My eye surgery in Istanbul: The alarm clock read 8:47, sharper than ever before!
About ten years ago I heard for the first time about an operation that could eliminate my short-sightedness. At the time I was 15 and could only dream of such a procedure. Living with glasses and contact lenses was manageable, or so I thought. But by the age of 23 I increasingly had problems with my contact lenses and was constantly wearing glasses. That was when the idea of having surgery came back.
It was important to me that my eyes would be treated properly and professionally, whatever the cost. Follow-up examinations with a specialist in Switzerland were also extremely important to me. I therefore started researching online. Using Google, I found Swisslasik.ch as well as other websites of clinics in Switzerland.
What I liked about Swisslasik.ch was that they promote quality rather than low prices. In addition, the website provides high-quality information about the procedure, its risks and its consequences. I also liked the option of making an all-inclusive booking, as this reduces the stress of having to organise hotels, flights and transport separately.
In order to have a solid basis for comparison, I also visited a clinic in my city, where I underwent a preliminary examination. However, I was treated like a number and almost pushed into having the operation. That is why I decided in favour of Swisslasik.
The advice provided by email was always very quick and professional. Mr Karaagaçli always replied immediately and in great detail. He was also friendly on the phone and was always able to provide the information I needed. Some patients may find it reassuring to have a personal consultation, which unfortunately is not offered by Swisslasik.
Swisslasik organised everything for me. From the flight ticket to the hotel and all transfers, I did not have to take care of anything. One week before the trip, the patient receives a Swisslasik pass. This pass addresses you personally and includes all travel details, the weather forecast for Istanbul, contact persons, information on preparing for the operation and on the healing phase. I find this pass very useful, as all the important information is summarised once again. Swisslasik also sends a city map of Istanbul. However, there is no information about public transport in Istanbul.
Our flight was scheduled at a convenient time, late in the morning, which allowed us to explore Istanbul a little on the day of our arrival. Turkish Airlines is a pleasant airline and a member of the Star Alliance. The food on the flight was very good. At the airport, our driver was already waiting for us and took us to the hotel, the Taksim Gönen, in a comfortable car.
From our room on the tenth floor we had an incredible view over the city. The room was not particularly large, but it was very clean and cosy. After a relaxed evening in Istanbul, we, my accompanying person and I, were picked up at the hotel and taken to the clinic. There, patients are greeted personally by the staff, in Swiss German, Turkish, Russian and other languages depending on their mother tongue. Small attentions such as laptops being available and drinks being offered help to ease the patient’s slightly tense mood.
The preliminary examination lasted around 90 minutes. During this time, the eyes are measured using various devices and the patient meets the doctor. Afterwards, you are advised to go and eat something and then return calmly for the operation in the mid-afternoon.
The operation went very well. Wearing sterile clothing and a cap, the eyes are disinfected before entering the operating theatre. Four people took care of me, including the doctor. The eye to be operated on is numbed with drops and then covered. The eyelid speculum was a horror scenario for me. However, the highly experienced team at the EyeStar clinic inserted it before I even noticed it. The eye is then rinsed. Next, the microkeratome is positioned and cuts the cornea. You do not feel anything at all, you only hear the small motor of the keratome. This cut takes only a few seconds.
My second horror scenario was the lifting of the corneal flap. But once again, it happened without me even noticing it. Now the excimer laser is used. It is important to keep the eye still. The team reassured me and encouraged me during those few seconds. Finally, the doctor smooths the eye, removes any impurities and checks everything under the microscope. The eyelid speculum is removed, the operated eye waters slightly but does not burn. It is then covered so that the procedure can continue on the second eye.
Immediately after the operation, I could see sharply. My eyes felt as if I had partied all night and not slept much, but there was no itching, burning or watering. When you can already see the EyeStar logo on the wall opposite the chair just minutes after the operation, a feeling of euphoria sets in.
After two hours of sleep, a small dinner in the hotel room and crystal-clear vision, I could hardly contain my joy. I could see even the smallest minaret tower in the distance. The next morning I woke up as if from a dream, but it was not a dream. The alarm clock read 8:47, sharper than ever before.
The first follow-up examination took place the day after the operation. The doctor said my values were perfect. He answered all my questions and said goodbye in a friendly manner. At EyeStar, I will receive lifelong care for follow-up examinations.
My accompanying person and I were also able to enjoy Istanbul and, among other things, visit the Blue Mosque. The next day, the pick-up service worked just as well as it had two days earlier. The flight was pleasant again, despite a 90-minute delay. My operation was a week ago and I am now going through the world with a new perspective. It is wonderful! The appointment for the follow-up examination in Bern, one month after the operation, has already been arranged. The doctor was very friendly on the phone. I will definitely recommend Swisslasik. There are already many interested people among my acquaintances. I can now only thank the entire team for how smoothly and professionally everything went.
Kind regards,
Isabelle Oberson,
Fribourg, 28 October 2009