Patient report by Myrta Töngi, operated on October 29, 2010 – Report from Wednesday, December 8, 2010

For some time I had been considering having my eyes laser-treated because I am not a glasses wearer and I knew that wearing contact lenses for so many years could eventually cause problems. My optician was sceptical and pointed out that, depending on the case, dry eyes could occur. At some point my friend, who could no longer tolerate contact lenses and had to switch to glasses, raised the topic of laser treatment. We researched online and decided on Istanbul, as operations are carried out daily there, unlike in Switzerland, and the price difference is significant. Before registering, we underwent a preliminary examination to ensure that we would not be sent home without having the operation. We wanted a contractual partner in Switzerland with the option of follow-up checks near our place of residence, which is why we chose Swisslasik, who also organised our trip. Two weeks before the operation I had to switch from contact lenses to glasses, which I found extremely difficult because my eyes did not adapt to the glasses. At the airport we were picked up by our coordinator, who spoke flawless German, and driven to the hotel. The following morning he accompanied us on foot to the clinic for the preliminary examinations. The treating doctor informed me that my visual impairment at night could not be corrected and that, due to my age, I would have to expect presbyopia to develop relatively quickly after the operation. My short-sightedness could be corrected 100%, and he promised me that I would be satisfied with the result after the operation. I trusted him because he radiated calm and explained clearly what was achievable and what was not. In the afternoon we were then taken by the team to a state-of-the-art clinic slightly outside the city, as it was a national holiday and the power supply at the original location was not sufficient for the laser equipment. Upon arrival we were given a pill to calm us. I remained calm and had no fear of the operation. I was the last to be operated on. The coordinator was also present during the operation and gave instructions. The laser equipment was absolutely identical to the devices used at home. The operation itself went smoothly and, because I was not allowed to move at all and had to fixate on the green dot in the laser device, apart from the fluid in my eye I did not notice very much. Everything was done very quickly, the eye was covered and then it was already time for the second eye. After barely ten minutes everything was over, and when I stood up my body reacted unexpectedly. I turned pale and, as the only one in the group, had great difficulty maintaining my balance while walking out to the car. My eyes were painful, the light was extremely dazzling despite wearing sunglasses, and at that moment all I wanted was to get into bed. Once back at the hotel my friend ordered room service and had some food and a bottle of wine brought up, whereas I was incapable of doing anything other than lying down. After four hours the pain subsided and my condition improved steadily. As early as the next morning, I was already able to see everything clearly. Wearing sunglasses, I sat down at the breakfast table and was overjoyed to be able to see into the distance. My initially extremely strong sensitivity to light, however, decreased noticeably after just two days. At the follow-up examination, my doctor already confirmed that I had full visual acuity. He was also satisfied with the results of the other five patients who had undergone surgery. It has now been four weeks, and I am realising the improved quality of life I have gained. During the first few days, I still lay awake at night and was startled because out of habit I thought I had once again forgotten to remove my contact lenses, as had often happened in the past. I have neither red nor dry eyes; the only thing I still cannot do at all is rub my eyes. I therefore approach my final check-up in a few days without any concern. I can encourage anyone to have their eyes laser-treated. It is worth it. Do not let the pain deter you at all, because everyone reacts differently and after a few hours the ordeal is over anyway. I very much hope that my eyes will give me a little more time before I need to wear glasses to read the newspaper.