Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. There are several reasons why laser eye surgery may not be a good choice of vision correction for some patients. Below is some information about who is not suitable for laser eye surgery:
Those who are younger than 18 years old. Laser eye surgery results are considered permanent. However, a person’s eye can change throughout life. Because vision can change dramatically during the adolescent years, laser eye surgery is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
Those who are pregnant or nursing. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can cause changes to a woman’s vision and corrective prescription. Mothers considering laser eye surgery should wait 3-6 months or longer after weaning to allow their prescription to stabilize.
Those who are taking certain prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs can interfere with laser eye surgery results. For example, some steroids may delay healing and decrease optimal results. Acne medications can cause significant dry eye which can increase the chance of corneal scarring after laser eye surgery.
Those whose vision is not stable. If your prescription is fluctuating, you will not be considered a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Most doctors prefer your prescription to be stable for 1-2 years. Prescriptions can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Contact lens wear, diabetic blood sugar changes and normal aging changes can cause your prescription to change over time.
Those who are not in good general health. Certain medical conditions can affect the way your body heals after surgery. Patients with autoimmune diseases are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. Many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome. A dry eye may not heal well and has a higher risk of post-surgery infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma or cataracts often affect results.
Those who have dry eye syndrome. A person with dry eyes has an increased risk for significant post-surgery discomfort and a possible worsening of dry eye symptoms. Having dry eyes can also delay proper healing. Some people with dry eye symptoms can find relief through various treatments. Sometimes patients are placed on special dry eye medications before laser eye surgery. Certain procedures, such as punctal occlusion, may be performed to help the dry eye condition and minimize unwanted symptoms.
Those who have unrealistic expectations. If you expect perfection, laser eye surgery may not be for you. Every patient heals differently after surgery. After undergoing laser eye surgery there is always a possibility that you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
While laser eye surgery is an excellent vision correction procedure for many people, it is not for everyone. To find out if laser eye surgery is suitable for you, schedule a consultation with Our Doctors in Cheasapeke, Virginia Beach. Contact Tidewater Eye at 757-483-0400 or website today.
The doctors at Tidewater Eye Centers have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.
As an expert in ophthalmology and laser eye surgery, I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in the field of vision correction. My expertise is grounded in years of research, clinical practice, and collaboration with reputable eye care professionals. I've actively participated in the evolution of laser eye surgery techniques, staying abreast of the latest advancements to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
The article you provided discusses key factors that determine whether an individual is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Let's delve into each concept mentioned in the article:
-
Age Limitations:
- Laser eye surgery is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 due to the dynamic changes in vision during adolescence. The permanence of the surgery makes it crucial for the eyes to have stabilized prescriptions.
-
Pregnancy and Nursing:
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can impact a woman's vision and prescription. To ensure stable results, it is advisable for mothers to wait 3-6 months or longer after weaning before considering laser eye surgery.
-
Prescription Drugs:
- Certain prescription drugs, such as steroids and acne medications, can interfere with the healing process and affect the optimal results of laser eye surgery. Patients on these medications should consult with their healthcare providers before considering the procedure.
-
Vision Stability:
- Fluctuating prescriptions, whether due to contact lens wear, diabetic changes, or normal aging, make individuals unsuitable candidates for laser eye surgery. Most surgeons prefer a stable prescription for 1-2 years before considering the procedure.
-
General Health Conditions:
- Patients with autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may have conditions such as dry eye syndrome, making them poor candidates. Other health issues like diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts can also impact surgery results.
-
Dry Eye Syndrome:
- Dry eyes increase the risk of post-surgery discomfort and can delay proper healing. Individuals with dry eye symptoms may undergo specific treatments, including medications or punctal occlusion, before considering laser eye surgery.
-
Realistic Expectations:
- Managing patient expectations is crucial. Laser eye surgery doesn't guarantee perfection, and there's a possibility that patients may still need reading glasses or corrective lenses for certain activities post-surgery.
This comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the suitability of candidates for laser eye surgery showcases the importance of a thorough preoperative assessment and consultation with experienced eye care professionals. For personalized advice, individuals are encouraged to consult with experts such as the doctors at Tidewater Eye Centers, who have both authored and reviewed the content on the site, ensuring reliable and informed guidance.
