TransPRK (No-Touch Laser) in Turkey: Flap-Free Laser Vision Correction
Quick Answer
TransPRK (also known as No-Touch Laser) is a surface laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea without creating a corneal flap and without surgical instruments touching the eye. Using a modern excimer laser, the treatment is performed in a single step, making it an excellent option for selected patients with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Although recovery is slower than SMILE Pro or Femto LASIK, TransPRK remains one of the safest and most effective procedures for carefully chosen candidates.
What Is TransPRK?
TransPRK stands for Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy.
It is one of the newest developments in surface laser vision correction.
Unlike traditional PRK, where the surgeon manually removes the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium), TransPRK removes this layer using the excimer laser itself before reshaping the cornea.
Because the entire treatment is performed by the laser, there is:
- No corneal flap
- No blade
- No alcohol used to loosen the epithelium
- No surgical instrument touching the corneal surface
For this reason, TransPRK is often called No-Touch Laser Eye Surgery.
How Does TransPRK Work?
The cornea consists of several layers.
The outermost layer, called the epithelium, naturally regenerates.
During TransPRK, the excimer laser first removes this thin epithelial layer and then immediately reshapes the underlying cornea according to your prescription.
A soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface while the epithelium heals over the following days.
Because no flap is created, more of the cornea’s natural structure is preserved.
What Can TransPRK Treat?
TransPRK can correct:
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Mixed refractive errors
Not every prescription is suitable, and the final decision depends on a comprehensive eye examination.
Why Choose TransPRK?
Many patients are attracted to procedures such as SMILE Pro or Femto LASIK because of their rapid recovery.
However, speed of recovery is only one consideration.
For some patients, TransPRK may be the safer or more appropriate choice.
The goal is never to choose the newest procedure—it is to choose the procedure that best suits your eyes.
Advantages of TransPRK
Completely Flap-Free
Unlike Femto LASIK, no corneal flap is created.
This eliminates flap-related complications and preserves the natural anatomy of the anterior cornea.
No Surgical Instrument Touches the Cornea
The laser performs the entire treatment in a single, computer-controlled sequence.
This “no-touch” approach is one of the defining characteristics of the procedure.
Preserves Corneal Structure
Because no flap is created, more anterior corneal tissue remains intact.
For selected patients, this can be an important advantage.
Suitable for Selected Thin Corneas
Some patients with relatively thin corneas who are unsuitable for Femto LASIK may be candidates for TransPRK.
Suitability depends on detailed corneal measurements rather than thickness alone.
Excellent Long-Term Results
Although visual recovery is slower than with flap-based procedures, long-term visual outcomes are excellent in appropriately selected patients.
Ideal for Certain Occupations
Because there is no flap, TransPRK may be preferred for people whose professions or activities involve a higher risk of eye trauma, such as military personnel, police officers or contact sports participants.
The choice should always be individualised.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be suitable if you:
- Have myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
- Have healthy eyes
- Have a stable prescription
- Prefer a flap-free procedure
- Have corneal characteristics that favour surface treatment
- Understand that recovery takes longer than with SMILE Pro or Femto LASIK
Only a detailed examination can determine whether TransPRK is the right option.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
TransPRK may not be recommended if you have:
- Progressive keratoconus
- Active eye infection
- Significant corneal scarring
- Uncontrolled dry eye disease
- Unstable refractive error
- Certain autoimmune disorders affecting healing
Alternative treatments such as SMILE Pro, Femto LASIK or EVO ICL may be more appropriate.
TransPRK vs PRK
Both procedures reshape the corneal surface.
The main difference is how the epithelium is removed.
Traditional PRK
The surgeon removes the epithelium mechanically or with alcohol before the laser treatment.
TransPRK
The laser removes the epithelium and performs the refractive correction in one continuous treatment.
Both procedures produce excellent long-term visual outcomes.
TransPRK vs Femto LASIK
Both procedures have excellent safety profiles.
Femto LASIK generally offers:
- Faster recovery
- Less discomfort
- Earlier return to work
TransPRK offers:
- No flap
- No flap-related complications
- Preservation of more anterior corneal tissue
- An excellent option for selected corneal characteristics
Neither procedure is universally better.
