Patient Resources
It’s completely normal to feel anxious before a medical procedure—especially one you haven’t experienced before. You might be excited and motivated about the idea of having refractive surgery to be free from glasses or contact lenses, but at the same time, feel anxious about what the procedure involves.
Fear is human nature. In anticipation of the procedure, your brain may naturally focus on the “what ifs”—pain, discomfort, or the unknown.
What can you do as a patient to feel more prepared?
The good news? Regardless of the type of procedure, all procedural centres follow strict safety protocols and best practices to ensure your care is as smooth and safe as possible.
Ask questions—lots of them.
The more you know, the less there is to fear. This is informed consent - It is your right to know what to expect for the procedure. Read about your procedure and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or optometrist anything that’s on your mind.
Ask the surgeon about experience.
A surgeon can share their experience on the procedure, the outcomes and how commonly it’s done. So don’t hesitate to ask. This can help you build trust and confidence in the procedure.
Share your medical history.
Let your surgeon and care team know about all medications or supplements you're taking—including over-the-counter products—and any medical conditions you have. This helps them personalise your care and avoid potential complications.
Talk to others—but keep perspective.
Chatting with friends or family who’ve had similar procedures can be helpful. Just remember: everyone's experience is different.
Know your pain relief and comfort plan.
Understanding pain helps with its management, hence discuss with your team the pain relief options. If you are suffering from anxiety, a low dosage anti-anxiety medication like Valium/Diazepam may be offered to help ease pre-procedure nerves.
At MELG, we understand that. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to talk to us. We want you to be able to say, “I was so nervous, but that was so much easier than I thought it would be.”