Short and (almost) painless – report from Monday, March 24, 2008

Short and (almost) painless

That’s how I’d sum up my “laser eye surgery in Istanbul” project! Last Saturday I returned from Istanbul with many new impressions and experiences, and above all, with crystal-clear vision without glasses or contact lenses! I’d love to share my experience with you:

For some time, I had been considering having my eyes lasered. For about 15 years I had worn glasses or contact lenses. Around a year ago, I developed a severe corneal infection because I had worn the lenses for far too long. Well, you learn from your mistakes! In any case, I became more cautious and started wearing glasses more often, although they actually bothered me. So, about two months ago, I typed the word “eye laser” into Google and quickly ended up on the Swisslasik website, where I registered for the preliminary examination in Zurich. Mr Karaagacli contacted me immediately, and I gave him several dates on which I could travel to Zurich for the examination. He then registered me with the ophthalmologist. During the preliminary examination, in addition to the actual diagnostic tests, I was also informed about the advantages and disadvantages of laser treatment. I then had time to think it over again carefully. Because of the corneal infection, I had a scar in my right eye, which represented a certain risk. Otherwise, however, I was informed that the risk of complications was practically zero per cent. I thought it over for several days. My surroundings naturally advised me against it. “And what if something goes wrong…!” were the comments I kept hearing again and again.

Yet the thought of a life without visual aids would not leave me. In addition, I received some money from an inheritance, which I was able to use to pay for the procedure. I spent some more time browsing the Swisslasik website and read several testimonials that convinced me before I finally made my decision. And now I have to say that I do not regret it! Everything was organised perfectly by Mr Karaagacli: flights, hotel, surgery – everything was booked by him, and all of it within a very short time! I received a Swisslasik pass issued personally for me, containing all the necessary and useful information for my stay in Istanbul. The genuine friendliness of Mr Karaagacli on the phone and in emails is also worth mentioning.

So I flew to Istanbul last Wednesday, admittedly with a slightly uneasy feeling in my stomach. This eased somewhat when I met two other Swiss people at the airport who had also decided to undergo laser eye surgery with Swisslasik. In addition, we were picked up by Mr Cayli, who took us to the hotel. He spoke fluent German and told us during the journey about the EyeStar Eye Institute and the ophthalmologist who would be lasering our eyes. EyeStar was said to be one of the best clinics worldwide, and the doctor had already performed around 20,000 operations. This was, of course, extremely reassuring. At the hotel, we were given a friendly welcome, and the next day we were picked up on time and driven to the clinic, where our eyes were thoroughly examined. This was followed by a short lunch break, and in the afternoon the moment had arrived. I must say, everything – absolutely everything – went smoothly. We were always well looked after and informed, and there was consistently a calm and friendly atmosphere. During the procedure, I briefly felt a slightly stronger pain, and after the operation my eyes burned a little. However, we were given eye drops fairly quickly, which relieved the burning sensation. Shortly afterwards, we were taken back to the hotel, where we were able to rest. Three hours later, I felt very well again and was already able to read a short text. My vision was quite clear again almost immediately after the laser treatment. I am very satisfied with the result! Now it is behind me; I am delighted with the “new vision” without optical aids and can truly recommend it to everyone.

But the story is not quite finished yet: the following day, a final check-up was carried out by the doctor. Everything was fine. The rest of the day was at our free disposal, so we still had some time to explore Istanbul before flying back to Switzerland the day after. I now have to use eye drops for some time, but I have no discomfort and my vision is crystal clear. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this.

Bagli, 25.3.08