Acoustic neuroma is not usually a contraindication for
conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, P-IOL, or RLE
if it has been either removed or otherwise stabilized,
however be sure to tell your doctor about your condition
before having refractive surgery.
Acoustic neuroma (sometimes termed a neurolemmoma or schwannoma) is a non-cancerous tissue growth on a nerve leading from the brain to the inner ear. This nerve both transmits sound information and sends balance information to the brain from the inner ear. Although reduced facial sensation, limited facial expression, and poor balance may occur, these do not directly affect refractive surgery,
a concern would be if these symptoms developed after Lasik
or similar laser eye surgery it would be difficult to
determine if the symptoms were related to the surgery or
acoustic neuroma.
The affected nerve
to the ear and the facial nerve that provides motion of the muscles of facial expression lie adjacent to each other as they pass through a bony canal called the internal auditory canal. The brain is not invaded by the tumor, but the tumor pushes the brain as it enlarges. The slowly enlarging tumor protrudes from the internal auditory canal into an area behind the temporal bone called the cerebellopontine angle. The tumor now assumes a pear shape with the small end in the internal auditory canal.
Larger tumors can press on another nerve in the area (the trigeminal nerve) which is the nerve of facial sensation. Vital functions to sustain life can be threatened when large tumors cause severe pressure on the brainstem and cerebellum part of the brain. Most acoustic neuromas are diagnosed in patients between the ages of 30 and 60.
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.
