Buying laser vision correction is an eye-opener. The thought of waking up one day with perfect vision after years of reliance on contacts or glasses is thrilling—and it's also terrifying. It's natural to be afraid in advance of a procedure that's going to be performed on your eyes, one of the most sensitive and basic areas of your body. But knowing what the process is and doing something about controlling your nervousness makes the experience a lot less painful and easier to go through.

Understanding Laser Eyesight Correction

Laser eye surgery, or LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), is a routine operation to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The technique of the procedures has evolved and refined over decades and is highly successful with an extremely small risk. Procedures are typically short, typically under 15 minutes per eye, and patients usually have better vision within 24 hours.

Although the procedure is brief and limited, it's normal to have some fear. To have a laser beam shot at your eye is intimidating. However, there are some fear-management strategies that you can follow so that you're comfortable and assured when you're undergoing the procedure.

1. Learn About the Procedure

One of the greatest things that you can do to reduce anxiety is to have a clear idea of what is going to be done in the procedure. It is the unknowns that are scaring you, so removing the unknown makes you even less nervous.

• Get your ophthalmologist to describe the process.

• Learn about technology that is being used and its safety record.

• Listen to audiotapes or hear stories of previous patients so you have some idea of what is involved.

• Reassuring to know that there are millions of successful laser eye procedures done each year.

Knowing what the procedure involves—from the dropping numbness to the cornea reshaping—can make it not so frightening, as it may now not be so frightening and achievable.

2. Select an Experienced Surgeon You Feel Comfort

Feeling confident in my surgeon's qualifications and experience will also alleviate pre-surgery anxiety immensely. Surgeons have read other patients' reviews and positive comments, and receive wonderful reassurance at a consultation by asking about your positive questions.

Some of the questions I would ask my surgeon during the consultation are:

• How many procedures have you performed?

• How are you with success rates?

• What have been some of the complications that you have had, and how did you address them?

An experienced and capable surgeon not only will make you feel comfortable but also develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best outcome for your eyes.

3. Strictly Follow Pre-Procedure Instructions

Your physician will provide you with guidance to follow pre-surgery, such as avoiding contact lenses for a time or stopping medicine. Following them will make you proactive and get your eyes in shape for surgery in the most beneficial manner possible.

Sticking to what you can control—hydrating, avoiding drinking and caffeine, and adequate sleep—can improve your general state of mind and preparation for the procedure.

4. Learn Relaxation Skills

The key to handling anxiety is calming down your body and mind prior to the procedure. Learn relaxation skills daily before surgery.

• Deep Breathing: Slowly and deeply breathe in to relax your nervous system. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and breathe out for six seconds.

• Meditation: Sit still for a few minutes every day and focus on breathing or utilize a guided meditation app to minimize stress.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then gradually release various groups of muscles in your body, beginning at your toes and moving up toward your head.

These exercises may reduce your overall tension level and make you feel more stable on surgery day.

5. Prepare Comfort for Surgery Day

• Resting and being prepared on surgery day can help to reduce last-minute tension.

• Wear loose, relaxed clothing that won't irritate your head or face.

• Arrange a plan with a friend or family member to have someone present with you and then take you home afterwards.

• Plan to arrive early so that you can relax and don't get hurried.

Your surgeon will also give you a light sedative to calm you through the experience. Don't be afraid to take it if you feel that it will do you some good.

6. Positive Outcome

It is simple to get caught up in "what ifs" before surgery, but attempt to switch the switch over to thinking about the good that you will receive from having the surgery done. Picture waking up to be able to see without having to stretch up to your face to put your hands on your glasses. Dream of being able to do something more easily that you'd like to be able to do—swim, drive at night, or see people better.

Positive visualization is such a powerful tool. Knowing the outcome and not the process, you can allow your mind to be a bit loose and less rigid.

7. Trust the Process and Let Go of Control

Anxiety often comes from the desire to control the outcome of a situation. Once you’ve chosen a qualified surgeon and prepared yourself mentally and physically, trust the process. Remember that the technology used in laser eye correction is highly advanced and precise, and your surgeon is trained to handle any situation that may arise.

It is hard to let go, but having the confidence that you have done all you could to prepare will enable you to let go.

8. Plan Post-Surgery Surgery Activities

Having something planned to do following the surgery might make recovery more manageable. Your surgeon will give you aftercare directions, for instance:

• How to apply eye drops prescribed

• When to avoid reading screen or being close to bright lights

• How to guard your eyes from dust and dirt

Having someone help you move, eat, and clean for a day or two can allow you to only sleep and recover.

Conclusion

Of course, one is nervous prior to laser eye sight correction. But being prepared to know what is going to take place, having a good surgeon, and acclimating your body and mind first can all reduce that fear to zero. Relaxation techniques, affirmations, and psyching yourself up on the advantages of good vision for the future can see you through the process. Being responsible enough to hold onto what is in your hands and allowing your doctors to take care of the rest will prepare you for a smoother ride and quicker recovery.