Can You Get LASIK With Dry Eyes?

If you wear glasses or contacts, LASIK has probably crossed your mind at some point. Most people would love to save the time and resources spent on getting new frames every year. When you visit Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we can determine whether you qualify for LASIK surgery. It’s important to tell us about any pre-existing health conditions, such as dry eyes.

While dry eyes don’t necessarily disqualify you from LASIK in Birmingham, AL, they can make surgery and recovery more challenging. It depends on your individual health and vision goals. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi can discuss the topic of LASIK and dry eyes in-house. Our specialists can also make safe and effective recommendations based on your needs.

Dry eyes explained

Do you experience redness in your eyes from time to time? Do you need to take frequent breaks from your computer screen because of itchiness or discomfort? You may have a common eye condition called dry eye syndrome. It occurs when you cannot produce enough moisture for your eyes to feel comfortable. Hormonal changes and medications can both cause dry eyes.

Chronic dry eyes could disqualify you from getting LASIK. Surgery requires creating a small flap in the cornea, which can lead to complications and further sensitivity. However, it is still possible to get corrective eye surgery. Your candidacy depends on your initial examination with Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center.

Common LASIK disqualifiers

Most people rely on glasses for everyday activities and responsibilities. LASIK is suitable for adults who have had a consistent prescription for at least a year. When you meet with Dr. Choi, we can review your medical history and any health conditions that affect your eyes. Temporary issues, like infection or pink eye, need to be resolved before scheduling surgery. If your dry eyes are caused by a certain medication, we may ask you to stop taking it at least several weeks before and after LASIK.

Patients who had previous refractive surgeries or too-thin corneas may not be eligible for LASIK in Birmingham. If it turns out you are not qualified for treatment, we can make suggestions about how to move forward. Some people may be candidates for a different corrective procedure.

LASIK explained

LASIK is a fast and usually painless procedure that treats vision problems, like astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can give you resources and information about expected but temporary side effects. This includes dry eyes, irritation, and seeing halos around lights. Every patient heals differently, so our clinic can let you know what to expect when it comes to LASIK and dry eyes. While we understand that surgery is an investment, most patients find the process well worth it.

Learn about LASIK and dry eyes

LASIK eye surgery can dramatically improve your vision and reduce your reliance on glasses. Your eligibility depends on a comprehensive assessment by an experienced doctor. The specialists at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center know that choosing the right ophthalmologist is a big part of your success. When you meet with Dr. Young H. Choi about LASIK in Birmingham, AL, we take the time to make the right recommendations. Call us to schedule a consultation and learn how the process works.