Home » Blog » 8 Healthy Ways To Reduce Anxiety Before LASIK Surgery

Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in LASIK

Who wouldn’t feel a little nervous before surgery? Even when the procedure you’re planning is as safe as LASIK, it’s natural to experience some jitters. But when the butterflies in your stomach turn into full-blown anxiety, it’s time to take control. Here are eight steps you can take to calm your mind and relieve your stress before undergoing LASIK.

1. Ask Questions

One of the best ways to stay calm before LASIK is to learn all you can about the procedure so you know exactly what to expect. Talk with your doctor at Georgia Eye Associates. Bring up your concerns. Ask lots of questions. Here are a few to get you started:

• What steps are involved in the procedure?
• Will it hurt?
• How can you be sure that I’m a good candidate for LASIK?
• Am I at risk for complications?
• Anything else that’s worrying you.

2. Be Informed

Did you know that your whole LASIK procedure will be over in 15 minutes or less? Here are some more reassuring facts about LASIK:

• It’s an outpatient procedure, so you won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
• The first stage of LASIK — when the laser creates a tiny flap in the surface of your eye — only takes about 20 seconds. You won’t feel it at all.
• Quick pulses of light are the only thing that ever actually touches your eye. (No scalpels or needles are involved.)
• No stitches are needed.

3. Breathe Deeply

For many people, deep breathing is the most effective anxiety-reducing technique of all. Try these steps:

1. 1. Put one hand on your lower belly.
   2. Inhale slowly to a count of 4. Then, visualize the breath going straight to the warm spot under your hand, filling your belly first and then your chest.
   3. Gently hold your breath in for a count of 4.
   4. Exhale smoothly to a count of 4.

4. Listen to Music

Whether it’s Pachelbel or Queen Latifah, lots of us relax as soon as we hear our favorite tunes. Make sure you’re set up for listening while you’re recuperating at home, too.

5. Write it Out

Grab your journal and let it all pour out. Set a timer and write everything that comes to mind for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. The only rule: no pausing or editing.

6. Enjoy exercise/stretching/yoga

Mind and body are deeply linked. The day before your procedure, take a yoga class. Go swimming. Play an intense game of squash. Or choose a gentle, meditative walk.

7. Create a Calming Visualization

Close your eyes and picture yourself in a tranquil natural setting like the beach or a forest. See the details around you. Imagine that your anxious thoughts are leaves on the water or clouds in the sky. Watch them float away.

8. Accept the Anxiety

Sometimes the most stressful thing of all is when we judge ourselves for being anxious. Self-talk like telling ourselves to stop stressing in a split second or moment are unhelpful. Instead, remember that there is nothing wrong with being nervous. As long as you don’t let your nerves get in the way of undergoing LASIK, you can relax!

Ready to make the leap and schedule a LASIK consultation with Georgia Eye Associates? Contact us today!