Cried with joy!… – Report from Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Cried with joy!

The decision

I examined the question of whether I should have my eyes lasered abroad in depth over the past two years. The decisive factor in choosing to do it at all, and to do it with Swisslasik/EyeStar, was a report on Swiss television, the health programme Puls. From there, I also 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 was able to ask absolutely everything.

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 get away from both my private and professional commitments.

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 Turkish man 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 support person who spoke Bernese German, as well as to my five fellow patients, four of whom were also from Switzerland.

The entire morning consisted exclusively of preliminary examinations using a wide range of technical equipment, primarily aimed at determining the exact dioptre values for my eyes. It should be noted that this was not just about identifying subjective visual perception by having me read the famous rows of ever-smaller letters line by line; rather, highly advanced technology was used to measure my eye data to ensure that nothing could go wrong and that neither too much nor too little laser treatment would be applied.
I should mention that I arrived in Istanbul with my optician’s measurements of -1.75/-1.5 dioptres, whereas at EyeStar dioptres of -2.5/-1.75 were determined. That surprised me. I am certainly glad that the examinations were carried out so thoroughly. However, with six people, the process did take quite a long time for each individual, and I would recommend that everyone definitely bring some reading material or puzzles to pass the waiting times.

Later in the afternoon, we were all able to go and have a small bite to eat, as there would be no opportunity 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 instructions 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 given the obligatory green surgical gown and protective cap.
After that, we were placed on a massage chair to relax, during which the anaesthetic 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 being done. Unfortunately, I have to admit that at that moment I panicked – a kind of claustrophobia or feeling of confinement. Fred immediately understood the situation, took hold of my hand and squeezed it tightly, calming me with reassuring words. Poor Fred – I must have almost crushed his hand.
The second eye went much better. It was still very uncomfortable – mainly because of the panic factor – but I did not feel any pain at any time. Within 10 minutes, everything was already over, and I was first guided to a bed and later to the rest and dark room.

The eyes burned 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. Vision returned immediately, just through a watery haze.

I lay down in the hotel straight away as recommended, and I must 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! Eagle-sharp! I just sat on the edge of the bed laughing and crying. Crying with joy and relief. I focused my eyes on everything possible – near and far – and delighted in my new sense of life.

Later that morning, I had the first follow-up check, 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 joy in 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 a computer screen or read a longer text. The eyes first have to get used to a different angle of vision and train the eye muscles accordingly. I did not experience any sensitivity to light either. I wore my lightly tinted sunglasses not because of 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 for self-protection, so that I do not rub my eyes half asleep. I am happy that from now on I can see the mosquitoes in my room and not just hear them!

What I would like to add

What convinced me to entrust my eyes to Swisslasik/EyeStar was their cooperation 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 to Turkey again for this. Having a five-year guarantee in hand (which is provided in writing on site) also makes it easier to sleep peacefully.

I was 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 only reassure everyone who is still doubtful – I would do it again at any time, and I did not feel abandoned for a single minute. The people on site are incredibly warm and attentive, in a way we are not even used to here in Switzerland.

Report by:
A. Kobi, 28 October 2008