An Overview of Oculoplastic and Vision Correction Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery Information

What is Laser Eye Surgery (Eye Correction Surgery)?

Laser Eye Surgery, also known as “Eye Correction Surgery” among the public, is aimed at solving vision problems such as general applications myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related near vision problems).

Due to the reasons mentioned above and many other different reasons that can be applied, Laser Eye Surgery is performed after various examination procedures with doctor’s recommendation. Here, some points to be considered include the patient’s corneal thickness and suitability of the shape for treatment. In addition, the patient’s age, health history, and vision defect number are also important factors in determining whether Eye Laser Surgery is suitable.

Laser is a very powerful type of light. It is used for different purposes such as approaching, cutting, evaporating in daily life in many areas. The light used for the operation generally creates a cutting and dividing situation. During the procedure, the patient is required to focus on a certain point and look at a specific area outside the cornea to perform the eye correction operation by sending laser light to the cornea.

Who Can Have Laser Eye Surgery?

• Age 18 and above: It can be performed on adults. Since vision development has not been completed until this age, the growth potential of the eye numbers is still an issue. For this reason, people under 18 are not suitable for surgery.
• Suitable for patients with appropriate corneal thickness: Different from LASIK and iLASIK laser applications, no touch laser application can also be applied to patients with thin corneal structure.
• Suitable for people who have had previous cataract surgery: People who have had cataract surgery previously and have retinal damage can also have suitable preliminary conditions provided.
• Can be performed on patients with excessively high astigmatism and hypermetropia: It can also be applied to patients with high numbered myopia.
• Can be applied to patients with various scars and spots on the corneal layer.

How is Laser Eye Surgery Performed?

The “eye correction” known as No touch laser, and different applications for LASIK and iLASIK, generally proceed as follows together with the general procedure:

• The patient goes to the area where the operation will be performed and lies down on the laser bed.
• One eye is kept open in a way that will remain open and the patient’s eye area is covered with a sterile cover.
• The eye is numbed with drop anesthesia. The patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.
• Sedatives can be given to the patient to prevent excitement during the procedure.
• The area around the eye that has been numbed with drops is cleaned well.
• The application can be performed on both eyes on the same day.
• Eye patches are placed to keep the eyes closed during the operation, and thus the operation begins.

In Which Cases is Eye Laser Performed?

Eye laser treatment is generally applied in the following cases:

• Myopia, Hypermetropia and Astigmatism: For people who have difficulty using glasses or lenses, laser corrects refractive errors.
• Stable Eye Number: It is suitable for people whose eye number has not changed in the last 1 year.
• Sufficient Corneal Thickness: The cornea must have sufficient thickness for the laser procedure.
• Healthy Eyes: Conditions such as retinal disease, eye hypertension or keratoconus should not be present.

Are There Risks in Laser Eye Correction Surgery?

Laser Eye Correction Surgery is a method that has been successfully applied millions of times worldwide in the treatment of myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism, proven with scientific research and technological developments. The risk of serious complications is quite low thanks to modern devices and advanced surgical techniques. Procedures approved by institutions such as the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are performed using established procedures. With proper patient selection and suitability assessment by an experienced doctor, eye laser offers a safe solution.

Age Limits for Eye Correction Surgery

Yes, there is an age limit for eye laser surgery!

• Generally cannot be performed under 18: Eye number stabilization is required.
• Most ideal period is 18-40 years.
• After 40, presbyopia (near vision disorder) may begin: Alternative treatments may be recommended.
• After 50, different methods may be considered due to cataract risk.

Consult your eye doctor to learn whether you are suitable for surgery!

Eye Correction Surgery Requirements

• Must be 18 years old.
• Eye number must not have changed in the last 1-2 years.
• Corneal thickness must be sufficient.
• No serious eye diseases (keratoconus, eye hypertension, etc.).
• Be under control of diseases affecting healing such as diabetes.
• Not being pregnant or breastfeeding (not recommended due to hormonal changes).

A detailed eye examination is essential to learn whether your eye structure is suitable!

What is Excimer Laser?

Excimer Laser is a highly sensitive, high-energy and extremely precise laser type used especially in eye health. It is most commonly used for correcting vision defects such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.

