Experience report on LASIK in Istanbul – Report from Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I found out from my friend that she wanted to undergo eye laser treatment in Istanbul. I then asked her about the process of the treatment and gathered information about laser treatment online myself. My friend explained to me that there is a company that organizes the trip, including the hotel, treatment, and pickup service. I also checked out the website of Swisslasik. Both Swisslasik and the EyeStar clinic in Istanbul have very professional websites. The treatments are described in detail, and it’s clear what’s included in the price. You won’t be confronted with additional costs. Another plus is that you can combine the surgery with a trip to Istanbul. Apart from the fact that treatment abroad is cheaper, I decided to go for the laser treatment abroad. The trip, pickup service, accommodation, and treatment were all professionally and seriously organized by Mr. Karaagacli. We received something called a “Swisslasik pass,” which listed the flight details, key points about the treatment and post-treatment, as well as sightseeing tips for Istanbul. Really a very creative business idea.
Then, we headed off to Istanbul. I had never been to Istanbul before, but I would definitely go back. For shopping lovers, it’s a MUST. There are huge shopping malls and long shopping streets. And the bazaar – it’s massive!! Two days before the surgery, we explored the city by taking a sightseeing tour. Culturally, Istanbul has a lot to offer. After we had seen the city, the day for the pre-examination arrived. The clinic was very clean and stylishly decorated. Good music was playing in the background, which helped me relax a bit and ease my nervousness. Before the examination started, we had to sign a patient declaration. We were informed about all the risks. The pre-examination went by very quickly. I even got to meet the surgeon. After chatting with him for a bit, I knew I was in good hands. I trusted the surgeon. He answered all of my questions honestly. After about an hour, I returned to the hotel.
The next day, I was very nervous. I was given a calming tablet, and shortly after, it was time. I was taken to the first floor of the clinic. Before the procedure, I was brought into a small room to calm down. About 5 minutes later, an assistant came to get me and took me to the operating room. A 5-person team was there. I was once again explained that my only contribution as a patient was to constantly focus on the green light. After about a minute, the surgery was over. After the procedure, I was taken to a small room with a small bed. I was allowed to lie down and rest for a few minutes. The dizziness passed, and my friend and I were taken to the common room. Immediately after the procedure, I could see clearly – everything was still a little blurry, but I could see properly and without glasses. That was an indescribable feeling of joy and relief. Shortly afterward, I was able to return to the hotel and lie down. I had to keep my eyes closed for the next 4 hours. I was prescribed antibiotics, corticosteroids, and artificial tears, and I had to apply the drops every 2 hours. I slept well that night. We were also given painkillers, and after taking them, I fell asleep immediately.
The next day, the world looked much more beautiful and clearer to me. My eyes had recovered well, and there was no more pain. The follow-up treatment went quickly as well. The surgery went well, and the surgeon was very satisfied. I was, of course, very happy too. Then I left a message in the guestbook of the EyeStar Clinic and had a small photoshoot with the other patients and the whole EyeStar team. I see the world with completely different eyes now. It’s a relief not to burden my eyes with lenses anymore, and I save a lot of time.
I thank the entire EyeStar team and Mr. Karaagacli from Swisslasik for the excellent service! They have positively changed my life.
Angela Pizzo