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ReLEx SMILE: The Most Advanced Flapless Laser Eye Surgery

Get Crystal-Clear Vision in Istanbul — Safer, Smarter, and More Affordable

Are you ready to say goodbye to glasses or contact lenses?
Meet ReLEx SMILE — the most minimally invasive, flapless vision correction surgery in the world. And the best part? You can have this cutting-edge eye surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, at Lasik Istanbul, for less than half the cost you'd pay in the UK or USA.

🔍 What is ReLEx SMILE?

ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a revolutionary third-generation laser eye surgery technique.


Unlike traditional LASIK or Femto-LASIK, which involve creating a flap in the cornea, SMILE is 100% flapless.

Using only a high-speed femtosecond laser, a small disc-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) is created and removed through a tiny 2–4 mm incision. This reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision — without cutting a flap.

✅ *Less invasive


✅ *Faster recovery


✅ *Lower risk of dry eyes


✅ *No flap complications


✅ Better long-term stability

💡 Why SMILE is Superior to LASIK and Femto-LASIK

FeatureTraditional                                     LASIK                             Femto-LASIK                 ReLEx SMILE

Flap                                                           Mechanical blade           Laser flap                       No flap at all

Invasiveness                                             Moderate                         Low                               Ultra-low

Risk of dry eye                                          Moderate                        Lower                             Lowest

Corneal strength after surgery                  Reduced                         Good                             Best

Suitable for athletes/contact sports          ❌ Risky                        ⚠️ Caution                   ✅ Ideal

With Femtosecond Laser Surgery, the margin for error is nearly eliminated. Patients often report sharper vision, less discomfort, and quicker recovery — often returning to work or travel within 24 to 48 hours.

🌍 Why Choose ReLEx SMILE at Lasik Istanbul?

Patients from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, and the Middle East are traveling to Lasik Istanbul every week for SMILE surgery. Here’s why:

  • Highly experienced surgeons trained in ReLEx SMILE

  • State-of-the-art femtosecond laser machines (Zeiss VisuMax)

  • Hospital-grade sterile operating rooms

  • English-speaking medical staff and full concierge service

  • Personalized care for international patients

  • ✅ Save up to 50% compared to LASIK clinics in the USA or UK

💵 ReLEx SMILE in the UK or USA: $7,000 – $10,000
💵 ReLEx SMILE at Lasik Istanbul: Under $3,500

✈️ Fly to Istanbul for Vision Perfection — A Premium Experience at a Smart Price

Enjoy the comfort of world-class treatment while experiencing the magic of Istanbul.

You’ll return home with:

  • 20/20 vision or better

  • No glasses or lenses

  • A smile in your eyes — and your wallet

🤔 Is ReLEx SMILE Right for You?

SMILE is perfect for:

  • Patients with myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism

  • People with active lifestyles or who play contact sports

  • Anyone concerned about dry eyes or flap risks

  • International travelers looking for affordable, top-tier care

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About ReLEx SMILE Surgery at Lasik Istanbul

1. What exactly is ReLEx SMILE?
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless laser eye surgery. It uses a femtosecond laser to create and remove a tiny lenticule inside the cornea through a small 2–4mm incision — no blade, no flap, and less trauma to the eye.

2. What eye conditions can ReLEx SMILE treat?
SMILE is most effective for:

Myopia (nearsightedness) up to -10.00 diopters

Astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters

It is not suitable for hyperopia (farsightedness) yet.

3. Is SMILE better than LASIK or Femto-LASIK?
Yes — for the right patient.
SMILE has several advantages:

No corneal flap

Lower risk of dry eyes

Faster healing with less discomfort

Ideal for athletes and active lifestyles

4. How long does the ReLEx SMILE procedure take?
The surgery itself takes around 10 minutes per eye, and the laser portion lasts less than 30 seconds. Most patients are in and out of the clinic within an hour.

5. Is the procedure painful?
No. The eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops, so there is no pain. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure, but most patients say it’s very comfortable.

6. How soon can I see clearly after SMILE?
Most patients notice an improvement in vision within a few hours, with functional vision returning by the next day. Full visual clarity typically stabilizes in a few days to a week.

7. Is there any downtime?
Recovery is quick. You can resume light activities the next day and return to work in 2–3 days. No stitches, no bandages, and minimal restrictions.

8. Are the results permanent?
Yes, the vision correction is permanent — provided your eye prescription was stable before surgery. Rare cases may need a small enhancement later in life.

9. What are the risks or side effects?
ReLEx SMILE is one of the safest laser vision correction procedures. Minor side effects may include:

Slight dryness (less than LASIK)

Temporary light sensitivity or halos at night Serious complications are extremely rare.

10. How much does ReLEx SMILE cost in Istanbul vs the UK or USA?
At Lasik Istanbul, SMILE surgery is offered for under $3,500, including pre-op, surgery, and aftercare.
In the UK or USA, the same procedure costs $7,000–$10,000 for both eyes.

11. Is it safe to travel after surgery?
Yes. Most of our international patients fly home within 3–5 days after surgery. We schedule a post-op check before your flight to ensure everything is healing well.

12. Am I a good candidate for SMILE?
If you’re between 18–45, have stable vision, and suffer from myopia or astigmatism, you may be an ideal candidate. Our team will confirm your eligibility during your free online consultation.

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