“I Want Lasik but I’m Nervous”: Common Concerns and Answers

Being nervous about LASIK is a common occurrence. It’s not often that you have a flap of your eye cut and an excimer laser reshaping your cornea. However, it’s a routine procedure with few, if any, complications. But to put your mind at ease and reduce anxiety, here are a few common concerns you may have about LASIK and what to expect when you get the procedure.

How Long After LASIK Can I See in 20/20 Vision?

In most cases, LASIK patients can see in 20/20 vision within 24 hours of the procedure. Some patients may require a longer time to see at this vision level, which can sometimes take up to several weeks or a month. Although these longer recuperation times aren’t common, knowing that results may not be immediate is important to keep you calm.

Dr. Alexandra Chebil is a Newport Beach Ophthalmologist in Orange County CA.  Our practice is a private practice and having one doctor to treat you from your first visit to long after your Lasik is done helps with the anxiety patients may feel before getting Lasik.

Are There Any Potential Complications of LASIK?

Complications as a result of LASIK are increasingly rare due to advances in the procedure, technology, and the experience of the doctor. However, you may experience some minor complications following the procedure. The most common are dry eyes, temporary double vision, glare, increased light sensitivity, and halos.

Most of these side effects will dissipate on their own after a few days or weeks. If you’re still suffering from dry eyes consistently, Dr. Chebil may prescribe medicated eye drops to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes.  Just know that in our office, you’re not a number.  We know each patient personally and we treat each one that comes in specific to their needs.

Is Crying OK After LASIK?

Whether you’re watching a tear-jerking movie or TV show or your eyes water due to allergies, crying after LASIK won’t hurt your eyes or affect the recuperation period. In fact, crying can help keep your eyes lubricated, which can stave off some of the effects of dry eyes.

The only aspect that you need to watch out for is wiping your eyes after crying. Make sure that you don’t use your hands or apply too much pressure to the eyes, as this may affect the healing process.

What If I Sneeze, Cough, or Blink During LASIK?

Although sneezing, coughing, or blinking during LASIK may sound like it would affect the procedure, the excimer laser compensates for this during the procedure. The laser will either temporarily shut off or adjust its positioning to ensure that involuntary movements don’t affect LASIK.

Can I Still Work Out After LASIK?

Experts agree that you should avoid exercise of any kind for at least one week after LASIK and heavier exercise, such as lifting weights, Crossfit, strenuous running, and contact sports for at least two weeks. This will help you avoid getting sweat in your eyes, as well as wiping sweat away with your hand — two things that may cause complications to LASIK surgery.

Getting Over Anxiety Can Result in Crystal-Clear Vision

By understanding the process of LASIK, you can move one step closer to overcoming anxiety, stress, and nervousness. Though the procedure may put you on edge at first, just remember: crystal-clear 20/20 vision is just a few steps away. Without the need for contacts or eyeglasses, you can enjoy a boost in your quality of living you never dreamed of. That should be enough to calm your nerves.

Call us to book a private one-on-one consultation with Dr. Alexandra Chebil.  She will examine you, answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision.