My experience report about my laser eye surgery in Antalya, Türkiye – Report from Friday, July 13, 2012

The idea of having my eyes treated with laser surgery crossed my mind from time to time, as both wearing glasses and contact lenses caused me difficulties. Constantly red eyes were the main problem with contact lenses. With glasses, on the other hand, I simply did not like the way I looked. However, I never had enough money to afford eye surgery in Switzerland. One day, a colleague of my brother mentioned that he had been able to have his eyes corrected at a reasonable price in Turkey. Of course, at first I had concerns about whether surgery abroad could match the standards in Switzerland. However, I also had to realise that Switzerland is generally more expensive by default and that price does not always correspond to the level of quality. Based on this realisation, I carried out more detailed research online and realised that a trip to Turkey could definitely be worthwhile. The report and the photos of the clinic convinced me greatly and motivated me even more.
After the preliminary examination in Switzerland had gone well, I flew to Antalya in Turkey. The very next day, a taxi took me to the clinic, where another pre-examination was carried out. During the various tests, the doctors determined that my eyes were suitable not only for the LASIK method but also for the femto method. This is a gentler procedure than the standard LASIK method. Naturally, I was delighted and decided to opt for the femto method. The entire consultation was excellently translated into German for me by an interpreter. There were no long waiting times, and at the end of the examination I was taken back to the hotel.
The operation took place the very next day. First, I was given a calming tablet in the waiting area. I was then taken to the operating theatre. The doctor numbed my eyes with drops and the laser treatment could begin. The procedure itself was not painful. The unfamiliar and slightly strange feeling was that one of the eyelids was fixed in place at a time, but one quickly got used to that as well. After the operation, I was given protective glasses and escorted to the waiting area. There were three German women there who had undergone surgery after me. In their case too, the operation in Germany was so expensive that it had drawn them to Turkey as well.
A short time later, I was back at the hotel and able to lie down. My eyelids felt very heavy and, over time, I developed a headache, which could be relieved with an aspirin. I soon fell asleep, and the next day I woke up with perfect vision of 0.00. The follow-up examination went very well, and I was able to start my journey home without any worries. The daily routine of putting in and taking out contact lenses has now come to an end. I no longer have red eyes. It was a good decision to have my eyes treated with laser surgery, and I am very pleased that everything went so smoothly. I can definitely recommend it. The clinic was impeccable, very clean, and the staff were extremely courteous. I would particularly like to praise the interpreter. She accompanied both me and the German patients throughout the entire process and provided great support to each of us.
Justin Ehrler, 11 July 2012