LASIK laser eye surgery is one of the most well-known vision correction procedures today, allowing people to achieve 20/20 vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. It has helped millions overcome nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and usually comes with a fast recovery time. However, despite its advantages, LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Before considering LASIK, it’s important to understand the factors that may make someone not a good candidate for this procedure. Certain medical conditions, eye health issues, and lifestyle factors can affect the outcome or increase the risks associated with LASIK. Lets see who should not have Lasik eye surgery.
1. Individuals with Thin Corneas
Thin corneas pose a significant risk when it comes to LASIK surgery. During the procedure, a laser reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. If the cornea is too thin, there’s a higher chance of complications such as corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea bulges outward. This can lead to distorted vision and may require additional treatment. A detailed corneal thickness measurement is part of the pre-LASIK evaluation.
2. People with Large Pupils
Patients with unusually large pupils may face issues after LASIK surgery, particularly in low-light situations. Large pupils increase the risk of post-surgery complications like glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially when driving at night. This happens because the treated area of the cornea may be smaller than the pupil, particularly in dim lighting.
3. Those with Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
LASIK can worsen symptoms of dry eye, making it uncomfortable for those who already suffer from this condition. Since the surgery can affect the eyes’ ability to produce tears, individuals with chronic dry eye may experience prolonged healing, discomfort, and irritation. Alternative treatments, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), might be better suited for those with significant dry eye issues.
4. Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of post-surgery complications like infections. People with these conditions should consider alternative vision correction methods as their immune system’s response may not allow for proper recovery after LASIK surgery.
5. Those with Unstable Vision
LASIK is most effective when performed on individuals with stable vision. If your prescription has changed frequently over the past year, LASIK may not provide long-term results. Common causes of fluctuating vision include age-related changes and conditions like diabetes, where blood sugar fluctuations can affect vision.
6. Pregnant or Nursing Women
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause hormonal changes that temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, making it difficult to determine the correct prescription. Vision often stabilizes after childbirth and the nursing period. For this reason, it is advisable to wait until your body returns to its normal hormonal balance before undergoing LASIK.
7. People with Cataracts or Glaucoma
If you have cataracts or glaucoma, LASIK may not be the right option. Cataracts can cloud your vision, and glaucoma can increase pressure inside the eye. Both conditions should be treated before considering LASIK. If the eye condition is too advanced, alternative vision correction methods might be more appropriate.
8. People Who Engage in High-Impact Sports
If you participate in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of eye injuries, LASIK might not be advisable. Sports such as boxing, martial arts, or football can put significant strain on the eyes post-surgery, increasing the chances of complications or injury to the corneal flap created during LASIK.
9. People Under 18 or Over 40
LASIK is generally not recommended for people under the age of 18, as their eyes are still developing, and vision can change significantly. Similarly, individuals over the age of 40 may start experiencing presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), which LASIK cannot correct. Other treatments, such as monovision LASIK or reading glasses, might be more suitable for older patients.
10. Those with a History of Eye Infections
A history of frequent or severe eye infections, such as keratitis, may disqualify someone from getting LASIK. Infections can weaken the cornea and increase the likelihood of complications during the healing process. It’s important to address and fully treat any eye infections before considering LASIK.
LASIK laser eye surgery offers excellent results for many people, but it’s crucial to determine whether you are an ideal candidate. Several factors, including eye health, age, and medical conditions, can affect the success of the procedure. Consulting with an experienced eye surgeon Dr. Sonia, one of Mumbai’s top specialists in laser eye surgery, is essential to making an informed decision. With her expertise, you can explore the safest and most effective vision correction options tailored to your individual needs. Book your appointment today.