Acne Medicine and Lasik

Interaction with conventional and wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, P-IOL, RLE, etc..

Some acne meds may be a problem for Lasik laser eye surgery.

Acne itself is not a contraindication for refractive surgery, but there can be additional considerations for for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik.

Acne Medication Concerns

Isotretinoin, known as Accutane, is a topical medication commonly prescribed for acne. The active ingredients in Accutane for acne can cause dry eye. Accutane used for acne is a contraindication for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik. Accutane should not be used for an at least six months before surgery and six months after surgery.

Accutane for acne may not be a contraindication for CK, P-IOL, or RLE, however be sure to let your doctor know if you are using any medication with isotretinoin.

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, NearVision CK, RLE, or any refractive surgery procedure, we highly recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Laser Eye Surgeon.

Current Acne and Lasik Medical Journal News...

Short-term isotretinoin treatment decreases insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels: does isotretinoin affect growth hormone physiology?

Short-term isotretinoin treatment decreases insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels: does isotretinoin affect growth hormone physiology?

Br J Dermatol. 2010 Feb 1;

Authors: Karadag AS, Ertugrul DT, Tutal E, Akin KO

Summary Background Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, it has numerous side-effects. It was previously reported that serum growth hormone (GH) levels decreased with isotretinoin treament. Objectives To analyse whether isotretinoin has any effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and GH levels. Methods Forty-seven patients aged 21.5 +/- 5.1 years (mean +/- SD) with acne vulgaris were included in this study. Isotretinoin therapy was initiated at a dose of 0.5-0.75 mg kg(-1) daily and then adjusted to 0.88 mg kg(-1) daily as maintenance dosage after 1 month. Screening for biochemical and hormonal parameters was performed just before initiation and after 3 months of isotretinoin treatment. Results IGF-1 and IGFBP3 levels decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.01), while GH levels did not change. Post-treatment, significant increases were seen in aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (P < 0.0001) while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Isotretinoin therapy may have an effect on GH physiology, and further studies are needed to understand this association.

PMID: 20128787 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]