SURGICAL PROCEDURE – LASIK TREATMENT

Preliminary investigations

Not every patient is suitable for laser treatment, and so the success of refractive surgery depends on the individual eye structure of the patient.

The detailed preliminary examinations before the procedure are at least as important as the operation itself.

Optional preliminary examination in Switzerland
Every patient who registers with us for refractive surgery has the option of having their eyes examined in Switzerland beforehand. Please note that your eyes will be thoroughly examined in Turkey in any case. You can register here.

We have two options:

1. Our designated ophthalmologists in Zurich, Bern, or Arbon TG will conduct these preliminary examinations. This costs CHF 275. Of course, you can also have your eyes examined elsewhere if you prefer. This preliminary examination is not mandatory. If you have already had your eyes examined, you do not need this preliminary examination, as a thorough preliminary examination will be carried out in Turkey in any case.
2. We offer quick eye laser checks in our office in Bern or on our consultation days. You can schedule an appointment Monday through Saturday. The quick check includes the following measurements:
   • Refractive errors in diopters (spectacle values)
   • Intraocular pressure
   • corneal thickness
   • Corneal topography

No ophthalmological examination will take place. These measurements do not replace the preliminary examination in Turkey, which is mandatory in all cases there. The final decision regarding surgery will be made in Turkey. The goal is to determine whether the eyes are suitable for the procedure. These results will be evaluated by the laser eye surgeons in Turkey.

Preliminary examination in Turkey

It is important that the surface of your cornea retains its natural shape for these examinations and the surgery.

Therefore, it is necessary that you consistently refrain from wearing soft contact lenses for at least one week and hard contact lenses for two weeks prior to the examination. This applies to the preliminary examination, which will be conducted in Istanbul. During this time, wearing glasses is the temporary solution.

If you still have your eyeglass prescriptions (or eyeglasses) and/or contact lens prescriptions from recent years, please bring them with you so that the progression of your visual impairment can be better assessed.

What exactly is measured during your preliminary examination in Turkey?

The preliminary examination can take up to two hours. During this time, your eye will be thoroughly examined, and your refractive error will be determined and measured using various methods. You will also be checked for contraindications such as cataracts and glaucoma. Precise measurements of your cornea and pupil size will be taken.

If your eyes are suitable for surgery, you will then be informed which methods would be appropriate for your eyes. In some cases, treatment may be discouraged.

Before the operation

How can you contribute to success?

• Wash your face thoroughly.
• Please do not apply makeup or perfume before the operation (also no aftershave lotion for men).
• Wear something comfortable.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
• Good sleep always helps.
• Please ask for a sedative about 30 minutes beforehand if you are extremely nervous.
• Please bring sunglasses with you on the day of your surgery.

During the operation (for laser eye surgery)

All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. It is essential that you refrain from wearing soft contact lenses for two weeks and hard contact lenses for three weeks prior to the procedure.

First, the area around your eyes will be disinfected. Then, a sterile drape will be placed over your face, leaving your eyes uncovered. Your eyelids will then be opened and held in place with a small device so that you cannot involuntarily close them during the operation.

During the operation itself, you will not feel any pain, but only that your eye is being touched.

Your only contribution as a patient to a successful operation is to calmly follow the doctor’s instructions. When treating both eyes, the operation takes between 8 and 10 minutes.

During a short rest period in the waiting area, a final check is carried out by the doctor.

After the operation

• Wear sunglasses due to high light sensitivity.
• It’s best to return to the hotel.
• Give yourself time to rest and keep your eyes closed for another 4 hours if possible.
• Refrain from watching television or reading.
• Slight blurred vision after the procedure is normal, as is mild tearing. Sufficient visual acuity is achieved within a few hours, so you will no longer need glasses or contact lenses. Your vision is usually stable after 4 to 8 weeks.

Follow-up examinations

To achieve optimal results from the surgery, the follow-up examination schedule below is recommended.

• First postoperative day (takes place in Istanbul)
• After about a week (if necessary)
• After 4-6 weeks (if necessary)
• After 3 months (if necessary)
• After 6 months or one year (if necessary).

The follow-up examinations in Switzerland (through the premium offer) are carried out by our referring ophthalmologist in Switzerland, just like the preliminary examinations, and are included in the premium offer (up to four follow-up examinations within one year of the surgery date).

How can you contribute to a better recovery?

Your eyes need your support. Please observe the following points after your surgery:

• Use the prescribed eye drops regularly.
• Do not rub your eye for the first few days after surgery.
• Make sure that no water gets into the operated eye when washing or showering.
• Do not apply eye makeup during the first week.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity, swimming, and sauna visits until your ophthalmologist gives you permission to do so again.
• Inform your ophthalmologist if you have a rheumatic disease.
• You should only drive again after the procedure has been successfully performed on both eyes and your ophthalmologist has explicitly given you permission.
• If you experience significant glare during the first few days, wear sunglasses. However, be sure to also inform your ophthalmologist about the increased sensitivity to light.
• Make sure you attend all scheduled appointments.
• If you experience severe pain and a sudden deterioration in your vision, consult your ophthalmologist immediately.

Furthermore, please:

• No team and ball sports for 2 weeks
• No martial arts for 4 weeks.
• Do not dive for 3 months.
• Avoid smoky rooms during the first week.
• Avoid spending holidays by the sea or in the mountains with your eyes uncovered due to the strong sun exposure.
• Do not go to a tanning salon for 4 weeks.