The choice depends on your eyes.
TransPRK vs SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro and TransPRK are both flap-free procedures.
However, they work differently.
SMILE Pro reshapes the cornea by removing a lenticule from within the cornea through a small incision.
TransPRK reshapes the corneal surface using an excimer laser.
SMILE Pro generally offers:
- Faster visual recovery
- Less postoperative discomfort
TransPRK may be preferred for selected patients based on corneal anatomy, prescription or occupational requirements.
What Happens During Surgery?
After anaesthetic eye drops are applied:
- The eye is positioned under the excimer laser.
- The laser removes the epithelial layer.
- The laser reshapes the cornea.
- A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye.
The same process is then repeated for the second eye.
The procedure is performed as day surgery.
Recovery After TransPRK
Recovery is slower than with SMILE Pro or Femto LASIK.
Most patients experience:
- Light sensitivity
- Watering
- Foreign body sensation
- Mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days
The bandage contact lens is usually removed after several days once the epithelium has healed.
Vision gradually improves over the following weeks.
Although recovery requires more patience, long-term visual results are excellent.
Is TransPRK Permanent?
Yes.
The reshaping of the cornea is permanent.
However, natural ageing changes such as presbyopia and cataracts may still occur later in life.
Why Choose Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?
Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu has more than three decades of experience in refractive surgery.
Rather than recommending the same procedure for every patient, we carefully evaluate:
- Corneal thickness
- Corneal topography
- Tear film quality
- Prescription
- Occupation
- Lifestyle
- Long-term visual expectations
Only then do we recommend the treatment that offers the safest and most predictable outcome.
Professor’s Perspective
“Many patients assume that the fastest recovery automatically means the best procedure. In reality, every laser technique has its strengths. TransPRK continues to be an excellent option for selected patients, particularly when preserving corneal anatomy or avoiding a flap is an important consideration. My recommendation is always based on the individual eye rather than on the popularity of a particular procedure.”
— Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TransPRK painful?
Some discomfort is expected during the first few days while the corneal surface heals. This is temporary and controlled with medication and protective contact lenses.
Is TransPRK the same as PRK?
Both are surface laser procedures. In TransPRK, the laser removes the epithelium, whereas traditional PRK removes it mechanically or with alcohol before laser treatment.
Is TransPRK safer than LASIK?
Both procedures are very safe when performed on suitable candidates. The best option depends on your individual eye characteristics.
How long does recovery take?
Initial healing usually takes several days, while vision continues to improve over the following weeks.
Can TransPRK treat astigmatism?
Yes. It can effectively correct many cases of astigmatism in suitable patients.
Can I have cataract surgery later?
Yes. Previous TransPRK does not prevent cataract surgery in the future.
Quick Answers (Atomic Blocks)
What is No-Touch Laser Eye Surgery?
No-Touch Laser is another name for TransPRK, a flap-free laser vision correction procedure in which the laser performs the entire treatment without surgical instruments touching the cornea.
Is TransPRK permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping is permanent, although normal age-related eye changes continue throughout life.
Does TransPRK create a flap?
No. One of its main advantages is that no corneal flap is created.
Is recovery slower than LASIK?
Yes. Recovery is generally slower than Femto LASIK or SMILE Pro because the corneal surface must heal.
Can patients with thin corneas have TransPRK?
Some patients with relatively thin corneas may be suitable, but this depends on a detailed examination rather than corneal thickness alone.
Can TransPRK treat long-sightedness?
Yes. Selected patients with hyperopia may be suitable for TransPRK, although Femto LASIK is often preferred depending on the prescription.
Is TransPRK suitable for athletes?
Because there is no corneal flap, TransPRK may be an excellent option for many active individuals and contact sports participants.
Is TransPRK worth it?
For the right patient, TransPRK provides excellent long-term vision with a flap-free approach. The longer recovery period is balanced by its specific advantages in carefully selected cases.
Related Articles
- Laser Vision Correction in Turkey
- SMILE Pro in Turkey
- Femto LASIK in Turkey
- PRK Eye Surgery
- EVO ICL in Turkey
- TransPRK vs LASIK
- SMILE Pro vs TransPRK
- Am I a Candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
