Patient report by Myrta Töngi, operated on October 29, 2010 – Report from Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I had been considering laser eye surgery for some time, as I don’t wear glasses and knew that wearing contact lenses for so many years could eventually cause problems. My optician was skeptical and pointed out that dry eyes were a possibility in some cases. Then my friend, who could no longer tolerate contact lenses and had to switch to glasses, brought up the topic of laser surgery. We researched online and decided on Istanbul because they perform the procedure daily there, unlike in Switzerland, and the price difference is considerable. Before registering, we had a preliminary examination to ensure we wouldn’t be sent home without the surgery. We wanted a partner clinic in Switzerland with the added benefit of a follow-up appointment near our home, which is why we chose Swisslasik, who then organized our trip. Two weeks before the surgery, I had to switch from contact lenses to glasses, which was extremely difficult for me because my eyes didn’t adjust to them. At the airport, we were picked up by our coordinator, who spoke flawless German, and driven to the hotel. The next morning, he accompanied us on foot to the clinic for the preliminary examinations. The attending physician informed me that my night vision impairment could not be corrected and that, due to my age, I should expect to develop presbyopia quickly after the operation. He assured me that my nearsightedness could be corrected 100% and that I would be satisfied with the result after the surgery. I trusted him because he exuded calm and explained precisely what was and wasn’t feasible. That afternoon, we were driven with the team to a state-of-the-art clinic just outside the city for the operation, as it was a national holiday and the electricity supply for the laser machine was insufficient. Upon arrival, we were given a sedative. I remained calm and wasn’t afraid of the surgery. I was the last to be operated on. The coordinator was also present during the operation and gave the instructions. The laser device is absolutely identical to those used here. The surgery itself went smoothly, and because I wasn’t allowed to move at all and had to fix my gaze on the green dot in the laser, I didn’t notice much besides the fluid in my eye. They worked very quickly, covering the eye, and then they moved on to the other. It was all over in barely ten minutes, and then, surprisingly, my body reacted when I stood up. I turned pale and, unlike anyone in the group, had great difficulty balancing as I walked out to the car. My eyes hurt, I was blinded by the glare despite wearing sunglasses, and all I wanted to do at that moment was go to bed. Once we got to the hotel, my girlfriend ordered room service and had some food and a bottle of wine delivered, while I was completely incapable of doing anything but lying down. After four hours, the pain subsided, and my condition improved noticeably. The very next morning, I could already see everything clearly. Wearing sunglasses, I sat down at the breakfast table and was overjoyed to be able to see into the distance. My initially extremely strong light sensitivity noticeably decreased after just two days. At my follow-up appointment, my doctor confirmed that I had full vision. He was also satisfied with the results of the other five patients who had undergone the procedure. It’s been four weeks now, and I’m beginning to realize my newfound quality of life. For the first few nights, I lay awake in bed, startled because, out of habit, I thought I’d forgotten to take out my contact lenses again, as often happened before. I don’t have red or dry eyes; the only thing I still can’t do is rub them. Therefore, I’m looking forward to my final check-up in a few days without any worries. I can only encourage everyone to get laser eye surgery. It’s worth it. Don’t let the pain deter you at all, because everyone reacts differently, and after a few hours, it’s all over anyway. I really hope my eyes will give me some more time before I have to wear glasses to read the newspaper.