Edith: “When I woke up five or six hours after the surgery and looked outside, I saw all the houses, trees, people and birds—a very incredible, powerful and grateful feeling!”

Edith recently underwent Femto laser surgery. We asked her a few questions about her experience. Read more about her experience and why she decided to have the laser procedure.

What kind of work do you do? What are your hobbies?

I work for an airline. I mainly deal with buying spare parts for aircraft.

Why did you decide to have laser surgery at Silmalaser?

I got my first pair of glasses at the age of seven. Over the years, my vision had only worsened and become more sensitive. At one point I had a very unpleasant experience when buying glasses. After that, I put off buying new glasses until the lenses were no longer clear or the frames wouldn’t stay on my head. Since I was facing that stressful task again, it seemed less daunting to finally go ahead with the eye surgery.

Why did you opt for Silmalaser?

I had looked at other providers in previous years but not Silmalaser. When a colleague shared that they were considering coming to you, I got the sense right from our first meeting that this was the right fit, which is a feeling I haven’t had before. As I learned more and more, and after having the examination, that feeling only grew stronger. As I was just then in the process of postponing buying new glasses, I arrived at the decision rather quickly.

What was your biggest fear before the surgery? What would you recommend for those who have a similar fear?

Over the years, my biggest fear was that my vision would be even worse after the surgery. And that I wouldn’t be able to keep my eyes still during the surgery. During the examination, they explained everything clearly and that calmed me down. It was also helpful to know that I would already see well the next day, rather than having to wait weeks or even months for my vision to clear up. Before the surgery, Dr Viikna was also very supportive and reassuring. I felt that I could trust him to take care of my eyes. I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor about your fears, both at the examination and, if necessary, before the surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions.

How did you feel after the surgery, when your vision had recovered and you could see the world around you without glasses? Did anything exciting or unexpected happen?

I managed to sleep off the most unpleasant period after the surgery in a hotel. When I woke up five or six hours after the surgery and looked outside the window between the curtains, I saw all the houses, trees, people and birds—a very incredible, powerful and grateful feeling! Having worn -5.5 glasses for years, I had no idea it was possible to see so clearly. I couldn’t even remember such a time…

What has been the biggest change in your life thanks to the surgery?

The fact that I don’t have to fumble every morning to find exactly where I put my glasses 🙂 I notice and see things and people before they’re right in front of me. Wearing contact senses is very uncomfortable for my eyes, I tend to squint or look through my fingers instead. Now, however, the best feeling is wearing sunglasses when outdoors, especially when driving. As I’m quite sensitive to sunlight and it can cause migraines, this spring’s bright sun is more beautiful and special than any previous one.

What would you recommend for those considering the surgery?

Be sure to go for the pre-operative examinations and ask questions. If you’re a good candidate for the surgery, don’t put it off for 15 years like I did.