Patients with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. This autoimmune condition causes inflammation in different parts of the body, and if a patient is well-controlled and taking a minimum amount of medications, they may be eligible for the procedure. However, lupus can also cause dry eyes, which can make laser eye surgery difficult. Additionally, some medications used to treat lupus can affect the healing process after laser eye surgery.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published recommendations on in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) laser surgery in patients with collagen vascular diseases (CVD). A retrospective study of cataract surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported complications in four of the 33 eyes (12%) after cataract surgery. This suggests that patients with autoimmune diseases other than Sjögren's syndrome could do well with these procedures if their conditions are well-controlled and have minimal eye problems. Crohn's disease is another autoimmune condition that can complicate the healing process of many illnesses, injuries, or surgeries, including the recovery period from laser eye surgery.
If Crohn's disease worsens on the day of surgery or during the recovery period from laser eye surgery, it can have a very negative impact on the healing process. This can have a very negative impact on the overall visual outcome after laser eye surgery. Ultimately, if you have lupus, your eligibility for laser eye surgery depends on how much medication you're taking for this condition and whether you've recently had an outbreak. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before undergoing any type of laser eye surgery.
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