How do you prepare yourself physically and mentally for laser vision correction?

3 months Victor Derhartunian

An upcoming laser eye surgery can be a stressful experience for both the body and the mind.
At Smartlaser, we experience on a daily basis that many of our patients are concerned beforehand and want to prepare themselves as well as possible for laser eye surgery.
An understandable concern.

That is why we have put together our best tips for physical and mental preparation for laser eye surgery.

Fear of laser eye surgery is completely normal:

Fear is often the dominant feeling before laser eye surgery – coupled with excitement and anticipation.
It is completely normal to feel anxious before laser eye surgery.
The thought of having something done to the eyes can be frightening for many people, especially when it involves a sense as important as sight.
The idea of
surgical interventions and possible risks can lead to increased tension.

Learning to deal with and overcome mental anxiety

Those who do not deal with their own fear of eye surgery often experience symptoms such as:

  • High pulse, sweating, gastrointestinal complaints
  • Sleep disturbances in the next few days before laser eye surgery
  • Increased negative thoughts
  • Avoidance behavior and repression

A certain amount of “residual anxiety” can probably never be avoided when it comes to a first-time eye procedure.
However, the following tips on preparing for laser eye surgery at Smartlaser can alleviate your anxiety and ensure that you have a good, secure feeling.

Here you will find even more concrete tips for overcoming the fear of laser eye surgery.

The right preparation before laser eye surgery

As far as possible, do not worry and stress yourself more than necessary.
Apart from your research today, during the pre-examination you will receive a comprehensive explanation of the entire process and all the important details relevant to the preparation and course of the operation.
The doctor will provide you with all the necessary information, including the
Risks, benefits and steps to consider before, during and after the operation.

1. open, transparent communication with the eye surgeon

An excellent patient-doctor relationship is particularly important for psychological preparation.
Look for a
Laser eye centerwhere the doctor really takes time for you, your eyes and your questions.
This relieves a lot of tension and makes you feel relaxed and confident.
Talk to your doctor about:

  • Different treatment methods (advantages and disadvantages)
  • Exact procedure of the operation
  • Expectations and possible risks
  • Pre- and aftercare measures
  • Costs for laser eye surgery
  • Questions and concerns

The more you know about your procedure, the less psychological stress you will experience.
We also recommend that you
inform yourself in advance about laser eye surgery. However, not everything should be believed blindly, but if in doubt, the problematic points should be discussed during the preliminary examination or on the day of the operation itself.

2. thorough preliminary examination & individual treatment plan

A thorough preliminary examination not only assesses the structural characteristics and health of the eyes, but also individual needs and potential risk factors taken into account.
On this basis, your doctor will draw up a
customized treatment plantailored to your specific requirements and wishes.
This may include selecting the appropriate laser device, determining the optimal treatment method and defining the appropriate parameters for the procedure.

The holistic approach at Smartlaser not only creates the best medical basis, but also ensures that you as a patient feel that you are in good hands.
Laser eye surgery is not possible without a preliminary examination.

3. control of medication to be taken

If you are taking medication permanently or acutelyyou should inform your doctor.
As a rule, no interactions are to be expected, but in exceptional cases it may be necessary to discontinue the medication temporarily or to adjust the laser eye treatment accordingly.

Only your surgeon can tell you how you should take your medication before laser eye surgery.

4. avoid make-up and contact lenses

On the day of the laser eye surgery, it is important to refrain from wearing make-up and contact lenses on the day ofto minimize the risk of infection and complications during the procedure. Make-up can Bacteria and other germs which could get into the eyes and lead to infections.
In addition, certain ingredients in make-up products can cause the
Eye irritation or allergic reactions which could make the eyes temporarily more sensitive.
Prohibited are:

  • Classic make-up
  • Creams
  • Peelings
  • Lotions
  • Perfume
  • Hairspray

Wearing contact lenses can also increase the risk of complications as they affect the natural moisture of the surface of the eye and increase the risk of dryness and irritation. risk of dryness and irritation can increase.
For these reasons, doctors usually recommend avoiding make-up and contact lenses on the day of laser eye surgery to ensure the safety and success of the procedure.

5. take organizational precautions

Take the pressure off yourself and avoid stress after the procedure by clarifying everything organizational matters in advance. This will give you the necessary structure and security on the day of the procedure and prevent you from becoming stressed.
Remember in particular:

  • Planning the arrival and departure (not by car)
  • Documents you need to bring with you
  • Preparations in the household
  • Take time off work or sufficient vacation in good time
  • Invite an accompanying person if necessary
  • Finances – Modalities of payment
  • Prepare clothing for laser eye surgery

On the day of the procedure – whether Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK – it should be all about you and your health.
Plan in total
at least two hours for your stay at Smartlaser.
The operation only takes a few minutes.
However, there is also preparation and initial aftercare.

6. healthy lifestyle in preparation for laser eye surgery

Sounds trite, but it is actually important.
Pay particular attention to a healthy lifestyle before the procedure and during the healing phase.
This will give your body the necessary
Regenerative capacitythat it needs to heal quickly and without complications.
In addition to following the doctor’s aftercare instructions, this also includes:

  • Sufficient sleep and rest
  • Adequate fluid intake / Drink water
  • Balanced diet with lots of vitamins
  • If required preparations to strengthen the immune system
  • Renouncing harmful habits such as tobacco

The more rested and healthy you are during laser eye surgery, the faster and smoother the healing process can be.
But a diet with
Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can already contribute to eye health.

7. comfortable clothing during laser eye surgery

Wearing comfortable clothing during laser eye surgery can have a positive effect on your mental well-being.
By wearing
loose and comfortable garments the patient feels more relaxed and at ease, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
In addition, comfortable clothing allows for freer movement and makes it easier for the patient to feel relaxed during the procedure.
This can help to boost confidence in the treatment process and make the overall experience more enjoyable.

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Victor Derhartunian

Nachdem er sein Handwerk von den beiden Pionieren der Laserchirurgie gelernt hat, gehört Dr. Victor Derhartunian zu den führenden Augenlaser-Chirurgen. Er leitet die Praxis in Wien und kann seine Patienten in fünf Sprachen beraten.