Laser vision correction changes not only the way we see but also the way we live. For traveler Nikolay Stefanov, the decision to undergo laser vision correction came after years of wearing glasses and a trip to Machu Picchu that showed him just how limiting life without clear vision can be. Today, he shares how his daily life has changed following the procedure.
Nikolay, how long had you been experiencing vision problems, and how did they affect your daily life?
I’ve had vision problems since my teenage years. I was around 12 years old when I realized I couldn’t see clearly in the distance. It affected my daily life—at school, I struggled to see the board. I was constantly straining my eyes, which often caused mild headaches. Even though my prescription was relatively low, it still created inconvenience.
How did glasses limit you?
Whenever it rained, I couldn’t see properly because my glasses were covered in water droplets. Moving from a warm environment to a cold one caused the lenses to fog up. You constantly have to clean them and keep track of where they are. Losing or breaking them was also extremely frustrating.
When did you decide you wanted to get rid of them and undergo laser vision correction?
I had been considering laser vision correction for many years, but I decided to wait until I could comfortably afford it. The final decision came while I was in Machu Picchu. It was raining heavily, and I couldn’t see anything because my glasses were completely covered in water. I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the view, and that was the moment I decided to go ahead with the procedure.
Why did you choose VISION?
I started researching which clinic was the best. I learned that VISION is the largest eye clinic in the country and has some of the most advanced equipment available. Several of my foreign friends told me they had heard of VISION and even considered it one of the best eye clinics in Europe.
What were your first impressions of VISION?
I was impressed by the facilities and how well equipped the clinic was. The entire medical team treated me exceptionally well. I felt genuinely cared for, and everything was explained to me clearly and calmly.
Is laser vision correction painful? What do you feel during the procedure?
There is no pain during the procedure itself. What I felt most was fear because it was something new and unfamiliar. The discomfort starts a few hours afterward—there is some pain and tearing, but these symptoms gradually disappear within about three days.
How has your lifestyle changed since the procedure?
For me, it feels like a complete rebirth—the freedom of seeing with your own eyes. Every day I notice that I can see clearly and even appreciate simple things, like looking at myself in the mirror. It’s amazing to experience the world directly through your own eyes, and when I travel now, I can fully enjoy every moment with clear vision.
One month after laser vision correction, what has changed for you?
Every day I feel better and better. It’s an incredible pleasure to see clearly with my own eyes. For me, it means freedom and convenience.
What advice would you give to people who are still hesitant?
If they feel the need for it, I would encourage them not to hesitate. Do their own research and not focus too much on negative comments, because negative opinions are often louder than positive ones. I would advise anyone considering the procedure to ask their doctors questions so they fully understand everything and feel informed. And then simply go for it—laser vision correction opens the door to a whole new life.
Nikolay Stefanov is a passionate traveler who visited all seven continents in a single year and creates informative travel guides to help others discover unique and exotic destinations around the globe.
