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...

The effect of drug consultation center guidance on contraceptive use among women using isotretinoin: a randomized, controlled study.

The effect of drug consultation center guidance on contraceptive use among women using isotretinoin: a randomized, controlled study.

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2008 May;17(4):579-84

Authors: Tsur L, Kozer E, Berkovitch M

ABSTRACT Background: Women of reproductive age treated with isotretinoin are required to use two forms of contraceptives, yet adherence to the recommendations is limited. Our objective was to determine if an active intervention by a drug consultation center (DCC) will increase contraceptive use among women taking isotretinoin. Methods: In a randomized, controlled study, women of reproductive age who called the DCC seeking advice regarding isotretinoin were randomly assigned to an intervention group (information by phone during initial interview, by mailed written form, and by text messages sent to their cellular phones) and a control group (information given once). A follow-up call was made to all women 3 months after the first interview. Results: One hundred eight women (50 in the intervention group and 58 control) were enrolled. Most women do not adhere to the recommended contraceptive use. After 3 months, 50% of the study group and 40% of the control group were using a contraceptive (p = 0.41), and only 2 women in each group used two methods of contraception. Conclusions: Strategies to increase adherence to contraceptive use among women treated with isotretinoin are needed.

PMID: 18447762 [PubMed - in process]