My eye surgery in Istanbul: The alarm clock read 8:47, sharper than ever before! – Report from Monday, November 2, 2009
About 10 years ago, I first heard of a surgery that could eliminate my short-sightedness. At that time, I was 15, and I could only imagine such an operation in my dreams. “I can live well with glasses and contact lenses,” I thought. However, by the time I was 23, I started having increasing problems with my lenses and was constantly wearing glasses. That’s when the idea of having surgery came back to me. It was important to me that my eyes would be treated properly and professionally, no matter the cost. Also, I wanted the follow-up examination to be with a specialist in Switzerland. So, I began researching online. On Google, I found “Swisslasik.ch,” as well as other clinic websites in Switzerland. What I liked about “Swisslasik.ch” was that they promoted quality, not low prices. Additionally, they provided high-quality information about the surgery, its risks, and its consequences. I also liked the option to make an “all-inclusive” reservation, which reduces the stress of having to look for hotels, flights, and transport. To have a solid basis for comparison, I still visited a clinic in my city. There, I had a preliminary examination. However, I was treated like a number and almost pushed into the surgery. So, I decided to go with Swisslasik. The email consultation was always very quick and professional. Mr. Karaagaçli always responded immediately and thoroughly. He was also friendly on the phone and could always provide the desired information. Some patients might find it reassuring to have a personal appointment, but unfortunately, Swisslasik doesn’t offer that. Swisslasik organized everything for me, from the flight ticket to the hotel and transfers—I didn’t have to worry about anything. A week before the trip, the patient receives a Swisslasik pass. This pass personally addresses you, includes all travel details, such as the weather forecast in Istanbul, contact persons, information about the surgery preparation, and the healing phase. I find this pass very useful: everything important is summarized. Swisslasik also sends a city map of Istanbul, but unfortunately, there is no information about public transport in Istanbul. Our flight was at a convenient time, late in the morning, which allowed us to visit a bit of Istanbul on the day of our arrival. Turkish Airlines is a pleasant airline (member of the Star Alliance). The food on the plane was very good. At the airport, our chauffeur was already waiting for us and took us to the hotel (Taksim Gönen) in a star-class car. From our room on the 10th floor, we had an amazing view of the city. The room was not very large, but it was very clean and cozy. After a pleasant evening in Istanbul, we were picked up (my companion and I) at the hotel and taken to the clinic. There, the staff personally greeted us in Swiss German, Turkish, Russian, etc., depending on the patient’s mother tongue. Small gestures, such as offering laptops and drinks, helped ease the slightly tense atmosphere of the patients. The preliminary examination lasted about 90 minutes. During this time, the eyes were measured using various devices, and the patient met the doctor. Afterward, it was recommended to go for a meal and return to the clinic in the afternoon for the surgery in a relaxed state.
The surgery went very well. Wearing sterile clothes and a cap on my head, my eyes were disinfected. Then, I was taken into the operating room. Four people took care of me, including the doctor. The eye to be operated on was numbed with drops and then covered. The eye shield was a horror idea for me. But the very experienced team at the EyeStar Clinic applied it before I even noticed! The eye was then rinsed. Then, the microkeratome was used to make a cut on the cornea. You don’t feel anything, you only hear the small motor of the keratome. This cut takes just a few seconds. My second horror idea was the lifting of the eye shield. But again, it was done without me even noticing. Now, the excimer laser is used. It’s important to keep the eye still. The team reassured me and encouraged me during those few seconds. Finally, the doctor smooths the eye, removes any impurities, and checks everything under the microscope. The eye shield is removed, and the operated eye tears but doesn’t burn. It is covered so that the second eye can be treated. Immediately after the surgery, I could see clearly. My eyes felt like I had just partied all night and hadn’t slept much, but there was no itching, burning, or tearing. When you can already see the EyeStar logo on the wall opposite the chair just minutes after the surgery, the euphoria kicks in. After two hours of sleep, a small dinner in my hotel room, and crystal-clear vision, I could hardly contain my joy. I could see the smallest minaret tower in the distance!
The next morning, I woke up as if from a dream… but it wasn’t a dream. The clock showed 8:47, sharp as never before! The first follow-up examination took place the day after the surgery. The doctor said my results were perfect. He answered all my questions and said goodbye in a friendly manner. At EyeStar, I will be cared for with follow-up examinations for the rest of my life. My companion and I were still able to enjoy Istanbul and visited, among other things, the Blue Mosque. The next day, the pick-up service worked as smoothly as it had two days before. The flight was also pleasant, despite being delayed by 90 minutes. My surgery was a week ago, and I now walk through the world with a new perspective. It’s wonderful! The appointment for the follow-up examination in Bern, one month after the surgery, has already been scheduled. The doctor was very friendly on the phone. I will definitely recommend Swisslasik. There are already many interested people among my acquaintances! I can only thank the entire team for everything going so well and professionally.
Best regards,
Isabelle Oberson
Fribourg, 28th October 2009