I've searched the forum and found 4-5 older threads. Has anyone had any recent experiences with corrective eye surgery in Switzerland? I've seen posts by Mathnut about her experiences in Ireland, and will give consideration to something like that as well, but I'm not too terribly concerned about price; more, I want the best surgeons and practices.
I had LASIK done 15 years ago, so I know the risks and procedures. However, I was young (19) and as my eyes hadn't fully stabilized, my vision is no longer 20/20. Doctors at the time told me I'd probably be able to have another round done if necessary, so I want to talk to a doc and get his/her assessment now and see if this is a path I want to go down. Looking across the Internet, it seems like Laser Vista is the place to go here in Switzerland. Any contesting opinions?
I was scared shitless for that same reason when I got it done in Spain, about 15 years ago, but my eyesight was so bad that I had less to lose than most .
I had Intra Ocular Lenses inserted to correct my myopia (-15 -12). Could not correct astygmatism though, as my eyes could not sustain any degree of laser ablation. I did it at the local Augenspital and overall a very positive experience.
Seriously though, I had laser PRK 20 yerars ago on one eye and RK (with a knife) on the other. I figured I would spread the risk
The results now? The PRK eye measures -0.25 but I still can't see that perfectly with it even with correction. The optician thinks it's good but why can't I see clearly anymore? To me it's just in so good enough for driving but for closer things, it's clear. Luckily I have a spare eye to help with distance.
The other RK eye. Well that has gone to +1.25 so I can no longer read with it. Distance is good but getting worse at middle distance. That is because the eye is flattening. Again, it's lucky the other eye can read good.
Would I have surgery again? I'm scared now because I know that, especially for the RK, they knew even back in those days that the scars would not heal completely, leaving the cornea weakened but they did not tell you this at the time. What long term effects do they know about today that they won't tell you because they are making so much money from the procedure? I can only assume my PRK eye has some scarring too which prevents perfect vision even after correction.
The technique where they lift a flap would probably give much better results as the scarring is less. However, the place where they cut that flap will never completely heal. 20 years later, an optician will still be able to see that cut and it will be weaker than the rest of your cornea. Your eye will no longer be totally smooth so wearing contact lenses again may not be possible.
Apart from moving to Swiss it was one of the worst things I have done. Had it done about 6 years ago. My eyesight was perfect for about 18 months. Now I have keratoconus. Some days I can see, some days I can’t. Glasses, contact lenses don’t help as my eyesight is so variable. Wish I never had spent the money.
I know of two people who had it done in Luzern but don't know where exactly. It was within the last two years. So far they are very happy but it has been not long ago so of course might change. Let me know by PM if you want me to find out what the place was called (it was supposed to be good and they travelled from Zurich to Lucerne for that specific company but could have done it with other companies in Zurich).
Whoever sold you the surgery at 19 was pretty irresponsible. The place my brother went to refused to do accept him for surgery until they were pretty sure his eyes were stable... He was about 25 when he finally did it.
I think you should just visit 2-3 different clinics and get a feel.
How an eye will heal cannot be completely predicted , it can also change over time. As you get older being slightly short sighted in 1 eye can be a blessing as you can read without glasses. LASIK often gets close but not spot on, if your only shortsighted by -0.75 dioptre you can still legally drive, it's probably better to use contact lenses / glassed or absolutely nothing. Most people in their mid 40's can't read & see distance, you might be just swooping 1 pair of glasses for another. A good surgeon should not even operate for a tiny correction as their is always some risk........
Had my eyes done in India more than 10 years ago, started with around -7 and ended up with -0.5/almost nothing. After 10 years, still going strong, no major deterioration noticable yet.