If you need glasses or contact lenses, you may have considered corrective eye surgery in the past. LASIK is one of the most well-known procedures for addressing refractive errors, like farsightedness and nearsightedness. But what happens when you have conditions such as dry eye syndrome?
Can Dry Eye Syndrome Affect Your Candidacy for LASIK?
While you may not be a strong candidate for LASIK with dry eye syndrome, you could still be eligible for surgery. It is best to contact a board-certified ophthalmologist, like Dr. Fred Mattioli for an assessment first. Mattioli Vision Professionals can discuss LASIK disqualifiers and whether dry eyes affect your results.
Most people want to live free from the burden of visual aids, like glasses. Patients who are interested in LASIK in Houston should contact our professionals for a comprehensive evaluation. Our office proudly serves patients in Woodlands, Sugar Land, River Oaks, and West University.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when our eyes are not able to produce enough moisture. Patients with this condition experience distressing symptoms, such as redness and discomfort. Factors like hormonal changes, medications, and exposure to dry climates can all lead to dry eyes.
Chronic dry eyes may disqualify you from getting LASIK in Houston. This is because surgery requires creating a flap in the cornea, which can further irritate your already sensitive eyes. However, it is still possible for individuals with dry eyes to get corrective eye surgery. Your candidacy depends on your initial assessment with Mattioli Vision Professionals.
Common LASIK disqualifiers
LASIK is appropriate for adults over the age of 18 with stable vision for at least 12 months. Most of our patients rely on glasses or contacts for everyday tasks and want to see clearly without them. When you meet with Dr. Mattioli, we can discuss your personal needs and review your medical history together. This is also the best time to talk about any conditions that affect your eyes.
Some situations may interfere with LASIK results. For example, temporary ailments, such as pink eye, need to be resolved before scheduling surgery. Patients with very thin corneas or who had previous refractive surgeries may not be eligible as well. Other common LASIK disqualifiers include diabetes and autoimmune disease.
This is why our clinic asks patients to be honest about any conditions, such as dry eyes. Mattioli Vision Professionals wants to make sure you have the safest and most effective surgery possible. If it turns out you are not qualified for LASIK at this time, we can make recommendations about how to move forward. Some individuals may be candidates for a different corrective eye surgery.
Learn about LASIK and dry eyes
LASIK in Houston offers many advantages for people who wear glasses or contacts daily. Improve your quality of life and experience the freedom of clear vision with the specialists at Mattioli Vision Professionals. We are experts in LASIK and dry eyes.
Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Fred Mattioli is proud to help patients who struggle with farsightedness, nearsightedness, and other refractive errors. If you live in Woodlands, Sugar Land, River Oaks, or West University, and would like to learn whether your dry eyes disqualify you from LASIK, give us a call today.
