How Our “Squeamish” Patient Overcame Her Fear of Laser Eye Surgery

Whether it’s a fear of spiders, heights, or even the dark, many of us have phobias that affect our lives. Some phobias may be rational while others are not so much, but the trick for getting over them (at least temporarily) is always the same: Face your fears.

For example, a person who is scared of flying might face the problem head-on and finally get on a plane (for a short-haul flight, of course). This feat is likely made easier by picturing the ideal destination at the end of the journey. And that’s just what our self-professed “squeamish” past patient Emma did when she went under the laser for her blended vision correction.

Emma’s Journey to Laser-Blended Vision

As Emma explained at the time: “I cannot bear the thought of touching my eyes myself … let alone allowing anyone else to get close to them.”

This, of course, meant that contact lenses were not an option for correcting her short-sightedness. Instead, Emma had been wearing glasses for over 20 years before she finally enquired about Laser Eye Surgery. But that’s not to say she didn’t give lenses a go on occasion – one being her wedding day.

“I tried lenses 19 years ago when I got married. I wanted to see my husband clearly on my wedding day and obviously, I didn’t want to be a bride in glasses.”

Alas, she found that she couldn’t do it. Emma was simply unable to bring her fingertip close to her eye. The solution? Well, let’s just say Emma’s wedding day was something of a blur!

The one other time she tried to conquer her fear of contacts also ended in defeat: “The person who was helping me said that my eyes literally rolled back in their sockets”, she explained. “I was in a complete panic – really upset and distraught!”

So, you might wonder, how could this squeamishpatient possibly contemplate Laser Eye Surgery? Well, perhaps the thought of finally being able to enjoy a glasses-free life was enough to make Emma face her fear.

The Worst Part of the Treatment

But it wasn’t the surgery itself that most tested Emma’s resolve…

“I found the pre-operative tests the most difficult to bear – in fact, I was on the verge of pulling out at one stage. But my optometrist was patient with me and pointed out that putting on eye makeup every day was not so very different.

“Actually, the surgery itself wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared. Everything was explained to me, not only by Dr Dan, but also by my friend who had had it done there a couple of years ago.

“I tried not to think about what was happening too much – and everything was as I had expected – it was not too bad at all!”

Reaping the Rewards

Emma underwent PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision and found that she was finally able to ditch the glasses that she’d worn all day, every day for the last twenty-plus years. Just a few days after her treatment, she told us how excited she was to get back to her usual activities without the barrier of glasses.

In particular, Emma couldn’t wait to get back to horse riding, competing in show jumping events: “When it was raining I could hardly see – I needed wipers on my glasses”, she explained.

But water skiing was worse: “I have never been able to see properly when water skiing; it will be really exciting to be able to see next time.”

Emma also enjoys taking part in car rallies: “Before, each time I drove through a tunnel, I would have to hand my dark glasses to my co-driver, then change to my normal specs, then back again…it’s going to be so much easier from now on.”

Being a little scared of Laser Eye Surgery is a completely normal response. However, if you want to become one of the millions to overcome their fear and reap the potentially life-changing benefits of the procedure, get in touch or Book a Consultation today to learn more.