Märt Israel on Flow3: How Laser Eye Surgery Changed His Life

At the start of this year, Märt Israel came to KSA Silmakeskus for Flow3 laser eye surgery. Many will know him as the former discus thrower—a name synonymous with Estonian athletics at the highest level. He stepped back from elite sport five years ago, but his CV reads like a highlight reel: 4th place at the Daegu World Championships, gold at the Shenzhen Universiade, and 14th at the Beijing Olympics. These days, Märt's passions are weightlifting (where he's a veteran class Estonian champion) and cycling. By trade, he's a project manager for a company that designs interiors for offices and hotels.

Contact Lenses: Expensive and Exhausting

Market has never been a glasses person. For years, he lived in contact lenses—but living in them was another story.

They were a constant nuisance in everyday life, at the gym, during competitions, and while traveling. The cost was no joke either: upward of 50 euros a month, every month.

Then came the incident that changed his perspective. During a sports camp in the USA, a lens rolled out of his eye. With no spare pair in his bag, Märt had to find an optician without a prescription. What followed was an eye exam, a new order, and another bill. "But honestly," he admits, "I was grateful. If I hadn't sorted it out, I'd have been walking around half-blind."

Doubts Held Him Back—For a While

Markt had hesitations about laser surgery, particularly around weightlifting. Heavy lifting does place real stress on the eye, and he knew it. But looking back, he realizes he never actually consulted anyone about whether it was safe. He simply assumed it wasn't and lived with that assumption.

The turning point came through a friend—someone who knew Dr. Ants Haavel, our lead surgeon. A few colleagues at work had also undergone the procedure, which made Märt think: maybe it's time.

The procedure itself? Märt's word: fine. Yes, lying on the table brought some nerves, but everything was explained clearly, and it was straightforward and quick. Afterward, he wondered why he hadn't done it sooner.

The Real Change: Freedom

Recovery went as expected. His eyes were a bit watery and light-sensitive at first. He returned to work fairly quickly, just enlarged the text on his screen for comfort.

But here's what actually changed his life: the morning routine. No more contact lenses. No more fumbling, no more boxes, no more monthly costs.

Masks fit better now—before the procedure, his glasses fogged up constantly. Training is better. Everything feels simpler and freer. There's no discomfort, no foreign object, no daily negotiation.

When we asked Märt what he'd say to someone considering the procedure but held back by fear, his answer was direct: "Don't be afraid. Start with an eye examination."

Photos: Marko Mumm and personal archive