When You Should Not Have LASIK?

When You Should Not Have LASIK

Do you want to get LASIK to remove your spectacles? Before you take the big decision,Please inform your doctor if you have ANY of the following conditions, which greatly increase the risk of harm from LASIK, including possible permanent loss of vision. Your doctor may determine, based on this information and/or your clinical examination, that you should NOT have LASIK:

What is LASIK?

LASIK or Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), commonly referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and an actual cure for astigmatism, since it is in the cornea.

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EVO ICL an alternative to LASIK

1. Severe Dry Eye:

• LASIK can worsen this problem, even if successfully treated before LASIK, and increase your risk of infection and/or scarring.
• Symptoms: scratchy or sandy feeling in the eye, stinging, burning, episodes of excessive tearing, stringy discharge, pain, redness, eye fatigue, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
• Inability to tolerate contact lenses may indicate dry eyes.
• Ensure your LASIK doctor checks for dry eyes before the procedure.

2. Cornea Not Thick Enough:

• Your cornea must be thick enough to undergo LASIK without increasing the risk of ectasia (abnormal bulging of the cornea), which can decrease vision.
• Ask your LASIK doctor if your corneal thickness puts you at greater risk.

3. Thinning of the Cornea:

• Conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or any other thinning/bulging of the cornea can be worsened by LASIK, potentially causing permanent vision reduction and requiring additional surgery like a corneal transplant.
• Your LASIK doctor should map the shape of your cornea before the procedure.

4. Active Eye Infection or Inflammation:

• LASIK can exacerbate active infections or inflammations (e.g., keratitis, iritis, uveitis), leading to permanent eye damage.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever been treated for these conditions.

5. Recent Herpes Eye Infection or Problems from Past Infection:

• A recent (within the past year) herpes eye infection or past corneal damage from herpes increases the risk of further corneal damage after LASIK.
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had a herpes eye infection.

6. Active Autoimmune or Connective Tissue Disease:

• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause corneal melting, and LASIK can increase the risk of severe corneal damage and vision loss.
• Inform your doctor about any autoimmune or connective tissue diseases.

7. Uncontrolled Glaucoma:

• The increased eye pressure from cutting the LASIK flap can increase the risk of vision loss in uncontrolled glaucoma.
• Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.

8. Uncontrolled Diabetes:

• Fluctuating blood sugar can affect your eyeglass prescription, making it difficult to determine the appropriate LASIK treatment.
• Uncontrolled diabetes can also impair wound healing after LASIK.
• Inform your doctor if you have diabetes.

Please inform your doctor if you have ANY of the following conditions that may result in a greater risk for poor outcomes or injury related to LASIK. You should discuss your level of risk with your doctor. You and your doctor should determine whether the benefits to you outweigh the risks based on the nature and severity of your condition.

1. Moderate or Mild Dry Eyes:
   • If you have dry eyes, LASIK can worsen dryness, discomfort, and blurred vision. This may or may not get better.
   • Certain medications, such as nasal decongestants, and conditions like thyroid disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis increase your risk of dry eyes.
   • Ensure your LASIK doctor checks for dry eyes before the procedure.
2. Past Herpes Eye Infection:
   • A history of herpes (simplex or zoster) infection in your eyes can be reactivated by LASIK.
   • Inform your doctor if you have ever had an eye infection or inflammation.
3. Controlled Glaucoma:
   • LASIK may make monitoring your eye pressure more difficult and increase the risk of vision damage.
   • Steroid drops used after surgery may raise eye pressure and worsen glaucoma.
   • Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma.
4. Activities That Could Damage the LASIK Flap:
   • The LASIK flap can wrinkle, move out of place, or break off, even years after surgery.
   • Contact sports like football or martial arts increase the risk of flap dislocation or loss.
   • Discuss your work activities and hobbies with your doctor and ask how long to refrain from certain activities after surgery and steps to decrease the risk of flap dislocation or loss.
5. Controlled Autoimmune or Connective Tissue Disease:
   • Even well-controlled diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may result in delayed healing and less predictable outcomes after LASIK.
   • Additional risks may include severe dry eye, infection, inflammation, poor healing, and corneal melting.
   • Discuss these risks with your LASIK doctor, after consulting with other doctors treating you.
6. Taking Isotretinoin:
   • This medication, usually used for acne treatment, increases the risk of dry eye and abnormal wound healing after LASIK.
   • Inform your LASIK doctor if you have taken or plan to take this medication.
7. Controlled Diabetes:
   • Even well-controlled diabetes may cause poor healing of the eye following LASIK.
8. Repeated Attacks of Sharp Eye Pain Due to Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD):
   • In EBMD, the outer corneal cells do not adhere well, causing recurring erosions that often result in blurred vision, pain, light sensitivity, and tearing.
   • LASIK is likely to worsen EBMD.
   • Inform your doctor if you have had these symptoms and ask if any signs of this condition have been noted on your eye exam.
9. Weakened Immune System:
   • Medications (such as steroids) or conditions (such as AIDS) that weaken the immune system increase the risk of infection and other complications like dry eye or abnormal wound healing after LASIK.
   • Inform your doctor about any medical conditions and medications you are taking.
10. History of “Crossed Eyes” (Strabismus):
    • LASIK for farsightedness may increase the risk of double vision in individuals with a history of “crossed eyes” or double vision.
    • Inform your doctor if you have ever had “crossed eyes” or double vision.
11. Decreased Vision in One Eye:
    • Conditions like amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or damage from injury or disease can cause decreased vision in one eye.
    • Complications from LASIK in the better-seeing eye could more severely impact your functioning.
    • Discuss this with your LASIK doctor.

These are the cases when You Should Not Have LASIK. Hope you found it useful. Consider Sharing.