In conclusion, everything was perfectly organized! – Report from Tuesday, May 3, 2016

I had my eyes lasered in Istanbul on April 8, 2016. I’d never really had any problems with my contact lenses, but I’d been wanting to do it for a while. At the beginning of the year, I happened to meet two people at a party who had just had laser eye surgery and who recommended Swisslasik to me.

Before the surgery:
I did some research the very next day and decided to attend the pre-operative examination organized by SwissLasik. Initial tests were performed there, and the results were sent to Istanbul. A few days later, I received confirmation that my eyes were generally suitable. However, a final decision would only be made in Istanbul. So, I decided to go ahead with the surgery. After we finalized the dates (my flight preferences were accommodated), the surgery took place a few weeks later. Wearing glasses before the operation (no contact lenses for two weeks) was very tiring for me. I just wanted to get it over with.

In Istanbul:
The airport pickup was seamless. However, the drive to the hotel was long. The traffic and congestion were unbelievable. Once we finally arrived, our impressions were mixed. The Otel Levent is located in a small alley that has a rather run-down feel. The hotel itself is spotlessly clean and quiet, and the staff are all very friendly and helpful. The ambiance is rather old-fashioned and not really my style. Most importantly, though, it’s impeccably clean. The hotel’s location is great for shopping, and the metro is just around the corner. I didn’t feel unsafe, but you’ll be approached by street children who beg for money. I didn’t want to give them any, but they are very grateful for food. So always take leftovers from the restaurant with you; you’ll most likely be able to sell them in the evening.

The Surgery:
On the day of the surgery, we were picked up in the morning and driven to the hospital. There we met our supervisor, who did a very good job. The hospital is very modern and very large. Once there, the preliminary examinations began. There were five of us from Switzerland. Not much was explained about what was being done to us, and everything happened very quickly. After the first round, we were given eye drops. Then we had time for a snack in the cafeteria. After that, further examinations were carried out, and the surgeon informed us of our suitability. Everyone was able to have the surgery. Then we were released for lunch, and at 2 p.m. it continued. I was second in our group of five to go. You receive protective clothing, and then it begins. You lie down on a stretcher, and one eye is taped. A slit is cut in the flap, drops are put into the eye, and then it starts. While the flap is being cut, you are briefly “blind”—you know that the eye is open, but you still can’t see anything. Then you have to look into the laser; it makes a thumping noise, the flap is folded back, rinsed again, and then it’s on to the next eye. The second eye hurt. The adrenaline was probably already wearing off, and you had to concentrate. The second eye wasn’t pleasant. But that, too, passes in a few minutes. You stand up, get protective goggles, and are led back to the others in a darkened room. Immediately after the surgery, I could see clearly, but my eyes were watering a lot. Opening them wasn’t a good idea. So I decided to just sit there, talk to the others, but keep my eyes closed. Once everyone had been done, we were driven to the hotel. There was traffic again, which was stressful in that situation. Right after the surgery, you’re supposed to put two different drops in your eyes every hour until you go to sleep. So I got into bed and set my alarm for every hour. You’re not supposed to watch TV or read for the first four hours. But with my eyes watering so much, I didn’t feel like it anyway. After four hours, I started to get hungry. I used the eye drops again and went downstairs to the hotel restaurant. I left my protective goggles upstairs. A short time later, some of my companions arrived, and we ate dinner together and chatted. I could still feel a slight stinging in my eye, but the tearing had stopped, and the pain was almost gone. None of us could see perfectly, but it was definitely better. One eye was also better than the other.

The next day:
We were picked up in the morning and briefly examined again by the surgeon at the hospital. She was very pleased, so I was too. I didn’t have any questions, so that was fine with me. Afterwards, we were taken back to the hotel, and the rest of our stay was free until we were taken back to the airport.

After three weeks:
My eyes were quite dry for the first few days. Especially in the mornings, I felt like I’d forgotten to take my contact lenses out and they were stuck to my eyes. After five days, you can stop using all medicated eye drops and then just use moisturizing drops four times a day. I have my follow-up appointment in 10 days. My vision is sharp, although it fluctuates a bit depending on how tired I am. I had severe headaches during the first week and still get them occasionally. Apparently, that’s normal.

In conclusion, everything was perfectly organized. I have absolutely nothing to criticize. I felt well taken care of at all times. Thank you so much for this positive experience.

Britta Sadzik