Exclusions and Limitations for LASIK Eye Surgery: What to Consider

Lasik eye surgery has become a popular choice for individuals seeking to correct their vision problems. However, not everyone is eligible for this procedure, as several factors can disqualify them. It is vital to understand when you cannot get Lasik eye surgery to avoid any complications. In this article, we will discuss the medical conditions, age restrictions, pregnancy, medications, and eye conditions that may prevent you from undergoing Lasik eye surgery.

Medical Conditions that Disqualify You from Lasik Eye Surgery

Some medical conditions may prevent you from getting Lasik eye surgery. If you have an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, or glaucoma, you may not be eligible for Lasik eye surgery. Autoimmune disorders can affect the body’s immune system, leading to inflammation and other complications that can affect vision. Diabetes can also cause vision problems and may affect the healing process after surgery. Glaucoma is a condition that increases the pressure inside the eye and can cause damage to the optic nerve.

Other medical conditions that may disqualify you from Lasik eye surgery include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. It is crucial to discuss any medical conditions you have with your eye doctor before undergoing Lasik eye surgery.

Age Restrictions for Lasik Eye Surgery

Age is another critical factor that determines whether you can get Lasik eye surgery. Most eye doctors recommend waiting until the age of 18 to undergo Lasik eye surgery. This is because the eyes continue to develop until the age of 18, and any changes in the prescription may occur until that age.

However, age restrictions for Lasik eye surgery are not only limited to the lower end of the scale. As individuals age, changes in the eyes can occur, making them ineligible for Lasik eye surgery. Eye doctors recommend that individuals over the age of 40 consider other options such as monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for distance and the other for near vision, or intraocular lens implants.

Overall, age is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for Lasik eye surgery, and it is essential to discuss your options with your eye doctor.

Age Restrictions for Lasik Eye Surgery

As mentioned earlier, age is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for Lasik eye surgery. While most eye doctors recommend waiting until the age of 18 to undergo Lasik eye surgery, there is no maximum age limit for this procedure. However, as individuals age, their eyes go through natural changes that can affect their eligibility for Lasik eye surgery.

Presbyopia is a common condition that affects individuals over the age of 40. This condition makes it difficult to focus on objects up close and may require the use of reading glasses. Eye doctors may recommend other options for individuals with presbyopia, such as monovision LASIK or intraocular lens implants.

Other age-related eye conditions that may disqualify you from Lasik eye surgery include cataracts and corneal thinning. Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. If you have cataracts, you may need to undergo cataract surgery before considering Lasik eye surgery. Corneal thinning is a condition that can cause the cornea to bulge and become irregularly shaped, making it difficult to correct with Lasik eye surgery.

Overall, age is a critical factor in determining eligibility for Lasik eye surgery. It is crucial to discuss your options with your eye doctor and consider any age-related eye conditions before undergoing this procedure.

Pregnancy and Lasik Eye Surgery

Pregnancy can cause changes in the eyes, such as dryness, redness, and changes in vision. These changes may affect the accuracy of the measurements taken before Lasik eye surgery. As a result, most eye doctors recommend that pregnant women wait until after they have given birth and finished breastfeeding before undergoing Lasik eye surgery.

Additionally, some of the medications used during Lasik eye surgery may not be safe for pregnant women. These medications can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Therefore, it is best to avoid Lasik eye surgery during pregnancy and wait until after delivery.

In conclusion, pregnancy is a crucial factor to consider before undergoing Lasik eye surgery. The changes that occur in the eyes during pregnancy, as well as the risks associated with medications used during the procedure, make it essential to wait until after delivery before considering Lasik eye surgery.

Medications and Lasik Eye Surgery

Certain medications can interfere with the success of Lasik eye surgery and may disqualify you from undergoing the procedure. Accutane, a medication used to treat severe acne, can cause dryness and thinning of the skin and mucous membranes, including the eyes. Steroid eye drops used to treat eye inflammation can also interfere with the healing process after Lasik eye surgery. Other medications that can affect the eyes and interfere with Lasik eye surgery include antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications.

It is crucial to inform your eye doctor of any medications you are taking before undergoing Lasik eye surgery. Your doctor may recommend stopping certain medications before surgery to avoid any complications.

Eye Conditions that Disqualify You from Lasik Eye Surgery

Several eye conditions may prevent an individual from getting Lasik eye surgery. Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, can cause vision problems and may require surgery to correct. Corneal thinning, a condition that causes the cornea to become weak and bulge, can also disqualify you from Lasik eye surgery. Other eye conditions that may prevent you from undergoing Lasik eye surgery include glaucoma, severe dry eye, and keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to become thin and cone-shaped.

It is crucial to discuss any eye conditions you have with your eye doctor before undergoing Lasik eye surgery. Your doctor may recommend alternative procedures that can correct your vision problems without the need for Lasik eye surgery.

In conclusion, several factors can disqualify you from getting Lasik eye surgery, including medical conditions, age restrictions, pregnancy, medications, and eye conditions. It is crucial to discuss your options with your eye doctor and understand the risks and benefits of Lasik eye surgery before deciding to undergo the procedure. At UCPCCU, we encourage you to prioritize your eye health and make informed decisions about your vision correction options.