Experience report by Dita Cecchin (eye surgery in Istanbul on 11 September 2012) – report from Friday, 26 October 2012
Bottighofen, 24 October 2012
I have been wearing glasses for approximately thirty-five years. My nearsightedness progressively worsened during my younger years, reaching between 5 and 5.5 dioptres before the surgery.
Of course, having glasses on my nose was inconvenient in many everyday situations, as any long-term glasses wearer knows. For special occasions, I wore contact lenses, and also when skiing, riding a motorcycle, in the sauna, and on the boat – fortunately, I live by Lake Constance. Unfortunately, my eyes would quickly become too dry, and I was always glad to take the lenses out. Without them, I felt like a blind mole.
For many years, I harboured dreams of having laser eye surgery, hoping that one day I could dare to go through with it and afford it. Only the fear of possible complications remained. The idea of jeopardising my already weakened eyesight through an operation was a terrifying thought.
Several years passed, medicine advanced significantly in this field, and I began researching online with full determination, both in my home country, the Czech Republic, and in neighbouring Germany. Then I came across Swisslasik. I was impressed by the honest and detailed presentation on their website, and then I saw the invitation to an information evening in Zurich. At that moment, it was clear to me: this interested me!
Accompanied by my husband, who encouraged me in the matter, I experienced a very informative and high-quality evening. The competent and very friendly manner of the company director, Mr Karaagacli, and Dr B. Cosar, who explained the eye surgery in detail, completely convinced me. On top of that, there was something very positive: at no point did I feel pressured; everything was very relaxed and informative. Yes, I thought, here I feel comfortable! Speaking of which, shortly afterwards a friend told me how happy his colleague was with her newly regained vision… thanks to Swisslasik in Istanbul.
Since my husband and I were already planning to sail along the Turkish southern coast in the autumn, I decided to combine everything practically: a week of great sailing and then flying to Istanbul to have my eyes lasered – and, of course, to finally get to know the famous city!
Communication with Swisslasik was completely straightforward and fast from the very beginning. Soon my preferred appointment was confirmed. Shortly before departure, I received – like all patients – the Swisslasik Pass with all my personal data, appointments, and many useful tips for staying in Istanbul. Everything important and necessary was in a small booklet. How wonderful! It was time to go.
After the really wonderful sailing trip, we arrived in Istanbul and on the very first day I was called by my future companion and interpreter Tolga. He welcomed me and asked how I was feeling – so shortly before the surgery. Very kind. We booked our hotel ourselves, as there were other fellow sailors with us. It was the Hotel Nena right in the Old Town. Highly recommended. The magnificent view from the breakfast terrace is unforgettable.
The next day, at 7 a.m. sharp, I was picked up by the clinic car. Upon arrival, I was completely impressed by the fantastic, modern, and impeccably maintained and clean clinic! I had not expected such a high standard. It felt very reassuring.
I did not have the full pre-examination in Switzerland, as my eye doctor had already confirmed some time ago that my eyes were suitable for laser surgery – and fortunately, this was confirmed again during the pre-examination directly at the Acibadem Clinic. From the moment my interpreter, Mr. Tolga, picked me up in the lobby, he was truly at my disposal the entire time. A very kind person and efficient organizer, who made me feel calm and secure in a foreign place.
I was fortunate that all my measurements were good, and I could even be operated on the same day, already at noon. Since I was being treated by Dr. Banu Cosar, whom I had already met at the information evening in Zurich, I remained completely relaxed. I really liked her positive and warm manner from the start. Everything was explained to me in detail beforehand, and translated from English to German when needed. I even got to see the small, modern, and impeccably clean operating room before it began. The eyes were numbed locally, without injections, using only drops.
The surgery went very quickly, lasting a total of about fifteen minutes, and I could see the professional and precise work of the entire operating team. Even placing the eyelid holder was not as uncomfortable as I had expected. Here too, the instructions from my companion, who stood beside the operating table, were very valuable. The laser treatment per eye took an incredibly short time, about twenty seconds each, I estimate. It was very manageable! No pain, just a “strange” sensation. The eye was kept comfortably moist the entire time. Immediately afterwards, I could get up and go to the recovery room: already I could see clearly through the slight haze! What a feeling! My eyes only burned and watered lightly and briefly. After half an hour, it was time for the follow-up check: everything went well. I was allowed to take the already arranged taxi back to the hotel and relax. Equipped with protective glasses, I could marvel at how well I could already see during the ride. At the hotel, I applied the first eye drops and slept relieved.
After three hours of sleep, I felt reborn… No discomfort, NEW EYES that can see! I never thought it would be this easy. In the evening, of course wearing the protective glasses, I went out into the Istanbul night for a lovely meal.
The very next morning, I was driven back to the clinic by the pick-up service. The left eye was perfect, the right eye had a slight allergic reaction (without pain) and I noticed a small difference compared to the left. Dr Cosar reassured me that this can happen and that I need to be patient. The brain will also adjust over time. Otherwise, the measurements were already very good. I plan to have the follow-up check soon with my eye doctor here.
Over the next two days, we were able to fully enjoy the beautiful city of Istanbul. It’s incredible how much there is to see and experience: the mosques, parks, the Bosporus with its busy boat traffic, the hospitality of the people, fantastic restaurants and tea houses, bazaars… A unique combination of the surgery appointment with an unforgettable experience. Istanbul, I will be back!
I can now honestly tell anyone who is still afraid or lacks confidence: go for it, you will not regret it! And all at a great price. I enjoy every day with my new vision and THANK the Swisslasik team from the bottom of my heart for this new quality of life!!!