Important Considerations for LASIK Patients with Eye Allergies
If you have eye allergies, you may be wondering if it affects your candidacy for LASIK. The short answer is no; however, there are some important factors that patients should consider before they proceed with LASIK surgery. At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, Dr. David Gross takes the time to educate patients about eye allergies and LASIK. By being aware of the potential problems the symptoms of eye allergies can have on the results of LASIK surgery, you can avoid any habits that may adversely affect the outcome of your treatment. You can also time the procedure so it takes place when you are least likely to suffer from eye allergies. To learn more about LASIK and eye allergies, contact our Merrillville practice today.
Symptoms of Eye Allergies
Eye allergies develop in response to irritants such as pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. The may also occur after using certain skin creams, make-up, or eye drops. While eye allergies do not affect your health, the symptoms of the condition can be uncomfortable. The symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Red eyes
- Dry eyes
Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses
Eye allergy symptoms can cause you to constantly rub your eyes to relieve the itchiness. The chronic urge to touch your eyes, along with the dry sensation caused by eye allergies, can make it uncomfortable to wear contact lenses. These patients can seek an alternative treatment in eyeglasses or LASIK surgery.
Achieving Good LASIK Results
To avoid the hassle of wearing contact lenses when suffering from eye allergies, many patients wish to undergo LASIK surgery to permanently improve their vision. Fortunately, the presence of eye allergies does not preclude patients from being good LASIK candidates. But, they will need to follow post-operative instructions to achieve a satisfactory LASIK outcome.
During the LASIK recovery period, patients must avoid touching or rubbing at the eyes. Touching the eyes greatly increases the risk of infection, particularly in the first few hours after treatment. To prevent an infection, patients should not touch the eyes for several weeks after surgery, no matter how strong the urge to itch the eyes may be.
Timing the Surgery
If you suffer from eye allergies, you can time your LASIK surgery to take place when eye allergies are less likely to be a problem. For example, if you suffer from seasonal allergies that occur in the spring or fall, schedule your surgery for the summer or winter months. If you develop allergies in response to a cosmetic or eye product, cease use of the product for a few weeks before and after treatment. If you suffer from eye allergies year-round, have a plan in place to reduce symptoms during the course of your treatment and recovery. For example, take allergy medication daily, and have allergy eye drops on hand to minimize any discomfort.
Eye allergies make it difficult to wear contact lenses, leaving patients with two options: glasses or laser vision correction surgery. If you don’t want to wear glasses and wish to experience the benefits of permanently clear vision, contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers today.
