s Perspective
“When LASIK was first introduced, it transformed refractive surgery. The introduction of femtosecond laser technology made the procedure even safer and more precise. Today, despite the popularity of newer techniques such as SMILE Pro, Femto LASIK remains one of the finest procedures we perform. In many patients—particularly those with hyperopia—it continues to provide the best visual outcome. Choosing the correct procedure is far more important than choosing the newest one.”
— Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Femto LASIK painful?
No. Anaesthetic eye drops make the procedure comfortable, and most patients feel only slight pressure.
How long does Femto LASIK take?
Both eyes are usually treated within 20–30 minutes.
Is Femto LASIK better than SMILE Pro?
Not necessarily. The best procedure depends on your prescription, corneal structure and individual eye characteristics.
How soon can I return to work?
Many patients return to office work within one or two days.
Can Femto LASIK treat hyperopia?
Yes. Femto LASIK is one of the most effective laser procedures for many patients with hyperopia.
Can I have cataract surgery later?
Yes. Previous Femto LASIK does not prevent cataract surgery in the future.
Quick Answers (Atomic Blocks)
What is Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK is a bladeless laser vision correction procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap and an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
Is Femto LASIK safe?
Femto LASIK has an excellent safety profile when performed on carefully selected patients by experienced refractive surgeons.
Is Femto LASIK permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping is permanent, although normal age-related eye changes continue throughout life.
Can Femto LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes. Femto LASIK can effectively treat many forms of astigmatism.
Can Femto LASIK treat long-sightedness?
Yes. It remains one of the leading laser procedures for correcting hyperopia.
How long is recovery?
Most patients experience rapid visual recovery and resume normal daily activities within one or two days.
Does Femto LASIK cause dry eyes?
Temporary dry-eye symptoms can occur after surgery. They usually improve with healing and lubricating eye drops.
Can I drive after Femto LASIK?
Driving is possible once your vision meets legal requirements and your surgeon confirms it is safe.
Related Articles
- Laser Vision Correction in Turkey
- SMILE Pro in Turkey
- TransPRK (No-Touch Laser)
- PRK Eye Surgery
- EVO ICL in Turkey
- SMILE Pro vs Femto LASIK
- Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Best?
- Am I a Candidate for Laser Vision Correction?