Derealization after LASIK is a rare but real experience where you might feel detached from your surroundings or like you’re living in a dream.
Some people report these unsettling feelings during their recovery, often linked to anxiety, vision changes, or the stress of surgery.
If you’re feeling “off” or disconnected after LASIK, you’re not alone—and there are ways to understand and manage these symptoms. This blog explores what derealization is, why it can happen after LASIK, and how you can find your way back to feeling like yourself.
What Is Derealization After LASIK?
Derealization is a type of dissociative symptom where the world feels unreal, foggy, or dreamlike. A few LASIK patients have reported derealization-like sensations—often linked to stress, anxiety, or visual adaptation—not as a direct result of the surgery.
It’s not a sign you’re “losing your mind”—it’s a response to physical and emotional changes.
Common ways patients describe derealization after LASIK:
- Feeling like you’re watching life through a glass wall
- Sensing that your environment is distorted or “off”
- Struggling to connect emotionally with people or places
Why Can Derealization Happen After LASIK?
The Role of Vision Changes
LASIK brings rapid changes to your eyesight. For some, the brain takes time to adapt to sharper, clearer vision or new visual artifacts like halos or glare. This adjustment period can make your surroundings feel unfamiliar, triggering a sense of unreality.
The Impact of Anxiety and Stress
Any surgery—even a safe, routine one like LASIK—can cause anxiety. Stress hormones can heighten your awareness of bodily sensations and make you more prone to dissociation. Worrying about your recovery, obsessing over side effects, or fearing complications can all contribute to derealization.
Sleep Disruption and Fatigue
Poor sleep before or after LASIK can leave you feeling foggy and disconnected. Fatigue is a known trigger for dissociative symptoms, so prioritizing rest is key.
Medication Side Effects
While rare, some medications used during recovery (like sedatives or certain painkillers) can cause temporary feelings of derealization or brain fog.
How Long Does Derealization After LASIK Last?
For most people, derealization is temporary. It often fades as your vision stabilizes, your anxiety eases, and you return to your usual routines. Some people feel better within days; for others, it may take a few weeks. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Recognizing Derealization After LASIK: Signs and Symptoms
Common signs of derealization include:
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
- Perceiving the world as flat, colorless, or artificial
- Trouble focusing or remembering details
- Anxiety or panic about feeling “unreal”
- Worry that you’ll never feel normal again
It’s important to know that derealization itself is not dangerous, but it can be distressing. The more you focus on your worries, the stronger they can seem.
How to Manage Derealization After LASIK?
1. Ground Yourself in the Present
Simple grounding techniques can help you reconnect with reality:
- Touch a textured object and focus on its feel.
- Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
- Take slow, deep breaths and notice the rise and fall of your chest.
2. Address Anxiety and Stress
- Talk about your feelings: Share your experience with friends, family, or a counselor. You’re not alone, and expressing your worries can bring relief.
- Practice mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, or gentle stretching can calm your mind and body.
- Limit health-related internet searches: Too much Googling can fuel anxiety and make symptoms worse.
3. Support Your Physical Recovery
- Follow post-LASIK care instructions: Use your prescribed eye drops, avoid eye strain, and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Prioritize sleep: Rest helps your brain and eyes adapt to changes.
- Eat well and stay hydrated: Good nutrition supports healing and overall well-being.
4. Seek Professional Support if Needed
If derealization lasts more than a few weeks or if it interferes with your daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy—especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—can help you manage anxiety and dissociation. Your eye surgeon can also reassure you about your recovery and address any lingering vision concerns.
Tips for Preventing and Coping With Derealization After LASIK
- Prepare yourself mentally before surgery by learning what to expect during recovery.
- Build a support system—let friends or family know you might need extra reassurance.
- Avoid excessive screen time and give your eyes frequent breaks.
- Practice self-compassion; healing takes time, both physically and emotionally.
When to Seek Immediate Help?
If you ever experience thoughts of self-harm, severe anxiety, or feel unable to function, seek help right away. Mental health support is available, and you deserve to feel safe and supported during your recovery.
Regaining Your Sense of Reality After LASIK
Derealization after LASIK can feel unsettling, but it’s usually temporary and manageable. By understanding why it happens, practicing grounding and self-care, and reaching out for support when needed, you can move through this phase and enjoy the benefits of your improved vision. Remember, you’re not alone—many people have felt the same way and found relief with time and help.
If you’re struggling, talk to your eye doctor or a mental health professional. Your well-being matters, and with the right support, you’ll soon feel like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derealization After LASIK
Is derealization after LASIK common?
It’s not very common, but it does happen. Most people experience only mild, short-lived feelings of unreality during the adjustment period.
Will derealization go away on its own?
For most people, yes. As your vision and emotions stabilize, the sense of unreality usually fades.
Can LASIK cause permanent derealization?
Permanent derealization from LASIK is extremely rare. If symptoms persist, they are usually linked to underlying anxiety or other mental health issues, not the surgery itself.
Should I tell my doctor about derealization?
Absolutely. Your surgeon or primary care provider can help rule out other causes and refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
