May is Lupus Awareness Month, and you may not think Los Angeles LASIK and Lupus have a connection, but they do. This article will discuss how chronic autoimmune disease affects eye health and how laser eye surgery can benefit some lupus patients.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that happens when the patient’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Lupus can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body, including skin, joints, and organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, chest pain, rashes, hair loss, and fever. Symptoms may come and go- in other words- a patient might experience flare-ups. Lupus can also cause serious damage to a patient’s internal organs- resulting in kidney failure or vision problems and seizures when the brain is affected. As of today, researchers have not found a cure for the disease, but medication, healthy lifestyle habits, and routine health check-ups can help.
Lupus and Your Vision
Although lupus typically affects the skin, joints, and internal organs, it can also affect the eyes. Here are some of the symptoms concerning vision that lupus patients may experience:
- Dry eyes: The most common eye problem associated with lupus is dry eyes. Patients experience blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and a scratchy or burning sensation. Dry eye is usually caused by tear ducts not producing enough tears or tears drying up quickly.
- Inflammation in the eyes: Inflammation that affects the sclera (white part of the eye) is called scleritis. Common symptoms include pain, redness, blurry vision, tearing, and light sensitivity.
- Lesions on the retina and eyelids: Patients with lupus may develop retinal vasculitis, a condition that limits the blood supply to the retina and results in leakage resulting in retinal swelling and a decrease in vision.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a result of inflammation of the optic nerve, also referred to as optic neuritis. Patients with optic neuritis may experience pain when moving their eyes, difficulty differentiating colors, and blurred vision.
LASIK and Lupus
If you have lupus and are interested in undergoing laser vision correction in Los Angeles, the top concern is whether or not the procedure is a safe option for you. Fortunately, many patients with lupus qualify for LASIK. Here are three factors to consider before making a decision:
- Monitor your condition: It is important to ensure your lupus is under control before getting surgery. Discuss the possibility of LASIK with your rheumatologist or other healthcare provider to help with medication management and monitoring your condition. You also need to keep in mind that LASIK can initially cause dry eyes, which can be a serious issue for lupus patients who already suffer from dry eyes.
- The risk of developing keloids: Patients with lupus are more susceptible to developing corneal keloids, which are thick, raised scars that form on the cornea of the eye. If you have a history of keloids, consult your LASIK surgeon to determine if corrective eye surgery is right for you.
- Select a reputable LASIK surgeon: The surgeon you select should have years of experience performing surgery, particularly on patients with lupus. Your surgeon should be able to assess your vision issues and disclose any potential complications.
Conclusion
Although most people do not associate Lupus and Los Angeles LASIK eye surgery together, there is a link between the two topics. If you have Lupus and are seriously considering eye surgery, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute for a consultation today. With thorough research and planning, you can feel confident about your journey to improve your vision.
