While laser eye surgery is an option for many people with vision problems, not everyone is keen on the idea of having it done. The main reason for this is the risk factor, the idea of something going wrong is too much for many of us to handle.
However, there is no reason to be scared of getting your eyes lasered, as the majority of procedures go without a hitch. Even those procedures that end in complications very rarely lead to blindness, so there isn’t any reason to worry.
There is a risk that comes with every procedure, however, when it comes to laser eye surgery, the risks are minimal. The idea of having your eyes lasered might be scary, but it’s better than having to wear glasses or contact lenses every day.
To help you make getting laser eye surgery less scary, here are a few tips to follow:
Choose your doctor carefully
The key to laser eye surgery success is choosing a specialist who is experienced and highly skilled. The majority of laser eye treatments that go wrong are because the surgeon doesn’t have the right amount of experience.
That is why it is so important that you choose a specialist who has lots of experience and skills, and has dealt with cases like yours before. Don’t choose a clinic where you could be treated by any doctor. Opt for somewhere, like the Peel Vision clinic, that allows you to pick your doctor.
Do as you’re told
If your eye doctor tells you not to do something before the procedure, don’t do it. The main cause of infection after laser eye surgery is patients not following the instructions given.
For instance, if you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you to stop wearing them for at least a week before your treatment. This is because lenses change the shape of the corneas, and before your treatment, they need to go back to their natural shape. If you choose not to follow this advice, this could lead to complications during, and after, the procedure.
By following your doctor’s advice, you will feel much less nervous about the procedure. Plus, by following the instructions your doctor gives you, you will minimize the risk of anything going wrong.
Be prepared
If you are worried about the pain you will feel during or after the procedure, discuss this with your doctor beforehand. Although you will be awake during the treatment, your eyes will be numbed, so you shouldn’t feel anything.
As for after the procedure, you might be in some discomfort, but you shouldn’t be in pain. If your eyes are sore, you can always take some over the counter painkillers to help.
The idea of having laser eye surgery might be scary, but if you dislike wearing glasses and contact lenses, it’s a good option. By choosing an experienced surgeon, you can make your procedure less stressful. The more confident you feel in your surgeon, the less scary your treatment will be.