Is Vision Correction Surgery Right for Everyone?

While the results of vision correction surgery are usually excellent and can improve people's lives to an amazing degree, unfortunately not everyone can undergo the procedure. There are certain situations in which it is not recommended for people to have LASIK correction surgery because the side effects are simply too risky.

Vision Correction Surgery and Pregnancy

One case where laser vision correction surgery is not recommended is during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The reason is that women's bodies change so much from a hormonal viewpoint during this time that their prescription can change significantly. For example, some women develop mild astigmatism during pregnancy or their level of myopia increases. However, this can be temporary which is why vision correction surgery is not recommended.

Additionally, some women can develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes during nursing and breastfeeding. Dry eyes will not only increase the level of discomfort but can also lead to slower healing.

Another reason vision laser surgery is not recommended is because to undergo the procedure your pupils need to be dilated. The medication used to achieve this can adversely affect the foetus.

Vision Correction Surgery and Prescription Medication

If you are on prescription medication there is a possibility that the pills you are taking can affect the results of vision correction surgery. One such example is acne medication which can lead to dry eye. The latter can lead to a higher risk of cornea scarring after the procedure and, thus, to even greater vision problems than before.

Additionally, steroids can cause slower healing as well as reduce the benefits of your surgery. This is why you must make sure to show your specialist your prescription as he or she will know if the medication you are taking will have a negative impact on your vision correction surgery.

Vision Correction Surgery and Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is an eye affliction caused by reduced levels of tear production or a high level of evaporation of the eye's protective tear film. The symptoms associated with DES include dryness of the eyes, a burning and a sandy-gritty sensation as well as itchiness, tired eyes and more.

Patients suffering from DES are sometimes advised not to undergo vision correction surgery because they will likely suffer from a higher degree of discomfort after the operation and their DES symptoms might even worsen. There is also a chance of proper healing being delayed.

Of course, this is may not be the case for everyone suffering from DES and those with a mild case can usually have the procedure, especially since many doctors put their patient's on a regimen of medication to alleviate the symptoms prior to vision correction surgery.

Vision Correction Surgery: Consult Your Ophthalmologist

As with any medical condition, it is best that you consult your ophthalmologist as they will determine whether or not vision correction surgery is right for you. In some cases, the specialist might decide that your condition is mild enough that the impact it has is insignificant.