Presbyopia surgery using multifocal lenses in Istanbul – Report from Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Presbyopia surgery on both eyes; eyeglass prescription: distance +1.5, reading +3.5. I am 59 years old and simply wanted to get rid of my glasses. I had no problems with my eyes except for a slight astigmatism in my left eye, which wasn’t bothersome.

I learned from a magazine article that corrective lenses are possible even for those with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness, from age 50 onwards). I had a preliminary examination, a “feasibility study,” at a well-known eye clinic in Lucerne and received information about the possibilities and risks. They stated that the only viable solution for those over 50 is lens replacement, as it solves two problems simultaneously: it allows for clear vision at both near and far distances without glasses, and it prevents the development of cataracts later in life. Lens replacement is the same surgery as cataract surgery, but you have to pay for it yourself!

I got cost estimates from two different eye clinics. 12,000 and 15,000, all inclusive. I couldn’t afford that. I’d written off the surgery and almost forgotten about it, until my colleague told me about her colleague who had her eyes lasered in Istanbul, to her complete satisfaction and at a reasonable price. She then gave me the address of Swisslasik. I read through their entire website, not missing a single line. Swisslasik’s website convinced me. After the free preliminary examination and subsequent assessment, I immediately booked the surgery in Istanbul.

I received the offer a few days later. To my great surprise, after just a few emails, an appointment for the surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. Swisslasik organized everything for me down to the smallest detail. The interpreter was always present whenever there was something to discuss. The preliminary examinations and the surgery went as planned. On Monday, I underwent the comprehensive examinations. Afterwards, I had a consultation with Prof. Dr. Banu Cosar. We agreed that both eyes would be operated on at the same time. This is more convenient for me, as I only have to go through the entire procedure before and after the surgery once! I haven’t regretted it. The surgery took place on Tuesday at around 4:00 PM, and I received two Zeiss trifocal lenses. You don’t get eye patches, just protective goggles, so you can see again immediately after the surgery, albeit a little blurry. At dinner in the hotel, I could already read the menu without any glasses. I had a follow-up appointment on Tuesday, and everything was fine. From then on, only my sunglasses and my wife accompanied me.

We spent the next four days enjoying the sights of Istanbul.

On the second day, my distance vision was already quite good, although everything was still a little hazy. I strictly adhered to the eye drops. My vision improved daily. I hadn’t purchased any follow-up appointments in Switzerland. I then noticed that my left eye was always slightly behind in its healing. The slight astigmatism was noticeable, as I was told. I read in the information that this is perfectly normal, as each eye has its own healing rhythm. After six weeks, I wanted to clarify this difference in my vision. I briefly called Swisslasik. There, I learned that only a complete follow-up package was available. However, I only wanted a final check-up. It’s a shame that this isn’t possible! I then made an appointment with my regular ophthalmologist, who also offers this eye surgery, something I only just discovered.

The results were excellent:
Left eye 90% distance vision (astigmatism can be corrected, but is not necessary!)

Right eye: 120% distance visual acuity.
Both eyes are clear for reading at distances of approximately 30 and 80 cm; acceptable reading at distances of 30-100 cm.

I had a fantastic result regarding visual acuity! The lens insertion was perfect, couldn’t be better. Very well centered!

All in all, this was a perfect masterpiece! I could hardly stop praising it!

I would have this eye surgery in Istanbul again anytime.

Many thanks to Prof. Dr. Banu Cosar and her team, as well as Swisslasik.

Fritz F.