Eye Defects Treated with Excimer Laser

1. Myopia (Distance vision problems)
2. Hypermetropia (Near vision problems)
3. Astigmatism (Blurred vision, focusing problems)

Excimer Laser Types

1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Applied by removing the epithelial layer on the corneal surface.
2. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A thin flap is opened on the cornea and laser is applied, then the flap is repositioned.
3. LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): A combined method of PRK and LASIK techniques.
4. TransPRK (No-Touch Laser): Applied without touching the eye surface, one of the newest techniques.

Advantages

• Can eliminate the need for glasses and lenses.
• Fast and painless procedure, generally takes 15-20 minutes.
• Does not harm the natural structure of the eye.

No Touch Laser (TransPRK)

No Touch Laser can be applied to patients with distance and near vision problems. The procedure started with anesthetic drops applied to the eye takes between 50 seconds and 1 minute. No contact with the eye is made during the procedure. In addition, it can be applied to patients who have had previous cataract surgery and people with retinal damage, and those with suitable conditions. Finally, the no touch procedure can also be applied to patients with thin and sharp corneas. The no touch laser procedure is done completely contactless, so it does not carry the surgical quality. That is, it is not a surgical application like cataract surgery.

LASIK

Lasik method is a highly reliable method that has been applied for years. It starts with the numbing of the eye surface with anesthetic drops. In this way, the patient does not feel anything during the surgery. Then, a tool called microkeratome is used to remove a thin layer from the cornea. This is called corneal flap formation. The corneal flap is moved away by folding back the true layers where the laser will be applied. The removed part is sent excimer laser beams under the tissue. The LASIK method is a suitable method for eliminating myopia and hypermetropia problems. The patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Vision begins to improve within 3-5 days.

iLASIK (Intralase LASIK)

iLASIK method is performed using wavefront technology and intralase, i.e., bladeless method. It is used in the preparation of corneal maps for people with vision defects such as myopia, astigmatism, hypermetropia, and also benefits from this method in keratoconus treatment and keratoplasty applications. With the help of a computer system required for LASIK, it is performed with controlled femtosecond laser lights. iLASIK method with wavefront technology makes it possible to remove the corneal map of patients. In this way, personalized treatment can be applied to individuals.

Laser treatments used for correcting vision problems are applied for eye dryness, glaucoma, retinal vascular problems. These are generally performed in the hospital environment and under outpatient treatment. Since they are not surgical in nature, they are considered in the treatment quality.

Smart Lens & Cataract Surgery

Smart lenses are intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery or the treatment of eye defects. They come in various types, such as monofocal, multifocal, and trifocal. These lenses can correct both near and distance vision problems and reduce the need for glasses. They are particularly implanted during cataract surgery to replace the natural lens. Smart lenses enhance vision quality, improving comfort in daily life. However, they may not be suitable for every patient, and a detailed eye examination is required beforehand. The decision for treatment should be made by an ophthalmologist based on the patient’s lifestyle and needs.

What is a Smart Lens?

A smart lens refers to advanced lens technologies that use innovative techniques to enhance or correct vision quality. There are two main types:

1. Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) – Used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens, providing clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
2. Smart contact lenses – Equipped with microelectronics and sensors for health monitoring or augmented reality (AR) applications. While IOLs address conditions like presbyopia and cataracts, AR lenses can overlay digital information in the user’s field of view and collect biometric data.

Smart lenses are implanted through an intraocular surgical procedure, similar to cataract surgery, lasting 15-30 minutes. After removing the eye’s natural lens, the smart lens is placed based on the patient’s needs. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and patients are typically discharged the same day, resuming normal life after a short recovery. Unlike regular glasses or contact lenses, smart lenses are permanently implanted.

Smart lenses are high-tech solutions for cataracts, presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. Multifocal IOLs provide sharp vision at all distances, while other smart lenses correct refractive errors effectively.

How Much Do Smart Lenses Cost?

The cost of smart lenses depends on the type of lens, brand, and whether one or both eyes are treated. An exact price can only be determined after a detailed examination and the doctor’s recommendations.

