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Atopy

Allergy interaction with Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, P-IOL, RLE, etc.


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Atopy related allergic response is not normally problematic for Lasik, but must be evaluated.  
   

Atopy is an allergic response normally inherited. It is possible that a person with untreated atopy may have conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, RLE, P-IOLs or other refractive surgery procedures, but there may be a significantly increased risk of DLK of the patient elects to have Lasik or Bladeless Lasik. People with atopy who are taking oral systemic non-sedating histamine receptor 1 antagonist do not have any higher risk of DLK than people without atopy.

People with atopy tend to develop the classic allergic diseases -- atopic dermatitis (skin rash, itching), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and asthma. Atopy involves allergic response to common environmental proteins such as house dust mite, grass pollen, and food allergens.

If you are taking the appropriate medications, you should not have any higher risk of DLK than a patient without atopy, however you should be certain to discuss this issue with your doctor.

Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.

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Recent Atopy Medical Journal Articles...

Related Articles

Allergic complications with laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Oct;11(5):483-91

Authors: Bielory BP, O'Brien TP

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the complications of laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) associated with ocular allergy. This review will provide guidance and heighten the need for a more comprehensive allergic evaluation before recommending LASIK procedure to patients. The material provided allows enhanced awareness of the potential postsurgical effects on allergic responses of the ocular surface and management thereof.
RECENT FINDINGS: Ocular allergy is often underdiagnosed and has been previously reported only in a handful of peer-reviewed journals as the cause for ocular irritation and visual morbidity in post-LASIK dry eye disease. Diffuse lamellar keratitis is one complication of LASIK that has been linked to atopic individuals. LASIK causes significant inflammation in normal eyes, which is only exacerbated in atopic patients. Atopy may be a contributing factor in patients with patients with post-LASIK dry eye symptoms. Further investigation is required to better understand the complications of LASIK in allergic patients.
SUMMARY: LASIK surgery has been associated with increased anterior surface inflammatory processes that include dry eye syndromes and ocular allergy. In addition, poorer outcomes of LASIK procedures have been reported in patients with moderate to severe ocular allergies and chronic forms of allergic conjunctivitis, which is an absolute contraindication to the LASIK procedure. We propose preoperative and postoperative management algorithms for allergic LASIK candidates.

PMID: 21822133 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 


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