The public became aware of Karolína Kokešová after her participation in the Česká miss beauty pageant. She went on to partake in the Miss Global 2019 in Mexico, where she won and thus became one of the most beautiful girls in the world. Karolína is a passionate traveller, loves sports and creates her own brand. Her followers are aware that glasses are part of her image. Correction – WERE part of her image. She underwent laser eye surgery at our clinic in December 2020 and this is what we want to talk to her about.
Karolína, what was your prescription prior to surgery and how did this limit you?
I was short-sighted with 5 dioptres and without glasses I would not have recognised my own mother on the street. It was pretty unpleasant.
Did your glasses or lenses really get in the way sometimes?
I never minded my glasses. I was fond of them, in fact, and liked to use them as a fashion accessory and to give my eyes a break from using contact lenses. However, for sports and for my job description, glasses did get in the way and so contact lenses always presented a solution. I liked wearing contact lenses for work and sports but after some time, my eyes always got red and sore and tired.
What is the attitude in general towards glasses in the fashion industry? Glasses are currently `IN` as a fashion accessory but in modelling and photo modelling, do they prefer contact lenses?
Unless you are shooting a campaign for glasses as such, glasses are usually a no go. It is something extra that gets in the way and is uncomfortable where make-up is concerned. I always wore contact lenses for work.
Now that you no longer need glasses, will they remain a part of your image? How many pairs do you own?
I have three pairs and I plan to keep them to wear just like that once I have the prescription glass taken out. I like my glasses and I think that a well selected pair can suit any one and is sexy. 🙂
What was the breaking-point in your case when you decided to go ahead with surgery?
During these pandemic times I happen to have quite a lot of spare time and I have wanted this surgery for quite some time. The time was perfect to finally fulfil my dream.
Did anyone encourage you to go ahead with this?
My mother. I was sceptical for a bit, but she gave me the courage that I needed.
Everyone is scared before the surgery. Were you?
Of course! A few unpleasant scenarios did cross my mind. These are my eyes after all and the thought of something not going to plan was scary. I had complete faith in Dr Novak though and this was extremely important and helpful.
You chose RCP. What lead you to this decision?
My Ophthalmologist recommended RCP. I trusted his opinion. Also, the RCP is the only clinic in the Czech Republic that has the iDesign iLasik laser. I was pleased to have been asked to promote this clinic.
Can you describe your feelings during the initial examination, just before the surgery and after the surgery?
During the initial examination I didn´t experience any significant feelings. Before the surgery I was extremely nervous and just after I had to hold back tears of joy. It was an amazing feeling, to just get up and see, especially if, like me, you have spent year battling eye problems. This feeling was the most pronounced first thing in the morning when the sight was much better. Day by day I enjoyed this newly acquired freedom more and more as my sight sharpened and I became less light-shy.
It is now more than a month since your surgery, what changed?
The freedom is amazing. To start with, I simply strolled around the city observing buildings and my surroundings. I couldn`t believe just how well I could see. Before falling asleep, I kept thinking for a while that I have my contact lenses and must take them out only to realise that I no longer need those.
Did you miss not being able to wear make-up for a while after the surgery or did you enjoy this freedom as well?
I always enjoy not having to wear any make-up when I don´t have to be anywhere important. I am not a huge fan of make-up to begin with, so this was pretty pleasant.
It is common knowledge that you like to travel and indulge in sports. What is traveling like now that you no longer need glasses? How about swimming in the ocean? Enjoying winter sports? Can you compare your life-style with and without glasses?
Travelling is much more pleasant now. Long-haul flights with contact lenses in were demanding on my eyes. I used to swap contacts for glasses frequently. Now I don´t need to bother with this. I am not a big fan of winter sports but swimming in the ocean and snorkelling is something else now. Spending time in the sunshine too is much more enjoyable now. My eyes used to be irritated from wearing contact lenses in the sun. Now I enjoy a sense of lightness 24/7.
If you were to name the greatest benefit that you are reaping now having undergone this surgery, what would it be?
It definitely adds to my sense of freedom. Comfort. I no longer need to think of anything and can enjoy my life 100 %.
What would your message be to all those contemplating this surgery?
I would like to assure them that yes, the issue of eyes is a sensitive one and the thought of an eye surgery is scary but nowadays there really is nothing to fear. Especially if you diligently pick an excellent clinic. It will change your life completely. This much I guarantee. I would do it all again in a heart-beat. 🙂
Thank you, Karolína. We wish you a flawless view of the world wherever you may go. Best of luck with your career and in your personal life.
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