The dream of seeing without glasses – it was fulfilled in Istanbul…… – report from Friday, 18 May 2012

Actually, it started as a New Year’s idea. It was inspired by the success story of a friend’s sister, who had her eyes lasered in Istanbul due to severe myopia. In Istanbul? Yes, she said it had been absolutely top-notch and professional. Could that really be true? My sister-in-law was thrilled—actually even more excited than I was. She was annoyed with her reading glasses.
So I started researching online and found Swisslasik Thun, which immediately convinced me. The contact person, Mr Karaagacli, advised me very kindly and convincingly over the phone. My prescription seemed suitable for laser treatment. After two nights’ sleep and discussing it with my husband, I decided to take the plunge. Gaby, my sister-in-law, wanted to accompany me and have an eye test at the Acibadem Clinic. Despite her presbyopia, perhaps there would still be a possibility. Unfortunately, her hopes were not fulfilled; she was not suitable for laser treatment.
My husband and daughter also wanted to witness the event, so we quickly planned a short family trip to Istanbul. Everything—flight, hotel, preliminary exams, surgery, and follow-up—was organised by Mr Karaagacli. Whenever I felt uncertain, I contacted him by phone or email, and with a few reassuring words, he alleviated all my concerns.
A few days before departure, I received a LASER PASS. This little booklet contained all essential information and knowledge. At the airport, we were supposed to be picked up by the Acibadem Clinic staff holding a sign. Excited and curious about what awaited us, we landed in Istanbul after a pleasant SWISS flight and searched for our driver amid hundreds of signs—without success. A quick phone call to the clinic instructed us to take a taxi; the cost would be reimbursed. With a text message and a slightly queasy “this is not off to a great start” feeling in my stomach, I informed my Turkish “angel” in Switzerland. He called immediately and apologised, unable to explain what went wrong. Well, we were now in Turkey.
After that, transport went perfectly. The drivers who took us from the hotel to the clinic and back arrived 30 minutes early. On the arrival afternoon and the following Wednesday, we enjoyed Istanbul in culinary and cultural ways—chaotic, loud, colorful, but charming.
On Thursday morning, we were picked up at 7 a.m.—oh dear! At the clinic, which resembled more of a convention center, Mr Tolga greeted us; he would take care of me during the procedure (as much as that would be necessary, which, thankfully, I did not yet know). The preliminary examinations went smoothly but took time, as I had been warned. It took hours until the actual procedure. I advise anyone interested to bring a book or magazines to pass the time. During this period, we made a nice acquaintance: a Swiss woman and her Turkish friend. With their insider knowledge, we managed to escape the clinic for a few hours and visit a nearby shopping center, which was fun and very helpful.
Unfortunately, my Femto laser procedure had to be performed with a special device due to my very thin, extremely elastic cornea. This technique is delicate and cost an additional 500 euros. I accepted this bravely. Wearing protective head and shoe covers and a gown, I was guided into the operating zone and given eye drops. During the preliminary laser procedure, which was straightforward, it became clear that the Femto procedure could not be completed that day for health reasons. This stressed me a bit, but there was nothing I could do. Throughout this time (except during the operation), Gaby stayed close and gave me courage and calm—much needed at that point.
Halfway through the laser procedure and completely exhausted, we returned to the hotel. All I wanted to do was sleep. I missed a delicious Turkish dinner with my loved ones.
Friday morning, I returned to the clinic. After another 2.5 hours of waiting, Mr Tolga guided me into the operating room. What awaited me was far from pleasant. My special cornea situation caused complications. The right eye went fairly smoothly, but the left eye was problematic for both me and the doctor. The cornea kept folding down. Mr Tolga struggled to calm me. (Unfortunately, I had not received a sedative beforehand.) “Please, Ms Regina, look at the center; you are making it very difficult for us!” God, which center? I saw flashes, red lights, green lights, and felt every movement on my eye. I cursed New Year 2011/12, shook all over, and was terrified. The procedure had to be repeated twice on my left eye.
Finally—after what felt like ten hours—relief: “Well done, everything is ok!” Reassuring hands of the friendly doctor on my face, cold hands. She was challenged too. My husband met me after an hour instead of ten minutes as scheduled and requested a sedative and painkiller for me. I was completely exhausted and so grateful that he accompanied me.
We returned to the hotel via subway at our own request, which was faster than any taxi. Wearing huge black protective glasses, I looked like a monster, but no one paid any attention. At the hotel, I took a sleeping pill, sent my husband on a planned Bosporus cruise with my daughter and sister-in-law, and fell asleep instantly. Four hours later, at 5 p.m.: eyes open—clear vision—wow!
I finally experienced the joy described by other laser patients in their reports. I could see without glasses. Even the dilapidated building opposite the hotel window appeared beautiful! Like a newborn, all I wanted now was to go out into the hustle and bustle, disguised in normal black sunglasses. Indescribable—I could see clearly. I could even send SMS without glasses! The magic had worked, even though I had been told I would 100% need reading glasses after the laser procedure.

After the painful ordeal, my eyes were red. The left one stared at me like a zombie—bloodshot, awful. But I was told it would pass. It was very important to follow the prescribed eye drop therapy regularly. The doctor wanted to perform one final check-up before I flew home, which reassured me greatly. Again, everything was perfectly organised: picked up at the hotel with our luggage, a stop at the clinic, and then onward to the airport. The doctor was satisfied and recommended a follow-up in four weeks in Zurich.
On Saturday evening, we returned home happily and content from this laser adventure. I disguised my zombie look the following week with lightly tinted sunglasses, which I also wore at work, so as not to frighten anyone. After just one week, it no longer looked dramatic; my eyes became whiter and friendlier. The check-up in Zurich, again at a top-level clinic, after four weeks showed that my left eye still had a thin film over it, which is why my vision there wasn’t as clear as in the right eye. The ophthalmologist measured 98% vision in the right eye versus 75% in the left. This should improve as the eye fully recovers. A minor residual astigmatism remains, but it still allows relatively good reading without glasses. A further examination in mid-June will show the final visual result.
Either way, I would do it again; my vision has improved in the most pleasant way. I would also have it done again in Istanbul, because the way they handled a situation that is certainly not everyday speaks to a highly competent, well-trained team. Compliments to everyone! I can highly recommend this clinic. It is truly worth being “brave,” although it really isn’t necessary, as I am confident this hospital could match any Swiss hospital. Swisslasik from A to Z does an excellent job. Thank you very, very, very much! Pure culture.

Our hotel…

No, no, more like this one 😀

Wonderfully centrally located. Taksim Square and the Taksim shopping street with many lovely cafés are within a five-minute walk. Good food—no problem, and very, very affordable.

Regina Renggli