Blood pressure is a measurement of the force that it takes for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK expert in Los Angeles, having a blood pressure that is too low or too high can have significant effects on your eyes. Twenty-six percent of the world’s population has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This means that the heart is working extra hard to circulate blood in the body. Meanwhile, thirty-one percent of the world’s population deals with low blood pressure, or hypotension. This indicates that the heart is not working hard enough, which contributes to improper circulation. People on the low/normal end of the blood pressure spectrum may have perpetually cold feet and hands.
It is normal for our blood pressure to fluctuate during the day. However, when an abnormal rate is sustained for a long period of time, this can cause physical ailments that affect the whole body. The best LASIK surgeons say that patients with abnormal blood pressure may require medication or lifestyle adjustments in order to maintain a healthier balance. Some of the most typical causes of high blood pressure include sleep apnea, kidney disease, abnormal thyroid function, tobacco smoking, diet (too much salt), obesity, pain relievers, decongestants, and other medications. Low blood pressure can be caused by stress, not breathing properly, orthostatic hypotension, and certain prescription medications.
LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles particularly Doctor Moosa say that high blood pressure can affect the retina by damaging connecting blood vessels and causing fluid buildup. This can, in turn, lead to hypertensive retinopathy or an eye stroke. Patients with high blood pressure thus risk damage to their optic nerve and even vision loss. Fortunately, if you do regular exams, your doctor should be able to prevent these serious symptoms by detecting high blood pressure early. If you begin to notice an onset of pain, blurry vision, or sudden floaters, then you should speak to your eye doctor and have a thorough examination.
Many people have a blood pressure that is slightly lower than normal, but do not experience symptoms. This is known as low/normal blood pressure. When blood pressure begins to drop too low, patients may begin to have difficulty concentrating, nausea, weakness, and light-headedness. Low blood pressure can also cause blurry vision or fading vision because the eyes are not getting sufficient blood supply. In order to avoid these problems, people should schedule regular checkups with their primary care physician and eye doctor.
Evaluating the Safety of LASIK for Hypertensive Patients
1. Stable Vision Requirements:
Just like any other candidate, individuals with hypertension seeking LASIK need to have stable vision. Fluctuations in blood pressure can sometimes affect vision stability, so it’s crucial to have both your blood pressure and vision properly controlled and stable before the surgery.
2. Risk of Complications:
While LASIK is generally safe, hypertension increases the risk of certain complications. Elevated blood pressure can affect how the eye heals after surgery, potentially slowing the healing process. It’s vital for hypertensive patients to have their condition well-managed before undergoing LASIK.
3. Thorough Pre-Surgical Assessment:
Doctor Ferzaad Moosa conducts a thorough pre-surgical assessment for all LASIK candidates at Excel Laser Vision Institute. For hypertensive patients, this includes an in-depth evaluation of the retinal vessels and the optic nerve to ensure there are no underlying conditions that might complicate surgery or recovery.
4. Customized Treatment Plan:
If a patient with hypertension is deemed a suitable candidate for LASIK, a customized treatment plan is essential. This plan takes into account their overall eye health, the severity of their hypertension, and their specific vision correction needs, ensuring the highest safety standards and the best possible outcomes.
5. Post-Operative Care and Monitoring:
After LASIK, patients with hypertension require careful monitoring to ensure proper healing and optimal vision correction. Doctor Moosa and the team at Excel Laser Vision Institute provide tailored post-operative care, which is critical for managing potential complications early and effectively.
Conclusion
LASIK can be a safe and effective option for individuals with hypertension, provided that their condition is well-managed and they undergo a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation. At Excel Laser Vision Institute in Orange County, Doctor Ferzaad Moosa’s commitment to patient safety and personalized care helps ensure that each patient receives the best possible outcomes from their LASIK surgery.
For hypertensive patients, the key to a successful LASIK outcome lies in understanding the risks, preparing adequately, and choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon like Doctor Moosa, who understands the complexities involved.
