If you take anxiety medication and are considering LASIK, it’s normal to wonder whether your prescription might interfere with the procedure or your recovery. At Tersigni Vision, we understand that both your mental health and your vision are important, and we’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. While LASIK is a quick and safe procedure, certain medications can sometimes affect how your body responds to surgery. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about anxiety medication before and after LASIK. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with Tersigni Vision today.
Do I need to stop taking anxiety medication before LASIK?
You generally do not need to stop taking your regular anxiety medication before LASIK. Most LASIK surgeons, including Dr. Tersigni, advise patients to continue their prescribed medications unless there’s a specific medical reason to pause. This includes SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines used for chronic anxiety. At Tersigni Vision, we want you to feel mentally and physically prepared for your procedure, and that includes maintaining the stability your prescribed medications provide. During your consultation, Dr. Tersigni will review your complete health history and medication list to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
Is it safe to take anxiety medication after LASIK?
Yes, continuing your anxiety medication after LASIK is typically safe. These medications don’t interfere with the healing process in most cases. However, it’s important to let your surgeon know about everything you’re taking—prescription or over-the-counter—because some drugs may affect your body’s healing or interact with prescribed eye drops. At Tersigni Vision, we take a personalized, detail-oriented approach to post-operative care, and Dr. Tersigni will guide you through what to expect in recovery based on your unique situation, including how your ongoing medications fit into your healing process.
Will I receive a sedative on the day of my LASIK procedure?
Yes, it’s common for LASIK surgeons to give patients who experience anxiety a mild sedative like diazepam (Valium) just before surgery. This is a standard practice designed to relieve situational anxiety during the procedure. The medication is usually given about 15 to 30 minutes before LASIK begins. It won’t put you to sleep, but it will help you feel calm and comfortable throughout the short procedure. At Tersigni Vision, Dr. Tersigni and his team will talk you through each step so you feel fully informed, and they’ll make sure you’re as relaxed as possible from start to finish.
Come see what you’re missing.
Can I take both my regular anxiety medication and the sedative for LASIK?
Yes, you can usually take your regular anxiety medication along with the one-time sedative given for LASIK. Your surgeon will review your medication list ahead of time to ensure safety and may adjust the sedative dose if needed. The goal is to help you feel relaxed without overmedication, especially if you’re already taking a daily benzodiazepine or similar drug. Dr. Tersigni is highly experienced in caring for patients with a variety of medical backgrounds, and at Tersigni Vision, he tailors your care plan with precision so that you remain both safe and comfortable on surgery day.
What types of anxiety medications are commonly discussed before LASIK?
The most commonly discussed anxiety medications before LASIK include SSRIs (like sertraline or fluoxetine), SNRIs (like venlafaxine), and benzodiazepines (like clonazepam or lorazepam). Each type works differently in the body, so it’s important for your LASIK team to know exactly what you’re taking. At Tersigni Vision, Dr. Tersigni takes the time to thoroughly review your health and medication profile to ensure no unexpected complications arise during or after your procedure. This careful planning allows for a smooth LASIK experience and supports the safest possible outcome.
Should I be concerned about medication interactions with LASIK eye drops?
Some medications can interact with prescribed eye drops or affect healing, so it’s essential to share all your medications during your LASIK consultation. While most anxiety medications don’t pose a problem, your surgeon needs to know to make informed decisions about your care. At Tersigni Vision, this step is built into the thorough pre-op evaluation process. Dr. Tersigni carefully considers each factor—from your medications to your eye measurements—to ensure everything is optimized for a successful recovery and clear vision.
What if I’m particularly anxious about LASIK?
If you’re very anxious about having LASIK, talk to your surgeon well in advance. In addition to the standard sedative given before the procedure, Dr. Tersigni may recommend an additional one-time anti-anxiety medication dose to help you feel more at ease. At Tersigni Vision, we recognize that anxiety is a real and valid part of the process for many people. You’ll never be rushed or dismissed—we’ll take the time to answer your questions, talk through your concerns, and make sure you feel fully supported every step of the way.
What should I bring to my LASIK pre-op consultation?
Bring a complete, up-to-date list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter items, supplements, and any anxiety medication. This helps your LASIK team evaluate your full health picture and make safe, informed recommendations. This list becomes a crucial part of your personalized surgical plan. Dr. Tersigni will use it to ensure nothing is overlooked, and you’ll leave your consultation feeling confident that every detail has been considered.
Are there any risks in stopping my anxiety medication before LASIK?
