My eye laser surgery journey from April 21, 2011 – Report from Monday, June 13, 2011
For a long time, I had been interested in laser eye surgery, but these plans were doomed to fail due to the high cost. When, around three years later, I came across an article about laser eye surgery in Turkey, the desire for a life without visual aids immediately resurfaced. I searched online and came across Swisslasik. I read the testimonials over and over again, and they convinced me more and more. As I was still in the middle of an intensive training programme at the time, I postponed my plans until early 2011.
Of course, I still had unanswered questions, as a flawless result was essential for me. I sent an email to Swisslasik, which was answered very quickly and comprehensively. I then immediately registered for a preliminary examination in Zurich, as I wanted to be absolutely sure that I would not travel to Istanbul for nothing. The preliminary examination in Zurich was organised according to my wishes and went smoothly. The ophthalmology practice, which was very modern, is not part of Swisslasik but an independent ophthalmologist who examines patients for Swisslasik. The examination results were positive, and the next step was to find a suitable travel date. Mr Karaagacli sent me the offer, I replied by email, and the trip was booked.
On 21 April 2011, the time had come and I was on the plane to Istanbul. At the airport, I was picked up by a driver who spoke German and taken to the hotel. The hotel was about five minutes away from the eye clinic and was very comfortable and modernly furnished. The next morning, I was picked up for the preliminary examination. The procedure was similar to that in Switzerland, but even a little more thorough. My values were fine, and so the operation took place on the same day at 3.00 pm.
The surgical procedure was explained once again in detail to the other patients and me before we went one floor up to the operating area. Then it began, one after the other was called in for the operation. First, the eyes were numbed with drops in an anteroom so that nothing could be felt during the procedure. Afterwards, you were led into the operating theatre and asked to lie down under the laser. It was time. One eye was covered and then it started. I cannot describe exactly what happened, but it was over quite quickly and was not painful at all, just an unfamiliar sensation. The second eye was exactly the same as the first, and then the whole process was already over.
My vision was slightly hazy and I was taken into a dark room where I could rest briefly. Afterwards, I was brought back to the waiting area. Everyone looked quite tearful because their eyes were still watering and burning slightly. We were taken back downstairs, the use of the eye drops was explained, and then it was back to the hotel. My vision was still blurry and my eyes very dry, but there was no pain. At the hotel, I lay down and then slept. I had a completely normal and restful night, and the next morning I could see clearly. What a wonderful feeling. The follow-up examination went smoothly, after which we went sightseeing without any visual aids, just wearing sunglasses. It was a fantastic feeling. The following day, we were already flying back home.
In the meantime, seven weeks have passed since the operation, and the healing process is progressing well. I have already had two follow-up check-ups in Switzerland, and the ophthalmologist was very satisfied with the result. I do still experience slight fluctuations in visual acuity, but these are very minimal.
All in all, I have to say that I am very satisfied, and I would recommend this step to anyone who is bothered by their glasses or contact lenses. I also cannot imagine what could be better in Switzerland, because it is hard to see how it could be improved. Roman Ricklin
