4 Ways to Reduce Anxiety before LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK surgery is one of the safest elective medical procedures available. It’s also one of the fastest. The procedure takes about 10 minutes for two eyes, although the actual laser is used on average for less than 30 seconds per eye. Many patients are astonished to learn how quick the overall procedure is.

Despite LASIK being incredibly safe and effective, some patients report feeling anxious or nervous ahead of their surgery lasik – this is entirely normal! That is why we’ve rounded up the best tips and tricks to help you manage your nerves before your procedure. Learn more about outdoor activities you can do better after LASIK surgery.

Tips for Eliminating Anxiety Before Lasik Eye Surgery

  • Make a list of questions or concerns

It’s normal to have various questions or concerns before your procedure, and part of our job is putting those worries at ease.

We encourage you to write anything you want to ask in a paper ahead of the procedure and bring it with you to the pre-operative appointment. The operating centre already has a friendly staff team who will welcome you warmly and happily go through your inquiries to ensure you fully understand the LASIK procedure and feel comfortable.

If you forgot to take the list of questions along to the appointment, don’t worry. You may contact the surgeon before the procedure starts to seek professional help. 

Make sure you ask every question popping up in your mind, whether it sounds silly or confrontational. The aim is to ensure you find every answer you need tom know before the procedure begins.

4 Ways to Reduce Anxiety before LASIK Eye Surgery
  • Read how to prepare beforehand

Proper preparation prevents poor performance. By implication, the more prepared you are before the surgery date, the easier it gets during the procedure. Solid preparation will get you ready and puts you in control during the surgery session. That is why we encourage you to read up on every write up that talks about everything LASIK surgery enatils ahead of time.

We have articles that deeply explain what to expect before, during and after a LASIK surgery. You can find some and read them. We have a variety of expository materials to get you ready. Besides, there are countless materials on the internet written about LASIK eye surgery

If you are going for your first appointment, review the checklist of the operating centre for the pre-operative consultation. Similarly, your surgeon will ask you to check the preliminary list to prepare for your LASIK surgery.

Knowing your roles before, during and after the surgery is also a golden idea. You can also find comprehensive information on everything you need to know aout LASIK eye surgery on this blog. You can also download books or watch videos that teach about preparation for LASIK surgery. Those resources can help make you feel prepared and at ease for your surgery.

  • Practice deep breathing

Focusing on breathing is another easy way to calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety before LASIK eye surgery. You may need to practice deep breathing when it gets to a stressful moment during surgery. When you begin to feel anxious, your breathing will likely be shallow. And it disrupts the oxygen and carbon dioxide content in the body leading to: 

  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle tension

But this is where deep breathing comes in. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates our blood flow, heart rate, and more. It can also alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of inadequate breathing and help you feel better.

If you feel overwhelmed before your LASIK surgery, you should take one or two deep breaths. Though you may not find it comfortable, you can make a habit if you keep practising.

  • Distract yourself

If you feel consumed by your anxiety, it could be a brilliant idea to distract yourself. Just like you do when you want to ignore a matter that’s eating you up within, Take your mind off the LASIK surgery, including everything bothering you and focus on a memorable, exciting event.

To begin, create a list of activities that makes you feel good and boost your mood. Then, give one a try when youremeber the day of surgery approaches. The next time you feel anxious, see if they are a good distraction for you.

We recommend choosing any activity that interrupts your train of thought, even if only for a few seconds. Try standing up, stretching, going for a walk, or watching a funny video. Also, consider what you can do on the day of your procedure to keep your nerves at bay. For instance, you may be comfortable listening to music while waiting for surgery. 

  • Challenge Your Thoughts

You may start having irrational fears regarding the procedure’s outcome regarding LASIK. It is essential to challenge your thoughts in these moments. Make sure to ask the questions you are most anxious about, even if they seem irrational at the time. Educating yourself about the LASIK procedure will also help you realize that this choice is for the better and will positively impact your life.

Experiencing anxiety is perfectly natural when thinking about LASIK or any surgical procedure. We can’t stress enough that LASIK is one of the safest, most reliable procedures on the planet, mainly when performed by a skilled surgeon– but we know there can be some lingering anxiety and hope you’ve found these tips helpful.

  • Meditation

Meditation has its benefits, whether you use it for a short or long period. Meditating on an anxious thought doesn’t always mean you must sit cross-legged with your hands resting on your knees. Meditation can be done anywhere, whether you practice meditation at home or even minutes before your LASIK operation. It can encompass breathing techniques and positive visualization, allowing you to reflect on your thoughts.

Conclusion

While choosing to undergo LASIK surgery or another vision correction procedure is a big decision, it’s not one you should feel stressed about. You can contact an operating centre that has a team of experts to present enquiries and receive professional answers. The consultation will help you make an informed decision as regards whether to have the LASIK surgery or not.