ReLEx SMILE Eye Surgery in Turkey

ReLEx SMILE is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure performed through a small corneal incision without creating a LASIK flap.

At LASIK Istanbul, patients undergo a detailed ophthalmological examination before treatment to evaluate their prescription, corneal shape, corneal thickness and overall eye health. This allows Dr. Alim HUSEYINOV to determine whether SMILE, Femto LASIK, PRK or another vision correction option may be more appropriate.

International patients can complete their examination, procedure and early follow-up during a short stay in Istanbul.

👁 What Is the Price of SMILE Surgery?

LASIK Surgery Package – €3,500

Our LASIK package includes everything you need for a smooth and comfortable treatment experience in Istanbul.

Package Includes

LASIK eye surgery
Pre-operative eye examination and consultation
All medications related to the procedure
2 nights hotel accommodation
Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Post-operative eye examination
Medical follow-up during your stay
English-speaking patient coordinator support

Package Price

€3,500 EUR

The package is designed to cover your treatment, accommodation, medications, and transportation during your stay in Istanbul.

🔍 What is ReLEx SMILE?

ReLEx SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a laser vision correction technique that uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin disc of corneal tissue, known as a lenticule, within the cornea.

The surgeon removes the lenticule through a small incision, changing the shape of the cornea and correcting the patient's refractive error. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap.

👁 What Is Femto LASIK?

Femto LASIK, also known as femtosecond LASIK, is a form of laser vision correction in which a femtosecond laser is used to create a thin corneal flap without a mechanical microkeratome blade.

After the flap is created, an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to the patient's refractive error. The flap is then repositioned, allowing the corneal surface to heal naturally.

Compared with traditional microkeratome LASIK, the femtosecond laser allows the surgeon greater control over flap dimensions and thickness. However, suitability and outcomes still depend on the patient's individual eye anatomy and clinical findings.

💡 ReLEx SMILE vs 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

The goal of ReLEx SMILE is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Visual outcomes vary according to the patient's prescription, eye anatomy and healing response, and a specific level of vision cannot be guaranteed before surgery.

🤔 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?

Neither procedure is universally better. ReLEx SMILE avoids the creation of a corneal flap, while Femto LASIK can treat a broader range of refractive errors in some patients. The most appropriate procedure depends on the patient's prescription, corneal measurements, eye health and lifestyle.

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?

Anesthetic eye drops are used before surgery, so most patients experience little or no pain during treatment. Mild pressure, watering, light sensitivity or temporary discomfort may occur afterward.

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?

The corneal correction created by SMILE is intended to provide long-term refractive correction. However, eyesight can still change over time because of ageing, changes in prescription or conditions such as presbyopia. Some patients may require glasses or additional treatment 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?

ReLEx SMILE may be suitable for adults with stable myopia and/or astigmatism who meet the required corneal and eye-health criteria.

Suitability cannot be determined from prescription alone. Corneal thickness, corneal shape, tear-film health, prescription stability and other clinical findings are evaluated during the pre-operative examination.