People with autoimmune disorders have traditionally been discouraged from undergoing LASIK surgery due to the risk of complications. However, with advances in technology and new medications to help control the disease, it is now possible for certain individuals with autoimmune disorders to safely undergo the procedure and achieve good results.
Lupus
is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in different parts of the body. It can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time.People with lupus often have dry eyes, which can make them unsuitable for laser eye surgery. Additionally, they are more likely to develop dry eyes after the procedure, which can disrupt the healing process and cause discomfort. For this reason, it is not recommended that someone with lupus undergo laser eye surgery, just as it would not be recommended for someone who already has dry eyes before treatment. Some medications used to treat lupus can also affect the healing process as a side effect, which can have a negative impact on the recovery from laser eye surgery. In 2002, guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) stated that uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or other immune-mediated diseases are a contraindication to LASIK.
People who are not in good general health may also be unsuitable for the procedure. Certain medical conditions can affect how the body heals after surgery, and those with autoimmune diseases are not good candidates for LASIK. This is because many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome, which may not heal well after LASIK surgery and has a higher risk of infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma or cataracts can also affect the results of LASIK surgery. Acne medications can also cause significant dry eyes, which increases the likelihood of corneal scarring after LASIK.
However, there have been cases where people with autoimmune disorders have undergone successful LASIK surgery after being authorized by a rheumatologist or uveitis specialist. In addition, new medications to help control the disease have changed the equation if you have an autoimmune disorder and want to undergo LASIK surgery. A person with dry eyes has a higher risk of significant discomfort after LASIK surgery and a possible worsening of dry eye symptoms. Similarly, few case reports showed a worsening of diabetic retinopathy after LASIK in a patient who had an uncontrolled blood sugar level (hemoglobin A1c was 13.1%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy before surgery. If you have an autoimmune disorder and are considering LASIK surgery, it is important to speak to an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Stephen Khachikian first.
He will be able to assess your condition and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Book an appointment online today to find out if you are eligible for LASIK or another eye procedure that will help improve your vision. It is important to remember that while advances in technology and new medications have made it possible for some individuals with autoimmune disorders to safely undergo LASIK surgery, it is still not recommended for everyone. It is essential that you consult with an experienced ophthalmologist before making any decisions about undergoing laser eye surgery.
