There are a number of reasons why you should do eye laser surgery, but also many reasons why you shouldn't. This article examines those reasons, in order that you can make an informed decision if eye laser surgery (or Lasik) is right for you.
To start, we can discuss the conditions which are certainly treatable by Lasik, and mean that you could or you should do eye laser surgery. Myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia farsightedness or astigmatism are all treatable by eye laser surgery. As long as your vision has remained unchanged for at least two years, then you would probably experience benefit from having the procedure done.
There are some caveats to these though, and we can start with your age. If you are under 18 years old, then eye laser surgery is most definitely not right for you. The FDA has not approved any laser for the use of LASIK for people under 18, because in all likelihood, your visions prescription will still be changing. There is also the legal argument that minors may not be able to sign a legal consent form. There are also some other considerations. You should be aware that eye laser surgery, like all other surgical procedures, does come with some risks attached to it, and your vision at the end may be less than perfect. Furthermore, it is possible that you may encounter side effects such as a 'glare' effect. If you are not willing to accept the potential risks, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.
Once the Lasik procedure has been completed, there will be a significant amount of time required to recover. In other words results will not be immediate. You will also need to follow a fairly strict regime of medications such as eye drops. If you feel unable to do this, then eye laser surgery is not right for you. If you have any of the following conditions:
Diabetes
Auto immune diseases
If you are Immunocompromised at all
Collagen vascular disease
Then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. If you are taking any medications which might impair or prevent your natural healing, then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. The type of medications in question are steroids or immunosuppressants. There are a number of existing eye conditions which also mean that you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. Some of the conditions in question are as follows:-
Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorder
Corneal scarring
Glaucoma
Cataracts
A recent occurrence of ocular herpes.
Retinal disease
Dry eye
Any of these conditions should preclude you from undertaking eye laser surgery.
I hope this article has been of use, and you leave better informed about eye laser surgery than when you arrived. If you have doubts or questions, then always refer to your Lasik surgeon or doctor. Camden Medical Centre, Gleneagles Medical centre & Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre provide Lasik Surgery services.
