Laser surgery as a double package – report from Tuesday, 17 September 2013

We have both worn glasses for more than 35 years and were slowly fed up with them, especially considering the high prices at opticians. We had long considered undergoing laser eye surgery, but the prices in Switzerland were extremely high and discouraged us. In the meantime, we got to know people who had successfully undergone laser surgery abroad, which caught our attention. Some skepticism arose when we heard the surgery would be performed in Istanbul. However, since a Swiss company was behind it and nowadays it is possible to find information online, we also attended an information evening. All in all, everything seemed well organised and the risk of a surgical error did not seem higher than if we had undergone the same procedure in Switzerland. After careful consideration, we decided to take the step and registered via Swisslasik. To be on the safe side, we had an examination by an eye doctor in Zurich to confirm our suitability for the surgery. We had visited many eye doctors before, but had never been examined so thoroughly. This already showed us a certain level of professionalism and gave us confidence. We gradually approached the surgery date, and about five days before the flight we received the documents in the form of a compact brochure. It included all our contact details, e-ticket numbers, and much more. Then the departure day arrived on Thursday evening, and the adventure began. At Istanbul airport we were picked up by a clinic driver who took us to the hotel. The next morning we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Promptly on Friday morning we were picked up again by a driver from the Acibadem clinic. A translator was provided who could communicate with us easily, which was important to us. In the morning, various examinations began; the clinic is very modern and up to date. Additional eye drops were needed for further tests. With blurred vision, we had lunch in the clinic. In the afternoon, the final examinations continued. The results matched those from the Zurich examination. In the waiting room were other patients undergoing eye surgery. The operation was painless, though it was a strange feeling, sensing pressure on the eyes during the procedure. Shortly after, we were taken to the waiting area, wearing futuristic black glasses. Another check was done, and then we were driven back to the hotel. Admittedly, we could not see much and were relieved to find our hotel room. What followed was not pleasant; our eyes burned quite strongly, which we had expected. In addition, our noses ran, fortunately we had nasal drops. After about six hours, the itching and burning subsided. The biggest challenge was probably not rubbing our eyes, but the glasses prevented us from doing so. Eventually we fell asleep, and the next morning we already felt quite well; the burning had greatly diminished. Then came the first aha moment: as someone with farsightedness, I could read my watch clearly without glasses, which had not even been fully possible with them before. My wife, who was nearsighted, could see far into the distance—a truly joyful moment. After breakfast, we were taken back to the clinic for another examination. Everything was fine, no inflammation was detected, and the feeling of sand in the eyes was still there but steadily decreasing. Back at the hotel, we decided to take a sightseeing tour with a hop-on hop-off bus. This allowed us to enjoy various interesting places in Istanbul, highly recommended. Naturally, all with sunglasses, as we were light-sensitive. On Sunday at midday we were picked up again and headed back to the airport. After an initial follow-up in Zurich, the surgery proved to be a complete success. Further check-ups are planned, but our conclusion is that we were very satisfied, would do it again in Istanbul, and will recommend it. Corinne and Ivan, September 2013