Types of Smart Lenses

Smart lenses come in different types:

1. Monofocal Lenses
   • Designed for a single focal distance (either near or far).
   • Commonly used in cataract surgery but may still require glasses for other distances.
   • A budget-friendly option for those who don’t need multifocal correction.
2. Multifocal Lenses
   • Provide clear vision at both near and far distances.
   • Ideal for patients who want to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
   • Useful for daily activities like reading and driving.
3. Trifocal Lenses
   • An advanced version of multifocal lenses, offering near, intermediate, and distance vision.
   • Beneficial for computer work and desk jobs, ensuring smooth transitions between distances.
4. EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) Lenses
   • Offer a continuous range of vision without distinct focal points.
   • Provide a more natural vision experience, ideal for those who prioritize seamless focus.
5. Toric Lenses
   • Specifically designed to correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.
   • Can be combined with other smart lenses to treat both astigmatism and cataracts simultaneously.

What Are Smart Lenses Used For?

Smart lenses are high-tech implants used to correct vision problems and eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. They address:

• Cataracts, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• Provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
• Enhance quality of life for both daily and professional activities.

Additional Applications of Smart Lenses:

• Correcting vision disorders.
• Diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases (e.g., measuring intraocular pressure for glaucoma).
• Supporting virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
• Enabling eye-tracking for computer/device control.
• Monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes (measuring glucose levels in tears).
• Providing real-time translation, information display, or navigation.
• Automatically adjusting to light conditions for better comfort.
• Assisting in security/military applications (data transmission, targeting).
• Helping athletes track and improve performance.
• Cosmetic enhancements (changing iris patterns or creating special effects).

How is Smart Lens Surgery Performed?

Smart lens surgery is a 15-30 minute procedure performed under local anesthesia. The natural lens is broken up with ultrasonic waves and removed, then replaced with a smart lens tailored to the patient’s vision needs. The surgery is minimally invasive, with most patients discharged the same day and resuming normal activities within days.

This procedure not only treats cataracts but also corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, offering a fast recovery and long-term vision improvement.

What is a Brow Lift Surgery?

Eyebrows are one of the key features that shape our facial expression. While their structure and shape are determined genetically, over time, changes in underlying fat, connective tissue, and bone structure can lead to noticeable drooping eyebrows.

Brow ptosis (sagging) not only affects aesthetics but can also weigh down on the eyelids, impairing vision. A brow lift surgery can correct this tired, unhappy appearance while relieving the heaviness over the eyes. Many patients who undergo this procedure report that their vision widens significantly and their world feels “brighter” afterward.

Brow lift surgeries are also performed on patients with facial paralysis or traumatic injuries to restore eyelid function and expand the visual field, often in combination with upper and lower eyelid surgeries.

When is Brow Aesthetics Performed?

For patients seeking upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow position is critical. If the outer or entire brow sags over the eyelid, sometimes only a brow lift is needed, while other cases require both a brow lift and eyelid correction. A detailed oculoplastic examination is essential to determine the best approach.

Brow aesthetics can be achieved through:

• Surgical methods (permanent lifting)
• Non-surgical treatments (Botox, fillers, radiofrequency, thread lifts)
• Combination techniques for optimal results

Brow Lift Techniques

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and needs, there are surgical and non-surgical brow lift options:

Non-Surgical Methods:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) – Temporarily lifts the brow by relaxing depressors.
• Dermal fillers – Adds volume to support sagging brows.
• Thread lifts – Uses dissolvable threads to lift and reposition.
• Radiofrequency & laser treatments – Tightens skin for a subtle lift.

Surgical Methods:

1. Direct Brow Lift (Most Effective & Long-Lasting)
   • An incision is made just above the eyebrow.
   • Excess skin is removed, and the brow is secured at a higher position.
   • Provides precise control over shape and elevation.
   • May leave a fine scar, but skilled surgeons camouflage it well.
2. Indirect Brow Lift (Through Eyelid Surgery)
   • Performed through the upper eyelid crease (no additional scar).
   • Only the outer brow can be lifted.
   • Often combined with blepharoplasty for a more youthful look.
3. Endoscopic Brow Lift (Minimally Invasive)
   • Small incisions are made within the hairline.
   • An endoscopic camera guides the procedure, preserving nerves.
   • Lifts the entire forehead with no visible scarring.
   • Recovery is faster but results may not last as long as direct lifts.
4. Coronal Brow Lift (Traditional, Rarely Used Today)
   • A long incision is made along the hairline.
   • Lifts the entire forehead but requires longer recovery.
   • Can cause numbness and is now reserved for select cases.

