We have pretty much heard it all at our office in San Antonio. We have seen thousands of prospective LASIK patients – so we understand that having eye surgery is an intimidating prospect.
Don’t be embarrassed. Once you realize that your fears are pretty much universal, you don’t need to pretend. The trick is to get beyond it. Let’s discuss 4 tips to overcome a fear of eye surgery.
Admit Your Fears
The first step to overcoming your fear is to admit to yourself that you’re afraid.
It could be:
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of pain
- Fear of moving during surgery
- Fear of complications or even going blind
Let’s take them one at a time and gain some insight.
Fear Of The Unknown
The unknown is scary. That’s why we believe the more you know, the more relaxed and confident you will become. At South Texas Eye Institute, we walk you through all the steps before and during LASIK surgery at our consultation process.
You will discover if you are a candidate and we will thoroughly answer all your questions. Knowledge is the great equalizer. You will understand what will happen step by step. Tip #1: come in for a LASIK consultation.
Fear Of Pain
That’s an easy one. We will place numbing drops in your eyes several times prior to surgery and also again just before surgery begins.
Ask someone who has had LASIK if they felt any pain. They will most likely tell you, “It was over before I knew it,” or, “I don’t know why I waited so long.” Our doctors and staff hear that last comment from patients all the time.
So tip #2: ask a LASIK patient, or if you don’t happen to know one personally, look through our patient reviews.
Fear Of Moving During Surgery
Many people are freaked out by this one, so you’re not alone. Many patients are fearful if they move, the laser will hurt them, or they are afraid of blinking and ruining the surgical outcome.
Relax – because neither of these things can happen. In the first case, the excimer laser is a cool laser, so no damage is possible. In addition, the laser has an eye tracking system that follows the minute movements of your eyes and will stop if you move. Lastly your eyelids are painlessly held open through the brief procedure.
You can relax in the knowledge that the technology at South Texas Eye Institute is safe and effective. Tip #3: read about our all-laser LASIK.
Fear Of A Bad Outcome
Technology has evolved making LASIK more reliable than ever before. Our advanced 3D corneal mapping, and using a laser instead of a blade, reduces the risk of complications. Less than 1% of patients have a vision reducing complication.
This is a tough one to get past. So tip #4 is to ask lots of questions, including to your LASIK surgeon, and try to switch your negative thoughts to positive ones. Focus on great results after surgery and how happy you will be to ditch those glasses and contacts.
Bring us your fears; we have heard it all.
Contact us today if you are ready overcome your fears and enjoy great vision.
