Simple ways to calm your nerves if you have an upcoming laser eye surgery
Virtually all medical procedures, including those as safe and quick as laser eye surgery, are bound to stir up some nerves. Even though Dr Joshua Hann has performed many procedures over the course of his career, he understands that being your first laser eye surgery, you could do with some reassurance. Read on for his best tips to calm your nerves about your upcoming surgery.
Do Your Research
It is completely normal to experience worries or anxieties about the unknown. One of the best things you can do to put your mind at ease is to educate yourself thoroughly about the surgery.
Do you have questions about the technology used during surgery, or pain management during and after surgery? Are you concerned about blinking during surgery or experiencing discomfort after the procedure? Dr Hann encourages you to bring those questions up to him or our staff so you can get the answers you need to move ahead with confidence.
Visualise Success
Visualising success after laser eye surgery and focusing on a positive outcome can be an incredible tool for overcoming nerves and fears. Visualise yourself experiencing a smooth surgery and speedy recovery, which is what normally happens anyway. Imagine life after surgery and think about the positive impact clearer vision will have on your day-to-day activities. What experiences can you look forward to once you are free from glasses and contact lenses?
Place Your Trust In Your Surgeon
Your choice of laser eye surgeon matters. When you have found the right surgeon, you can take comfort in his or her expertise. Choose someone who is qualified, experienced and has a kind, compassionate demeanor. If your surgeon glosses over your concerns, doesn’t answer all of your questions or rushes through your appointments, you may need to find someone else.
Try Relaxation Techniques
If you’re still feeling tense, breathing exercises may help you relax. Focus on breathing slowly and counting your breaths. Inhale for five seconds and exhale for five seconds. Place one hand on your abdomen and feel your belly flatten with each inhalation and expand with each exhalation.
You can also repeat meditation mantras or positive affirmations. Try “With every breath, I feel myself relaxing” or “I have control over how I feel, and I choose to feel at peace” to melt away anxiety and stress.
Day Of Surgery
As mentioned above, having information helps to settle your nerves. In addition to answering your questions, during your consultation, Dr Hann explains in detail what you can expect on the day of your laser eye surgery. It helps to understand that you will be offered a relaxing medication to reduce anxiety. During the procedure your eye is treated with intelligent lasers that adapt to a moving eye by following that movement perfectly with precise, pre-planned treatment. Detailed testing before surgery helps ensure that you receive exactly what your eye needs in order to achieve your goals. And of course, Dr Hann and his excellent hospital staff understand your anxieties and will provide you with great care on the day.
Our team is committed to helping you through every step of your laser eye surgery journey. We are here to answer your questions or help put your concerns to rest. To speak with a member of our team, please give us a call or send us an email today.
