Reasons Why You Can Be Refused Laser Eye Treatment
There are several reasons why your ophthalmologist may refuse or delay laser eye treatment. The initial eye exam and detailed medical history will reveal to the surgeon possible problems that could lead to unsatisfactory vision correction results. After the exam and interview the ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and side effects of laser eye treatment with the patient.
Initial Eye Exam
During the initial eye exam the ophthalmologist will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser eye treatment. He will ask a series of detailed questions to determine your health and vision history. He will also conduct a specialized eye exam to ascertain the condition of the eye and to ensure that you have healthy corneas. Patients who do not meet the minimum criteria may be refused laser eye treatment until a later date.
Age Limitation
FDA medical device regulations stipulate the minimum age for laser eye surgery to be 18 years old. FDA clinical studies have shown the human eye will undergo physical changes from childhood to adult. The physical size of the eye increases while the lens of the eye may develop abnormalities such as astigmatism. If laser eye surgery is performed before the eye has reached maturity the initial vision correction procedure will not be correct. The patient may require a second vision correction procedure after reaching adulthood.
Unstable Prescription
In addition to FDA age-related restrictions, other issues can cause the ophthalmologist to postpone or refuse laser eye surgery. If the vision prescription has significantly changed within the last year, your vision will be considered unstable. If the ophthalmologist performs laser eye surgery during this prescription transition period, the results will be unsatisfactory. The patient will be required to return for a second surgery procedure to correct the previous laser surgery once the eye prescription stabilizes.
Hormones, Injuries and Diseases
The ophthalmologist will gather detailed medical information before proceeding with laser surgery. Some medical information such as hormonal changes due to pregnancy or breastfeeding could produce unexpected vision results after laser surgery. Previous eye injuries, PRK laser surgery or cataract surgery may affect laser surgery outcome. Certain diseases such as blepharitis can cause inflammation of the eyelids and crusting of the eyelashes. This and other diseases may increase the risk of infection or inflammation of the cornea after eye surgery. The ophthalmologist will delay surgery and provide the proper prescription for the treatment of diseases.
Pupil Size
The ophthalmologist will examine the eye in a darkened room for the possibility of larger than normal pupils. Pupils normally dilate to allow additional light to enter the eye in dark conditions and contract to restrict light in bright light conditions. Pupils that dilate larger than the normal range may extend beyond the 7 mm laser eye surgery treatment zone. At night large pupils could dilate pass the edge laser treatment zone creating the vision effect of halos and double vision. The ophthalmologist may suggest other possible vision correction treatments that allow the treatment zone to expand beyond the maximum pupil dilation.
Dry Eyes and Thin Corneas
If you have dry eyes before laser eye surgery that problem could worsen after surgery. During laser surgery a microkeratome incision is made through the upper layer of the cornea. If the microkeratome incision damages nerves in the cornea this could lead to severe dry eye syndrome. Another possible reason for denying laser eye surgery is the physical condition of the cornea. The ophthalmologist will measure the thickness of the cornea and determine if there is enough organic material to perform laser surgery. If the cornea is too thin there could be severe complications during surgery that could result in a total loss of vision. The surgeon will warn the patient of possible side effects for these two conditions and recommend other vision correction procedures.
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