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| Lasik would probably not be affected by Crohn's disease,
however some meds to treat this bowel inflammation may be
problematic. |
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Crohn's disease is not likely to directly be a contraindication
for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, or Epi-Lasik, however the medications used to treat Crohns and
dehydration associated with its effects may indirectly cause dry eyes and other problems. RLE, P-IOLs and some other refractive surgery procedures may not be limited by Crohn's.
It would be best for a patient with Crohn's Disease to have Crohn's
treated and stabilized before having refractive surgery of any kind.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general
name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's
commonly causes inflammation in the lower part of the small intestine,
called the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract,
from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the
lining of the affected organs. The inflammation can cause pain and
can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Most people are first treated with drugs containing mesalamine
(Pentasa; Rowasa; Asacol), a substance that helps control inflammation.
Sulfasalazine is the most commonly used of these drugs. Patients
who do not benefit from it or who cannot tolerate it may be put
on other mesalamine-containing drugs, generally known as 5-ASA agents,
such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa. Possible side effects of mesalamine
preparations include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and
headache.
Some patients take corticosteroids to control inflammation. These
drugs are the most effective for active Crohn's disease, but they
can cause serious side effects, including greater susceptibility
to infection.
Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used to treat
Crohn's disease. Most commonly prescribed are 6-mercaptopurine and
a related drug, azathioprine. Immunosuppressive agents work by blocking
the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation. These drugs
may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may
lower a person's resistance to infection. When patients are treated
with a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs,
the dose of corticosteriods can eventually be lowered. Some studies
suggest that immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the effectiveness
of corticosteroids.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug infliximab
(brand name, Remicade) for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's
disease that does not respond to standard therapies (mesalamine
substances, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents) and for the
treatment of open, draining fistulas. Infliximab, the first treatment
approved specifically for Crohn's disease, is an anti-tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) substance. TNF is a protein produced by the immune
system that may cause the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease.
Anti-TNF removes TNF from the bloodstream before it reaches the
intestines, thereby preventing inflammation. Investigators will
continue to study patients taking infliximab to determine its long-term
safety and efficacy.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small
intestine caused by stricture, fistulas, or prior surgery. For this
common problem, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following
antibiotics: ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline,
or metronidazole.
Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are often relieved when the
inflammation subsides, but additional medication may also be necessary.
Several antidiarrheal agents could be used, including diphenoxylate,
loperamide, and codeine. Patients who are dehydrated because of
diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
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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