Does having ulcerative colitis automatically make me ineligible for Lasik or PRK?

Question

I have had UC for 7 years, it's been under control for 6. I've never been hospitalized or had any complications. I've had 16 knee surgeries including PKR with no healing issues. I've never had an eye infection or any problems with my eyes.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

The worry is that the autoimmune nature of the disease could cause damage to the cornea if surgery occurs. The science is evolving on absolute and relative contra-indications. It's not absolute. It's just that your risk is probably higher if the disease decides to flare on the day or after your surgery. You can't control that.

Brad Kligman, MD · Answer

Patients with well-controlled UC such as yourself can safely undergo LASIK or PRK and expect to heal normally.  Just be sure to mention the condition to your surgeon so they can look carefully for signs of current or past eye inflammation during the evaluation process.

Does having ulcerative colitis automatically make me ineligible for Lasik or PRK?

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