Laser eye surgery is a modern and effective surgical method applied to eliminate refractive errors in the eye (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism). Today, this treatment can be performed with different techniques such as PRK, No-Touch, iLASIK, and SMILE, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, although it has a high success rate, it does not guarantee a lifelong, permanent solution for every patient.

Purpose of Laser Eye Surgery

The main purpose of this treatment is to reshape the corneal layer to ensure clear vision. It greatly improves the quality of life, especially for patients who are uncomfortable using glasses or lenses. After a successful procedure, patients can continue their daily lives much more comfortably.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Laser eye surgery is usually performed on patients who

• Are over 18 years old
• Have had a stable prescription for at least one year
• Have a suitable corneal structure
• Do not have other eye diseases
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

Success Rates and Permanence

Studies show that the success rate of laser eye surgery is over 90%. The majority of patients achieve less than 0.5 diopters of refractive error after surgery. However, laser eye surgery does not guarantee an eye structure that will remain unchanged for life. The aging process can lead to new refractive errors. In particular, presbyopia (difficulty with near vision) developing after the age of 40 cannot be prevented by laser treatment.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks in laser eye surgery, including:

• Temporary dryness
• Glare or halos in night vision
• Rare risk of infection
• Low possibility of undercorrection or overcorrection

These risks are generally minimized with experienced surgeons and modern devices.

Does Vision Deteriorate After Laser Treatment?

One of the most common concerns among patients is whether their prescription will increase again after laser treatment. In most cases, vision remains stable, but:

• Patients operated on at a young age with high prescriptions
• Those with weak eye structures
• Patients with systemic conditions such as diabetes

may experience an increase in prescription again.

Laser eye surgery is a highly successful procedure in suitable patients and significantly improves quality of life. However, it should not be considered a “definitive and lifelong unchanging” solution. The natural aging process, eye structure, and environmental factors can affect long-term visual quality. Therefore, a detailed eye examination and proper management of patient expectations before treatment are very important.