Anxiety

If you are here, you are probably pretty anxious about your vision.  This is the place where people with vision problems congregate, and those problems can create a lot of worry.  Most worry is born of lack of information.  Fear of the unknown.  When you don't know what is going to happen with your vision, you can imagine a pretty horrific - if not necessarily accurate - future.

There is nothing that has happened to your eyes that is so bad you cannot make the situation worse by adding unnecessary stress.  Moderate stress is a helpful - even necessary - condition of life.  Severe chronic stress, however, is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functions of the body and/or mind.  No two people are affected exactly the same way.  Suffering a personal injury has been rated almost as stressful as the death of a close relative.  Sometimes the depression, loss of confidence, feelings of isolation, self-blame, anger, and other emotional responses that some people manifest because of a refractive surgery induced complication are more debilitating than the complication itself.  Too much stress can cause you to make poor decisions.  We understand that we need to help you with the stress of this situation as much as with the vision problem itself.  We hope that the information you find here will eliminate some of the unknown, and perhaps a referral to a helpful doctor will resolve your problem.  Not every problem can be resolved, but accurate information and evaluation can go far to alleviate your stress.

One of the advantages of most refractive surgery techniques is that they are either implants (P-IOL, CLE, Intacs, SRP) or only affect the cornea (Lasik, LASEK, PRK, CK, LTK, RK, AK, ICL).  Of all current refractive surgery techniques generally provided, only LAPR is a permanent change inside the eye.  This means that for the most part the worst-case scenario with an implant technique is the removal or exchange of the implant, and the worst-case scenario for a corneal based technique is a corneal transplant.  In nearly all instances of refractive surgery induced complications, removal/exchange of an implant or a corneal transplant are the most extreme responses to the complication.

Let us not underestimate the seriousness of these worst-case scenarios, and some complications will not be resolved by even these extreme measures. But as best you can, try to keep some perspective on your situation.  You can always panic later.  There is no statute of limitations for anxiety.

Elsewhere in this website you will find much information about what is happening with your eyes.  Take the time now to consider these points about what may be happening in your heart and head.

• Things to Remember When Trying to Understand Stressful Events
  • It is normal to feel anxious about you and your family's well being in times of stress.
  • Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
  • Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
  • Focusing on your strengths and abilities will help you heal.
  • Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
  • We each have different needs and different ways of coping.
  • It is common to want to strike back at people who you perceive have caused pain. However, nothing good is accomplished by hateful language or actions.
  • Don't expect things to be instantly restored. Accept that restoration (both physical and emotional) takes time.
  • Determine what's really important.
  • Realize that others like you have suffered similar circumstances and they too have expressed disbelief, anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression.
  • Realize that your emotions will roller-coaster and moods can change unexpectedly.
  • Don't forget the stress experienced by those who care and worry about you.
  • Be aware of the tendency to resort to bad habits when you are under stress.

• Signs that Adults Need Stress-Management Assistance
  • Difficulty communicating thoughts
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty maintaining balance
  • Easily frustrated
  • Increased use of drugs/alcohol
  • Limited attention span
  • Poor work performance
  • Headaches/stomach problems
  • Tunnel vision/muffled hearing
  • Colds or flu-like symptoms.
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Reluctance to leave home
  • Depression, sadness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Mood-swings
  • Crying easily
  • Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
  • Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone
  • Use of drugs/alcohol in order to cope

• Ways to Ease the Stress - First Aid for Feelings
  • Talk with someone about your feelings – anger, sorrow, and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.
  • Don't hold yourself responsible for the event.  Millions of people in similar circumstances have made the same decision as you.
  • Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them. This healthy outlook will help yourself and your family (i.e., healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation).
  • Maintain a normal household and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities of yourself and your family.
  • Use existing support groups of family, friends, and church.
  • Don't overlook the feelings of children as you deal with the situation. They need to feel that they can count on you for attention, love, and support.  In a very real way, they are going through this too.
  • Reassure your children, making sure they understand they are not responsible for the problems you face.
  • Refocusing on the big picture, instead of the little details and the little problems, will give you a sense of competency.

• When to Seek Help
  • There is a tried-and-true answer to the old sailor's question, "When do you prepare for oncoming foul weather?"  The answer: "When you first think about it."  Don't wait for the first raindrops.  Don't wait for the wind to gale.  Take action when you first think a storm is coming.
    
    Professional help for stress is very much the same situation as a sailor preparing for a storm.  The best time to seek professional assistance is when you first think you might need it.  You should also listen to your friends.  If someone close says you may need some outside help, get it.  Do not wait until the storm is overwhelming.