Yes, stopping anxiety medication without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of anxiety symptoms. Always consult your prescribing doctor and your LASIK surgeon before making any changes. Tersigni Vision strongly advises against making changes to your medication without input from your medical team. Your emotional well-being is just as important as your visual outcome, and we’ll work with you to create a plan that keeps both in balance.
What’s the bottom line on anxiety medication and LASIK?
You do not need to stop your anxiety medication before or after LASIK unless your surgeon specifically instructs you to. The most important thing is to communicate openly with your LASIK team so they can tailor your care accordingly. Dr. Tersigni brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to every LASIK consultation, ensuring you receive thoughtful guidance that fits your life. If you’re taking anxiety medication and have questions about how it may factor into your LASIK journey, the best next step is to schedule a personalized consultation at Tersigni Vision.
Are there any specific anxiety medications that are safer to use before LASIK?
Short-acting anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are considered the safest and most commonly used options before LASIK. These medications are typically given by the surgical team in a controlled, low dose shortly before the procedure to help you relax without putting you to sleep. Their short duration of action means they work quickly and wear off within a few hours, reducing the risk of lingering side effects. At Tersigni Vision, Dr. Tersigni frequently uses diazepam or lorazepam because of their proven safety and predictable calming effect during surgery. Other medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion), may also be used in certain cases, but Valium and Ativan remain the most preferred for their reliability. If you are taking daily anxiety medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, you should continue them unless Dr. Tersigni advises otherwise. It’s important not to take any extra medication on your own or stop your regular dose without discussing it first. Dr. Tersigni will review your health and medication history carefully and adjust the sedation plan as needed to ensure your LASIK experience is both safe and comfortable.
How can I manage anxiety without medication before LASIK?
You can manage anxiety before LASIK eye surgery without medication by using practical strategies that help you feel more prepared and in control. At Tersigni Vision, we’ve seen many patients successfully reduce anxiety by talking openly with Dr. Tersigni during their consultation, asking questions, and gaining a clear understanding of what to expect on surgery day. When you know the process and have your concerns addressed, fear of the unknown becomes much more manageable. Simple techniques like deep breathing, guided relaxation, and focusing on positive outcomes—like clearer vision without glasses—can also make a big difference. Listening to calming music, practicing mindfulness, or even bringing a trusted friend or family member with you to the appointment can help you stay relaxed and grounded. Dr. Tersigni encourages patients to use these non-medication tools as part of a personalized plan to help you feel confident and at ease going into your procedure.
FAQ’s About LASIK and Anxiety Medication
Can anxiety affect the outcome of my LASIK procedure?
Anxiety itself does not negatively affect the outcome of LASIK, but unmanaged stress can make the experience more uncomfortable and may impact how you respond during the procedure. The Tersigni Vision team ensures patients feel fully prepared, both mentally and physically, by providing clear information and personalized care. If you’re feeling anxious, let the team know so they can help reduce worry and create a calming experience from start to finish.
Will my anxiety medication interfere with LASIK numbing drops or anesthesia?
Most prescribed anxiety medications do not interfere with the numbing eye drops or local anesthesia used during LASIK. These drops work directly on the surface of the eye and are unaffected by systemic medications. Dr. Tersigni will review your full medication list to ensure there are no unexpected interactions, allowing the procedure to be performed safely and comfortably.
Can I request an anxiolytic medication even if I don’t normally take one?
Yes, patients who don’t take anxiety medication regularly can still request a single-dose anxiolytic before LASIK surgery to help stay calm. At Tersigni Vision, Dr. Tersigni commonly prescribes a low-dose sedative on the day of surgery for patients who request additional support. These medications are carefully chosen to reduce tension without impairing your visual perception or response during the procedure.
If you’ve experienced anxiety-related eye issues, such as twitching or light sensitivity, it’s important to mention this during your consultation. These symptoms typically do not affect your eligibility for LASIK, but Dr. Tersigni at Tersigni Vision will assess your cornea, nerve response, and general eye health to make sure LASIK is still the right option. This is part of a detailed refractive surgery screening process.
How can I prepare mentally for LASIK if I’m sensitive to medical procedures?
If you’re prone to anxiety with medical procedures, preparation is key. Dr. Tersigni recommends learning about LASIK through trusted ophthalmology sources, asking questions during your consultation, and being honest about your concerns. Using coping techniques such as guided breathing or focusing on the long-term benefits of clear vision without contact lens use can help reduce stress. The Tersigni Vision team is committed to giving you the knowledge and support you need.
