Heidi Palojärvi might seem like an average Finnish citizen – a young woman simply living a normal life, doing a normal job, with presumably ordinary hobbies like running, reading books, or watching films. You would never guess that alongside all those "ordinary things" she also has a slightly wild streak, and while other people head to a café for pancakes on a Sunday afternoon, she jumps out of an aeroplane instead. And as if skydiving were not extreme enough, the real twist is this: she is a skydiver who suffers from severe acrophobia.
How Skydiving Helped Her Overcome a Fear of Heights
It sounds impossible, yet skydiving has actually helped her overcome her phobia. Although the thought of jumping out of a working aeroplane gives other people goosebumps, she says she needs it as much as she needs air.
Heidi explains why she does it: "Stepping out of the plane is always hard – meaning it does get easier over time, but it is always a little challenging – that one step towards the unknown. But once you are out there, flying 13,000 feet (4,000 metres) above the ground, you are completely alone – no worries, no stress, and most importantly – no fear. Just you and a feeling of complete freedom. It gives you strength."
Why Glasses and Contact Lenses Were Not Suitable for Skydiving
Skydiving naturally carries its own risks, but these can be minimised when the jumper knows what to do and where to land. That is difficult to do when you cannot actually see where you are going.
Heidi had to wear glasses when skydiving because contact lenses were not an option, as she puts it – "You can jump out of the plane with them, but you will most likely land without them." Since wearing glasses under a helmet was not exactly the most comfortable arrangement either, she began looking for alternatives, until a close friend told her about KSA Nägemiskliinikus and laser surgery. She says she also searched online for other clinics, but because her friend had such an excellent experience at KSA, she decided to give it a try.
Laser Surgery at KSA Eye Clinic in Tallinn
"I had both my eyes and the procedure checked on the same day at KSA Nägemiskliinikus in Tallinn," Heidi recalls. She remembers feeling anxious about the procedure, but she calmed down as soon as she arrived at KSA, because the staff were very friendly and helpful.
"The procedure took a very short time, and although I had to slow down and rest for a week, it was all worth it. Because after Dr Ants Haavel removed my protective contact lenses, I was able to jump out of aeroplanes again... only this time I did not have to wear glasses!" says Heidi, and she could not sound happier.
"KSA was definitely the right choice for me, and the fact that they paid for my ferry tickets and provided hotel accommodation shows the level of service they offer. I cannot thank them enough!"
As much as we love hearing this – and we must admit that Heidi is not the first person to say that having her vision corrected at KSA has been one of the best decisions she has ever made – we are simply glad that we were able to give her the confidence she needs to do something she loves. So thank you for visiting us, and happy jumping, Heidi!
