Laser Eye Surgery Forum

Graves disease and laser eye surgery

hi I have graves disease but apparently not graves opthalmy. Since having it i can't seem to wear my contact lenses for long as they feel stick after a few hours. In fairness my eyes have always been a bit on the dry side. Could I be a candidate for laser eye surgery.

Graves' disease can affect the eyes, especially through what is known as proptosis where the eyes bulge forwards. As you don't have that condition you would be assessed based upon your level of dryness, as any other LASIK or PRK candidate would be. It will depend on exactly what is found at the consultation.

Dryness is the one issue we have been unable to affect in a major way, and the best way to avoid post-op problems is to not have laser eye surgery if there is significant dryness. The other well known post-op problems have been greatly reduced over the years, such as night time vision problems, under or over-correction, epithelial ingrowth, enhancement rate. But we do not have a single highly effective treatment for dry eyes, so the best way to avoid this is no surgery for those people who may be at risk of worse dryness after treatment.

Make sure you choose a clinic that is not aggressive or pushy for you to have laser eye surgery, and who will act in your best interests. If you feel you are getting a 'hard sell', go somewhere else.