Eye surgery in Istanbul – Report from Monday, November 19, 2007

Hello

Here is a report of my experience after my Lasik surgery with Swisslasik in Istanbul at the EYEstar Clinic.

I have worn glasses since I was 4 years old and have long considered the idea of ​​having my eyes lasered. Ultimately, it was my love for diving, where wearing glasses is quite impractical, that motivated me to take the plunge, especially since I already knew several people whose surgery had gone well.

Now the search for a suitable clinic began. I knew from friends that it was possible to have surgery in Istanbul and that it was much cheaper than in Switzerland or Germany. So I started surfing the internet and also reading reviews in independent forums. Based on my subjective assessment, I have come to the conclusion that Swisslasik offers me the best deal (in terms of quality).

The preliminary examination, which could only be arranged in Zurich, which was not very practical for me as I live in Lausanne, revealed that my pupils were very large (and the risk of developing halos in night vision) and the ophthalmologist therefore advised me to have an implanted contact lens. I wasn’t entirely convinced I should have this procedure, as it seemed very invasive and would also cost twice as much.

Nevertheless, I flew to Istanbul and discussed with the ophthalmologist who would also perform the operation which procedure would be suitable for me. He said that my pupil size was borderline for LASIK surgery, but that because of my relatively thick cornea, LASIK surgery should be feasible, and so I decided to have LASIK.

The next day I was quite nervous and gladly accepted the calming tablet that was offered to me. Shortly after, I was taken to the preparation room where the area around my eyes was disinfected, and then I went into the operating room. The laser procedure itself was relatively quick, and before I knew it, I was being led out of the operating room and taken to a dark recovery room. However, I had to open my eyes for that, and the resulting pain was more intense than I had expected. However, I had the impression that my successors, who were operated on directly after me, coped with it somewhat better than I did. The next 30 minutes were very unpleasant, but then I was called in for a follow-up examination, numbing drops were put into my eyes, and from then on things steadily improved.

The first evening after the surgery was relatively long, as one should keep one’s eyes closed as much as possible, and since it was 5 o’clock in the evening, it was much too early to sleep. Well, that was to be expected.

The next day at 12 noon was the follow-up examination; I could already see reasonably well (according to the ophthalmologist 90%, but not quite so well in my opinion), which continued to improve throughout the day and the following days, and I was even able to use the afternoon after the follow-up examination for sightseeing (and saw a lot).

The organization surrounding the surgery was excellent. I was picked up immediately from the airport (after a punctual flight) and always transported between the hotel and the clinic. The driver also helped out at the clinic and was therefore able to provide me with a lot of information; he was very helpful overall, as was all the other clinic staff. While the hotel wasn’t a typical 4-star hotel, it perfectly met my needs (clean, private bathroom, etc.).

Now, 4 days after the surgery, I am already thoroughly enjoying not having to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore. Every day I notice that I can see a little better than the day before, and now I can see just as well as I did with my glasses before. In my left eye, I sometimes see a smeared spot in the lower outer quarter, but it is becoming less noticeable every day and I hope it will soon disappear completely. Otherwise I am doing very well, no inflammation or anything else unusual or unpleasant. My eyes are as white as ever, without any small blood vessels.

Personally, I had the impression that the doctors at EYEstar are extremely good and have a lot of experience, and that it will be difficult to find better doctors in other European countries.

Good luck with your decision.

Oh yes; I haven’t seen any halos yet.

Hanne