You Have Unstable Vision
While your ophthalmologist would need to consider the root of
your fluctuating vision to make a final determination about your
eligibility, most surgeons believe that vision should be
relatively stable for at least one year for LASIK to be
indicated. Trying to operate on eyes with unstable vision is
like trying to hit a moving target. Most doctors would consider
a change of one diopter (1D) or more in 12 months
significant.
You Are Pregnant or Nursing
Most doctors will not perform surgery on a woman while she is
pregnant or nursing because the hormones produced during those
time periods could cause temporary instability of the eye's
refraction.
You Have Unstable or Uncontrolled Diabetes
LASIK is not recommended for those whose blood sugar levels are
still fluctuating, as the fluctuation will affect the cornea's
refraction. This makes achieving an accurate correction
difficult. In addition, diabetics generally have a slower wound
healing response than most patients do which condition could
adversely affect healing post-operatively. Also, if there are
any retinal tears or lesions resulting from diabetes, LASIK may
not be indicated.
You Have an Autoimmune Disease, Collagen-Vascular Disease, or
Take Drugs that Suppress the Immune System
Doctors debate the efficacy of performing LASIK on patients
whose autoimmune system is compromised, either by a disease or
by medications. Generally speaking, most surgeons are extremely
cautious about performing refractive surgical procedures on
those with such a history since it could affect the corneal
healing process.
Your Eyes Are Amblyopic
Some doctors consider even mild cases of amblyopia, exotropia or
strabismus in either eye a contra-indication to LASIK. Others
will carefully evaluate the particular situation and patient's
needs prior to scheduling surgery. Patients with amblyopia need
to understand that since LASIK is a surgical procedure, there is
a risk of losing vision. If you suffer from amblyopia, were a
complication to occur in either eye, you could be without use of
both. You should also be aware that LASIK could not correct you
to better than your vision as it is correctable with
lenses.
You Have Keratoconus
Patients who suffer from keratoconus have thinner corneas than
normal. For these patients, removing corneal tissue has the
potential to produce unpredictable results and post-surgical
irregular astigmatism.
You Have Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a complicating factor that doctors must evaluate on
a case-by-case basis. Some refractive surgeons will perform
LASIK on patients whose condition is well-controlled by
medications. Others deem a history of glaucoma a
contraindication to surgery. Glaucoma patients considering LASIK
should be sure to speak with the doctor who is treating their
condition prior to making any decision about the
procedure.
You Are Under 18 Years of Age
Children's eyes are constantly changing, and the vast majority
of surgeons believe that vision should be relatively stable for
at least one year for LASIK. Most doctors would consider a
change of one diopter (1D) or more in 12 months significant.
Sometimes, even when a person turns 18, the major changes to the
eyes have not finished taking place. Such people may not be
deemed eligible for LASIK until their refraction has stabilized.
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