I cried tears of joy!… – Report from Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I cried tears of joy!

The decision

I dealt in depth with the question of whether I should have my eyes lasered abroad over the past two years. What ultimately convinced me to go ahead with it at all, and to do so with Swisslasik/Eyestar, was a report on Swiss television, the health programme Puls. From there, I found my way to the Swisslasik website, where I found answers to almost all of my many questions, or at least the contact details of Mr Karaageacli-Leoni, whom I could truly ask anything.

After a preliminary examination in Zurich, it was clarified whether my eyes were even suitable for such a procedure, and at some point I also found an appointment when I could break away both privately and professionally.

I booked the flight and the hotel myself and accordingly received a lower price from Swisslasik.

I decided to travel to Istanbul on my own. At the airport, Birol, a Turk who grew up in Germany, gave me a warm welcome and drove me safely to my hotel – which really means something in Istanbul traffic.

The operation

On the day of my operation, I was picked up again by Birol (on foot, as the hotel was just around the corner from the clinic) and introduced to Fred, my Turkish assistant who spoke Bernese German, as well as to my five fellow patients, four of whom also came from Switzerland.

The morning consisted exclusively of preliminary examinations using a wide range of technical equipment, which primarily served to determine the exact dioptre values for my eyes. It must be said that this was not only about identifying my subjective visual perception by having me read the famous letters that get smaller line by line, but that highly advanced technology was used to record my eye data, ensuring that nothing could go wrong and that neither too much nor too little laser treatment was applied. I should mention that I arrived in Istanbul with the data from my optician of -1.75/-1.5 dioptres, whereas at Eyestar on site, dioptres of -2.5/-1.75 were determined. That really surprised me. I am certainly glad that the examinations were carried out so thoroughly, but with six people, it did take a little longer for each individual. I would therefore recommend that everyone bring some reading material or puzzles to pass the waiting time.

In the late afternoon, we were all able to go and eat something small, as there would be no opportunity to do so after the operation.

At 5:00 p.m., it all began. We were once again informed about the procedure, given eye drops and medication along with explanations on how to use them after the operation and at home. Anyone who wished could take a calming tablet that was offered (although it had no effect on me). Then, one by one, we were prepared by being dressed in the obligatory green surgical gown and protective cap. After that, we were taken to a massage chair to relax, during which the numbing eye drops were already administered. We were then guided to the operating table, the first eye was positioned under the laser, and throughout the process we were continuously informed about what was happening. Unfortunately, I have to say that at that moment I panicked – a kind of claustrophobia or fear of confined spaces. Fred, who immediately recognised the situation, instantly took my hand and squeezed it firmly, calming me with reassuring words. Poor Fred – I must have almost crushed his hand. With the second eye, things went much better. It was certainly very uncomfortable – mainly due to the panic factor – but at no point did I feel any pain. Within 10 minutes, everything was already over, and I was first taken to a bed and later to the rest and dark room.

The eyes were burning and hurt a little. But Fred came immediately and administered pain-relieving drops, which brought relief within seconds. After a brief orientation about the next few hours and the first follow-up examination the next day, we were discharged. We were able to see again straight away, just through a watery haze.

I lay down in the hotel straight away as recommended, and I have to say that, just as Swisslasik/Eyestar had always promised, the pain – which slowly returned – was gone after four hours. I also hardly had any gritty sensation. However, my vision was still somewhat hazy.

Tears of joy

I eagerly awaited the next morning. After a calm night with good sleep, I opened my eyes the next morning and …
flash! Everything was sharp! Razor sharp! I just sat on the edge of the bed laughing and crying. Crying with joy and relief. I focused my eyes on all sorts of things – near and far – and rejoiced in my new feeling of life.

Later that morning, I had my first follow-up check-up, which revealed a visual acuity of 120%. What more could one wish for!

Back home

That same evening, I flew back to Switzerland with a completely new zest for life. I am still absolutely delighted with my new eyes. I only notice that it is still a little tiring for me to look at the computer or read a longer text. My eyes first have to get used to a different angle of vision and, in doing so, train the eye muscles. I did not experience any sensitivity to light either. I did not wear my lightly tinted sunglasses because of the brightness, but as protection so that nothing could fly or splash into my eyes. At home, I also still wear a sleep mask in bed – purely as self-protection, so that I do not rub my eyes while half asleep. I am happy that from now on I can see the mosquitoes in my room and not just hear them!

What I also wanted to say

What convinced me to entrust my eyes to Swisslasik/Eyestar was the collaboration with Swiss ophthalmologists. The preliminary examination as well as the four follow-up examinations take place in Switzerland, so I do not need to travel back to Turkey for this. Having a five-year guarantee in my pocket as well (which is handed to you in writing on site) also makes it easier to sleep peacefully.

I have been told that there are around ten clinics in Istanbul that perform laser eye surgery. However, only two of them are said to be truly trustworthy – one of which is the Eyestar Clinic.

I can reassure everyone who is still hesitating – I would do it again at any time, and I did not feel neglected for a single minute. The people on site are incredibly warm and attentive, far more than we are used to here in Switzerland.

Report by:
A. Kobi, October 28, 2008