My anxiety from LASIK surgery?

[watcherna]

Hello, I have been diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder from my therapist.  I have no idea how I got it except that I believe I got it when I had LASIK eye surgery 2 years ago, since i had this surgery I've had dry eye syndrome and burning eyes that never go away, I used the fake tears, puncutal plugs, etc, nothing works.  



Now im anxious all the time especially around people, I blink a lot, I twitch a lot when people are near me, people at work literally run away from me or turn the other direction when they see me, I cant make eye contact with anyone, cuz if I do then my eyes twitch and burn, and people wonder what is wrong with me. The people's reaction to my twitching eyes, has caused me to be socially anxious, I taken a lot of time off work, I'm thinking of quitting soon because of this,  I've taken all kinds of meds to help, paxil,xanax, zoloft, prozac, none of the meds work for me.  



I dont know what to do please help. I'm certain my anxiety is from the bad LASIK surgery I had, what do you think?  And can i file a lawsuit against these people for ruining my life?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I don't know about the lawsuit...that is a matter for the lawyers.  It sounds like your bad physical reaction to the surgery has compounded or created this vicious cycle of social anxiety.



Medications are not going to solve your problem.  You must see a psychotherapist and work out a new adaptation to your physical loss...what you are doing is not working.  This will take some thought and effort, and it is best done with a professional.

[Robert Maloney]

psychological problems with inferior LASIK results are well documented.  i strongly urge you to seek professional help, coordinating the care of a psychologist and psychiatrist.  you might want to check out the bulletin board at www.surgicaleyes.org for a supportive atmosphere.



robert