6 Ways To Mentally Prepare Before Having LASIK
Are you considering LASIK? The procedure is nothing if not a life-changing experience! Did you know that most patients who have LASIK end up with 20/20 vision or better?
Not only does it give you a whole new outlook on the world, but it also means you don’t have to bother with glasses or contacts. There are very few risks involved in LASIK surgery, too.
But getting any kind of operation can be a little scary, especially when it involves your eyes. While LASIK is a painless procedure, the fact you have to be awake for it can make some people nervous.
It’s natural to be a little nervous, but you shouldn’t let that hold you back from the visual freedom you’ve been craving! Keep reading for 6 ways to prepare mentally before you have LASIK and change your life for the better!
You may be pleasantly surprised to know that Dr. Gulani’s Nex-Gen LASIK (No-Cut, No-Blade) technique results in immediate vision improvement and no pain in most cases. In fact, given their level of confidence and comfort at Gulani Vision Institute, most patients do not even take Valium before their surgery while enjoying their Gulani Vision Experience in a calm and serene environment.
1. Talk to Your Surgeon
The best way to ease your worries about LASIK is to talk to the person doing the procedure. Raise any concerns you might have and ask as many questions as you need.
Word of advice? Ask these questions before you have LASIK.
The best kind of LASIK surgeon is the one who can explain things to you as plainly as possible. They should make you feel like you know exactly what to expect.
Be sure you also talk about the risks involved in LASIK and how to manage expectations. Complications are rare, but they do happen.
Working out worst-case scenarios with your surgeon before the procedure is a great way to put your mind at ease. If you don’t feel comfortable with your LASIK surgeon, you may not be happy with the results that you end up with.
There’s nothing that says you have to get LASIK with the first surgeon you talk to, so keep that in mind. You need to have a foundation of trust built before you decide to have LASIK.
2. Plan Ahead
Being prepared mentally is a lot easier when you’re prepared physically. For LASIK, that means following your surgeon’s instructions.
This comes to things like when to stop wearing your contacts and what prescriptions you should and shouldn’t take. It also means working out logistics.
Make sure you have some time off work to recover. You don’t need to take off a whole month from work to recover, but give yourself enough time to relax.
Your eyes may need a day or two to get used to your new vision. Don’t make any big plans for the day after your procedure just in case your eyes feel sensitive.
You may want to see if you can schedule your procedure for a Friday so you can go back to work on Monday. And make sure you have a ride to and from LASIK.
You won’t be able to drive yourself home because you’ll have your eyes numbed. See if you can find a friend or family member that can drive you home.
They can also pick up anything that you may need so you can stay home and relax your eyes. Stick to things like audiobooks, podcasts, and plenty of self-care.
This isn’t the time to strain your eyes by reading, watching movies, or staying up late. By having a plan ahead of time, you’ll be in much better shape once the day of your procedure comes around!
3. Eat Well
Before most surgeries, you aren’t supposed to eat the night before or the morning of the procedure. But you’ll be awake during LASIK, meaning you don’t need general anesthesia.
This means that you can eat as you normally would. Double-check with your surgeon, but most LASIK patients are encouraged to eat the night before and the morning of.
When you do eat, make sure you’re eating full meals that aren’t going to make you full to the point of bursting. Don’t stuff yourself, but make sure you have nutritious foods.
You may not feel hungry if you’re very nervous, but you should make sure you have something in your stomach. Recovery is easier for your body when you’re getting proper nutrients. Being well fed also helps with your mental state.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Make sure you get a full eight hours of sleep the night before you have LASIK. Being well-rested ensures your body and mind are prepared for surgery.
If you’re anxious, pamper yourself! This may mean you have a soothing cup of tea or a hot bath.
Do whatever helps you sleep best, aside from taking sleeping medication. Melatonin supplements should be okay but check with your doctor about any medications you take regularly, including nutritional supplements.
5. Practice Deep Breathing
It may sound corny, but deep breathing is truly one of the best ways to keep yourself calm. It’s also something worth practicing.
Only taking deep breaths on their own isn’t very soothing. The trick is to focus on your breathing and to breathe in and out in regular intervals.
That means breathing in for a count, holding your breath for a count, and breathing out for a count. How long the counts are is largely up to you, but they should be the same each time.
The idea is that when you’re focused on your breath, it’s harder to focus on your anxiety. There are plenty of apps that can guide you through deep breathing and other mindfulness practices, too. Knowing how to focus on your breathing can be a big help during your procedure to keep yourself relaxed.
6. Listen to Soothing Music
You may or may not be able to listen to music when you’re having LASIK, but listening to relaxing music can help you keep calm before surgery. It can help you sleep better the night before and keep you relaxed in the waiting room.
Anything calming that you can use to distract yourself can be a good way to prepare yourself mentally. And before you know it, the procedure will be done and you’ll have the clear vision you’ve always dreamed of!
Ready to make your hopes and dreams about LASIK the real deal? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville, FL now!
What are you waiting for when visual freedom and the life you should be living could be yours?
