Herpes
and
Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, P-IOL, RLE, etc.
If you have herpes
simplex virus (HSV) you may not be an appropriate candidate for refractive
surgery. Even if you have not had an outbreak in years, any surgery
can cause a reoccurrence.
The reactivation and
replication of latent HSV can be induced by a variety of stimuli including
fever, trauma, emotional stress, sunlight, even menstruation. The body
may consider refractive surgery as trauma and react accordingly. Reactivation
is more frequent and severe in immunocompromised patients. If you have
herpes simplex keratitis, you probably should not have refractive surgery.
Even dormant herpes simplex keratitis can be reactivated by refractive
surgery.
Patients with HSV have
had refractive surgery without reoccurrence or problems, however this
is a significant elevated risk factor. Discuss the potential problems
with both your general doctor and your refractive surgeon.
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