The Patient Journey

Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov · Last updated: 7 September 2026

Your treatment journey, step by step

1. First contact

Tell us your prescription, your age, whether you wear contact lenses and any eye or general medical conditions. We will explain which examinations are needed and how long they take.

2. Before your examination

Contact lenses distort the corneal surface and must be left out before measurement: soft lenses for at least one to two weeks, rigid gas-permeable lenses for at least three to four weeks. Measurement taken too early can look like corneal disease and lead to a wrong decision. Your pupils will be dilated, so vision will be blurred for several hours — do not plan to drive.

3. Examination and measurement

A full assessment takes approximately two hours: refraction and cycloplegic refraction, corneal topography and tomography, pachymetry, intraocular pressure, tear film assessment, slit-lamp examination and a dilated retinal examination. Biometry and specular microscopy are added when lens surgery is being considered.

4. Discussion of the plan

Your surgeon explains what your measurements show, which procedures your eyes are suitable for and which they are not, the expected outcome, the alternatives, the limitations and the risks. Questions about work, sport, night driving and reading are best raised here. There is no obligation to decide on the same day.

5. Consent

Written information is provided and consent is taken before treatment, not on the operating table.

6. The day of surgery

Do not wear eye make-up or perfume. Bring someone with you, as you will not be able to drive afterwards. Most procedures are day-case and take a short time; you will spend longer in preparation and in the recovery check than in the operating room itself.

7. Follow-up

Review the next day, then at one week, one month, three months and as required afterwards. Drops are used as prescribed. Rubbing the eye, water contact, swimming and dusty environments are restricted for the period your surgeon specifies.

8. Long term

Keep a record of your preoperative measurements and of the treatment applied. This information is needed years later — for intraocular lens calculation if you develop cataract, and for the assessment of any future eye condition.

If you are travelling from abroad

Allow enough time for examination, treatment and at least the first follow-up visits before flying home, and arrange in advance who will carry out your later reviews. We provide a written summary of your measurements and treatment for the doctor who continues your care.

Frequently asked questions

How long before the examination should I stop wearing contact lenses?

Soft lenses at least one to two weeks, rigid gas-permeable lenses at least three to four weeks.

How long does the examination take?

Approximately two hours for a full refractive assessment, including dilation.

Can I drive after the examination?

No. Your pupils will be dilated and vision blurred for several hours, so arrange transport.

How long should I stay in Istanbul if I come from abroad?

Long enough for examination, treatment and the first follow-up visits; your surgeon will confirm the exact period.

Medically reviewed by

Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov — Ophthalmologist — refractive laser surgery, cornea and oculoplastic surgery, Nişantaşı Hastanesi Göz Merkezi. Our doctors

This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor. Treatment decisions are made after examination and diagnostic tests.