When to Avoid LASIK
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an innovative treatment than can greatly improve many patients' vision and reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. However, there are certain conditions which can preclude you from receiving LASIK. Knowing when to avoid LASIK is an important step in protecting your vision and overall health.
At our practice in Philadelphia, PA, we can explain the risks and benefits of LASIK and determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. At Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC, we have a team of specialists who are at the forefront of their field. They can assess your situation and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.
Reasons to Postpone LASIK
There are some conditions which increase the risk of complications during LASIK surgery. For this reason, it is important to disclose your complete medical history to your doctor before opting for LASIK.
However, many conditions are temporary and require only that you postpone surgery, rather than avoid it completely. Such conditions include:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Fluctuations in hormone levels during and directly after pregnancy can affect your eyes and result in under- or over-correction.
- Weakened immune system: If your immune system is temporarily weakened due to a medical condition, it could affect your ability to recover after LASIK.
Our team can monitor these conditions and recommend the best time to schedule treatment.
- Unstable vision: If you have had a prescription change in the last twelve months, we usually recommend waiting for your vision to stabilize before pursuing LASIK.
- Contact sports: Because injury to the eye during the healing process can undermine results, we may either suggest alternative treatments or ask you to wait until after you are done playing for the season.
Other temporary conditions affecting the health of your eye, such as pink eye or a recent injury, can also affect your outcome. Our team can monitor these conditions and recommend the best time to schedule treatment.
Reasons to Avoid LASIK
Unfortunately, there are longterm medical concerns and eye conditions that can preclude you from LASIK surgery permanently. The treatment can exacerbate certain problems and cause significant discomfort. Examples of such conditions include:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Severe nearsightedness
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy
- Overly large pupils
- Keratoconus
- Persistent autoimmune conditions
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
In addition, we do not recommend LASIK to patients with thin corneas. The surgery creates a small flap in the cornea to adjust the shape of the lens and consequently requires a minimum amount of corneal tissue to work with. If your corneas are too thin to support treatment, we may recommend alternatives such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), LASEK (laser-assisted epithelial keratomileusis), or implantable contact lenses.
Choosing the Right
Procedure for You
At Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care for all of our patients. With a team of highly educated and experienced surgeons, we can tailor your treatment to fit your specific needs. We offer a comprehensive range of vision treatments, including cataract surgery and general eye care, allowing us to find the right solution for you.
Sharpen Your Vision
If you are interested in learning more about LASIK or one of the other services we offer, you can contact our team online or call our office at (215) 672-4300 today to speak a member of our staff. With six locations around Philadelphia, you can find the treatment you need at the office most convenient to you.
