Lasik and Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

Active Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), which presents as large red bumps under the eye lid and is often related to contact lens wear, is a contraindication for conventional or wavefront custom Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK,, or similar refractive surgery. GPC must be fully resolved before elective surgery.

A history of GPC is not an automatic contraindication for laser eye surgery, however the medications used to treat GPC can temporarily alter the cornea and cause an unexpected outcome. Antihistamines can dehydrate the cornea and balanced hydration is an important aspect of successful Lasik.

GPC symptoms commonly include tearing, extra mucus, and itching. The condition frequently affects both eyes. Fortunately GPC can be fully resolved with appropriate treatment.

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or wavefront custom 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 Surgery Doctor.

If this article did not fully answer your questions, use our free Ask Lasik Expert patient forum.

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Current Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) Medical Journal News...

[Ophthalmology]

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[Ophthalmology]

Nippon Rinsho. 2009 Nov;67(11):2157-61

Authors: Takamura E

Allergic conjunctival diseases caused by immediate hypersensitivity are classified into several subtypes, including seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic karatoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis. The gold standard in treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, especially Japanese cedar pollinosis, is anti allergic ophthalmic solution, mast cell stabilizer and histamine H1 blocker. During the peak pollen count period, we use an ophthalmic steroid solution. Preseasonal treatment with anti allergic ophthalmic solution is effective to decrease symptoms during the peak pollen count period. Topical steroids are most effective treatment for VKC, but are also frequently associated with increasing intraocular pressure. A recent treatment combining anti allergic ophthalmic solution, steroid ophthalmic solution and topical immunomodulator (cyclosporine 0.1% or tacrolimus 0.1%) proves very effective and safe for severe VKC.

PMID: 19899534 [PubMed - in process]