For patients who have spent many years relying on glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, the idea of reducing this dependency is often an exciting one. At Chicago Cornea Consultants™, Ltd., we offer laser eye surgery to provide patients with clearer vision free of prescriptive eye wear. However, it is important for patients to understand that laser eye surgery is not a “one size fits all” type procedure. There are several procedures to be considered and several factors that go into determining what the best treatment option for our patients is.
For instance, LASIK is one of the most well-known and most popular surgical procedures, but it is not right for everyone. One common question asked by our Chicago patients is “Is LASIK okay for those with poor immune systems?” This is a question that can only be answered by an experienced laser eye surgeon.
LASIK and Compromised Immune Systems
Candidacy for LASIK can only be determined through a thorough consultation with one of our eye surgeons. While a compromised immune system due to certain conditions will rule out patients as an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery, that is not the case in all situations. For patients who have a compromised immune system, it is very important to have an honest discussion with our surgeons regarding medical history and health. We are very specific regarding LASIK candidacy because we want to ensure that all of our patients experience successful results of surgery. There are certain immune deficiencies that can significantly impact the healing process.
During LASIK surgery, alterations are made to the underlying corneal tissue in order to improve vision impairment such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The corneal tissue is accessed through a flap that is created on the surface of the cornea. The success of LASIK surgery is dependent on the healing of this flap, which is why a compromised immune system may increase the risks of LASIK surgery, making it a poor treatment option for some candidates. A compromised immune system may slow down or impair healing and, as a result, complications may occur. Some potential risks of LASIK surgery include infection and flap complications. While these are risks for all LASIK patients, a compromised immune system does increase the likelihood of these complications.
What if LASIK Is Not Right for Me?
LASIK is a highly effective procedure that has been successful for a great many of our patients. Fortunately, it is not the only form of vision correction available. For those patients who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery due to a compromised immune system or other concerns, our surgeons will discuss alternative treatment options that are better suited to the patient’s unique situation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have been considering LASIK surgery but are unsure if you are an ideal candidate, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled laser eye surgeons at your earliest convenience. It is fast and easy to find out if LASIK surgery is right for you. If it turns out that LASIK is not the best treatment option, we are happy to suggest alternate treatments that can help you obtain your vision goals. We look forward to working with you!
