3 Conditions That May Prohibit LASIK

In recent years, lasers and their use in LASIK surgery on the eyes has transformed the lives of millions of eyeglass and contact wearers. For most people with nearsightedness or farsightedness, LASIK means gone are the days of having to wear thick, soda bottle lenses, worrying about not scratching or losing your lenses, and paying for contact lenses and the chemicals required to take care of them. While this procedure is virtually miraculous, it does, unfortunately, have its limitations in some people. Here is a look at conditions that may prohibit LASIK surgery, at least temporarily.

1. Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant as well as breastfeeding should not have LASIK. The body's hormones are obviously different during gestation and post-partum while breastfeeding, and these hormones can affect the eyes. A woman's eyes are more prone to dryness during this time of her life. She may also have increased ocular pressure from the extra body fluids or a change in the cornea from weight changes. It's also not uncommon for the prescription to change after childbirth, breastfeeding, and the weaning process. LASIK while pregnant would likely result in poor results. Once you have completely gone back to a state of equalized hormones, then you are able to have the procedure done.

2. You Are Still A Child

A kid, even an adolescent nearing adulthood, including in their early 20s, cannot have LASIK surgery. Just as pregnant women's hormones need to be taken into consideration, the same is true with children. Prepubescence and adolescence require an abundance of hormones in both boys and girls to transform them into men and women. 

Additionally, children are, of course, still growing, and that includes their eyes. Also, many kids play organized sports in school, which can be pretty rough, especially among boys. As much as kids tend to hate wearing glasses when they are young and contact lenses once they are mature enough to be responsible for them, they will need to wait for LASIK ideally until they are in their early 20s or longer.  

3. Physical Eye Irregularities

Most people aren't aware of anything inherently wrong with the shape of their eyes and the parts that make them up. But sometimes, certain characteristics are not suitable for LASIK. Really large pupils and thin cornea lenses aren't usually successful with LASIK. Vision can decrease rather than improve with these conditions. People with chronic dry eyes and infections usually see this propensity exacerbated by LASIK. Your optometrist will let you know after examining you If he feels you are a good candidate or not.

For more information, contact a medical office like Idaho Eye and Laser center.