How is Brow Lift Surgery Performed?

• Performed under local anesthesia or sedation (general anesthesia for endoscopic lifts).
• Incisions are made with a scalpel, electrocautery, or radiofrequency device.
• The brow is repositioned and secured with sutures or implants.
• No eye patching is needed; patients can go home after 1-2 hours of observation.

Recovery Process:

• Swelling & bruising last 1-14 days (depending on technique).
• Minimal pain; some stiffness when moving brows initially.
• Avoid water on incisions for 5 days.
• Stitches removed in 7-10 days.
• Temporary numbness (common with endoscopic lifts).
• Most resume light activities immediately, full recovery in 2-4 weeks.

Why Combine a Brow Lift with Eyelid Surgery?

Many patients seeking eyelid surgery also need a brow lift for optimal results. Performing both procedures:

• Enhances eyelid rejuvenation
• Provides longer-lasting youthfulness
• Prevents dissatisfaction from uncorrected brow sagging

A brow lift can dramatically refresh your appearance and even improve vision if sagging brows obstruct your sight. Whether through surgery or non-invasive methods, modern techniques offer natural-looking, long-lasting results with minimal downtime.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Surgery (Ptosis Correction) in Women: How Is It Performed?

Droopy eyelids (ptosis) restrict the visual field and reduce clarity of vision. Beyond the physical health implications, this condition can also negatively impact psychological well-being.

Ptosis affects appearance, often causing dissatisfaction and potentially contributing to psychological distress. Fortunately, three surgical techniques are available for treatment, chosen based on:

• The patient’s age
• Severity of ptosis
• Impact on vision

All three methods involve adjustments to eye muscles and tissues, with the surgeon determining the optimal approach.

Eyelid Surgery in Men: Is There a Difference?

A common question is whether ptosis surgery differs by gender. The answer: No. The procedure is the same for men and women.

However, the technique depends on:

• Degree of eyelid droop
• How much it narrows the visual field
• The patient’s age

The surgery tightens eyelid muscles, lifts sagging skin, and corrects:

• Upper/lower eyelid bags
• Vision obstruction
• Aesthetic concerns

Eyelid Surgery in the Elderly

In older adults, eyelid sagging isn’t always due to ptosis—it can result from natural aging. With time, skin loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles and drooping eyelids. While Botox can temporarily smooth wrinkles, surgery is the only permanent solution.

Risks in Elderly Patients:

Certain conditions increase surgical risks:

• Hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders
• Glaucoma, dry eye, or eye infections
• Recent surgeries
• Chronic illnesses

A full medical evaluation is essential before proceeding.

How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Upper Eyelid Surgery:

1. Local anesthesia is applied.
2. The surgeon makes an incision along the natural eyelid crease (to hide scars).
3. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed.
4. Aesthetic sutures minimize visible scarring.

Lower Eyelid Surgery:

1. An incision is made just below the lash line.
2. Excess skin, fat, or muscle is trimmed.
3. Precision sutures ensure no visible scarring.

Risks of Eyelid Surgery

Though rare, complications may include:

• Asymmetry (if performed by an inexperienced surgeon)
• Bleeding or infection
• Over-resection of skin (may require grafting in lower lids)

Post-Surgery Recovery Guide

Immediate Aftercare (First 48-72 Hours):

• Sleep semi-upright (to reduce swelling).
• Avoid straining (no heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing).
• No hot showers (keep the area dry).
• Control blood pressure.
• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, alcohol, smoking).

Healing Timeline:

• First 5-6 hours: Hospital monitoring.
• Days 1-3: Ice packs to reduce swelling.
• Week 1: Antibiotic ointment + no water contact.
• Days 6-7: Stitches removed.
• 3-4 weeks: Eyelids settle into final position.
• Full recovery: 1-2 months.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, refers to a set of procedures performed on the upper and lower eyelids. The most accurate answer to the question “What is eyelid surgery?” is that it addresses issues such as weakened eyelid muscles, loose muscle structure, fat accumulation, gravity, and infections that may necessitate surgical intervention.

There are different types of eyelid surgeries, which is why the cost of eyelid surgery varies. The price depends on the hospital, the specific procedure performed, and whether additional surgical interventions are required.