Experience report on LASIK in Istanbul – Report from Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I learned from my friend that she wanted to undergo an eye laser treatment in Istanbul. I then asked her in detail about the procedure and also gathered information about laser treatment myself from the internet. My friend explained to me that there is a company which organises the trip including the hotel, the treatment and the transfer service. I also consulted the Swisslasik website. Both the company Swisslasik and the company EyeStar in Istanbul have a very professional and trustworthy online presence. The treatments are described in detail and it is clear what is included in the price. You are not confronted with any additional costs. Another advantage is that the operation can be combined with a trip to Istanbul. Apart from the fact that the treatment abroad is cheaper, this is why I decided to have the laser treatment outside my home country. The trip, transfer service, accommodation and the treatment were professionally and reliably put together and ultimately organised by Mr Karaagacli. We received a so-called Swisslasik pass. This included the departure and return flight details, important information about the treatment and aftercare, as well as sightseeing tips for Istanbul. Truly a very creative business idea. We then set off on our journey to Istanbul. I had never been to Istanbul before, but I would gladly go again. For shopping enthusiasts it is a must. There are huge shopping centres and long shopping streets. And the bazaar is enormous. Two days before the operation we explored the city by taking a sightseeing tour. Culturally, Istanbul has a great deal to offer. After exploring the city, the day of the preliminary examination arrived. The clinic was very clean and stylishly furnished. There was good music playing in the background, which helped to reduce my nervousness a little. Before the examination began, we had to sign a patient consent form. We were informed about all possible risks. The preliminary examination went very quickly. I was even able to meet the surgeon. After talking to him for a short while, I knew that I was in good hands. I trusted the surgeon. He answered every one of my questions honestly. After about one hour, we returned to the hotel. The next day I was very nervous. I was given a calming tablet and shortly afterwards it started. I was taken to the first floor of the clinic. Before the procedure, I was taken into a small room to calm down. After about five minutes, an assistant collected me and took me into the operating theatre. There was a team of five people present. It was explained to me once again that my only task as a patient was to keep looking at the green light at all times. After about one minute, the operation was over. After the procedure, I was taken back to a small room with a small bed. I was allowed to lie down and recover for a few minutes. The dizziness passed, and my friend and I were then taken to the common room. Immediately after the procedure, I could see very clearly. Things were still a little blurred, but I was able to see properly and without glasses. It was an indescribable feeling of joy and relief. A short time later, I was able to return to the hotel and lie down. I had to keep my eyes closed for the next four hours. I was prescribed antibiotics, cortisone and artificial tears, which I had to apply to my eyes every two hours. I slept well during the night. We were also given a painkiller, and after taking it I fell asleep straight away. The next day, the world looked much more beautiful and clearer to me. My eyes had recovered well and there was no more pain. The follow-up examination was also completed quickly. The operation went well and the surgeon was very satisfied, as was I. This was followed by an entry in the EyeStar Clinic guestbook and a small photo shoot with the patients and the entire EyeStar team. I now see the world with completely different eyes. It is liberating not to put additional strain on the eyes with contact lenses, and it also saves a great deal of time. I would like to thank the entire EyeStar team and Mr Karaacacli from Swisslasik for the excellent service. They have changed my life in a positive way. Angela Pizzo