When considering whether you might be a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery in Los Angeles, many factors will play a part. It is critical that you find an ophthalmologist whom you trust, and when you do, you’re going to get asked a lot of questions about your general health. In this article, though, you should be able to get a jump start on that. Here are some queries your eye doctor is likely to ask.
They’re going to want to know if you have diabetes, or any disease or condition where you need to take immunosuppressive medication. If you have either, the risks associated with LASIK surgery might be higher. Your doctor will also ask if you have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or if you have HIV or other autoimmune disorders. In all of these cases, corrective eye surgery is very rarely considered to be a wise choice. The outcome of the procedure is going to be less predictable if you’re afflicted with any of the conditions mentioned.
If you have chronic pain conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, or migraine, or if you suffer from depression, then you’re going to want to think twice about LASIK as well. There have been reports that those with these conditions who have undergone corrective eye surgery have had more problems with postoperative pain than what is considered usual. Excessively dry eyes following surgery have also been connected with these ailments.
There are some other factors that your doctor is going to weigh as well. One of these is your age. If you have myopia, then your vision is probably going to change throughout your teenage years, and even beyond that, in some cases. For that reason, it’s rare that a doctor will suggest LASIK for a patient until they are at least in their mid-twenties. If you’re using steroid-based drugs for any reason, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor is going to want you to wait. Your vision should be stable when you undergo the procedure.
These are only a few of the questions you’re likely to be asked, and a few of the conditions for which the doctor will be watching. Answer the questions honestly, and thoroughly. A responsible medical professional will want to assess your options based on as much information as they can gather about your overall health, so help them to help you.