Absolute and relative contraindications for laser diopter removal

1. AGE OF THE PATIENT

Patients under 20 years of age are not suitable candidates for laser dioptre removal because they have not yet achieved refractive stability, i.e. due to a change in the characteristics of the refractive system of the eye, there may be a change in dioptre.

2. DIOPTER STABILITY

Refractive surgeons prefer patients in whom, based on previous ophthalmological findings, it can be determined that the diopter has been stable in the last year, that is, it has not changed by more than +0.50/-0.50D.

3. THE THICKNESS OF THE CORNEA

The thickness of the cornea must be sufficient so that after the laser intervention that thins it, a sufficient amount of intact tissue remains that will allow the cornea to maintain its rigidity and adequate shape. For the surgeon, the thickness of the cornea is one of the parameters used to decide on LASIK or PRK, a method of laser diopter reduction. In the case of pronounced thinning, the surgeon does not recommend intervention, but considers the possibility of another type of refractive surgery.

4. DISEASES OF THE CORNEA

If during a detailed clinical examination and recording of corneal maps (corneal topography) the existence of any corneal disease is determined (eg keratoconus, various forms of corneal degeneration and dystrophy, acute and chronic infectious processes) this is an absolute contraindication for laser intervention.

5. EYE DISEASES

Laser dioptre removal is not recommended for patients with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, chronic uveitis, various pathological conditions on the retina. Cataract surgery is recommended for patients whose examination reveals the presence of cataracts, in which an artificial monofocal or multifocal lens is implanted to correct the existing refractive anomaly.

6. SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

In people with autoimmune diseases, there is an altered immune response, and therefore after laser diopter removal, there may be inadequate healing of the cornea, a strong inflammatory reaction and damage to the cornea. The existence of an autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, fibromyalgia) can be a relative or absolute contraindication depending on whether the disease is adequately treated and controlled, i.e. whether the patient’s health and immune response are stable.

7. PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING

Hormonal disorders that accompany pregnancy and breast-feeding can lead to diopter instability, and therefore it is not recommended to undergo laser correction during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Detailed and correctly performed ophthalmic examination and a realistic assessment of the anatomical and functional condition of the eye as well as the patient’s overall health condition, makes laser dioptre removal a safe method of removing the refractive anomaly that leads to a satisfactory outcome. title=”Laser diopter removal” href=”https://perfectvision.rs/usluge/lasersko-skidanje-dioptrije/”>What is laser dioptre removal?