LASIK is Good for Keratoconus, But Not for Why You May Think
July 16, 2024
If you have keratoconus, you may have noticed that your friends, family, and co-workers are often unfamiliar with the condition. They might even suggest, “Why don’t you just have LASIK?” While well-meaning, they may not realize that LASIK is risky and inadvisable for keratoconus patients. The procedure can lead to severe complications, such as corneal ectasia, which is why no responsible refractive surgeon would recommend it.
LASIK and Keratoconus Don’t Mix
In the 1990s, LASIK was sometimes performed on patients with keratoconus, occasionally by accident, leading to poor outcomes. Often, vision worsened, and some patients required corneal transplants due to irreversible damage. Keratoconus causes the cornea to be thin and distorted, and LASIK further thins the cornea, exacerbating the condition. Additionally, some patients without keratoconus who undergo LASIK can develop a condition called “post-LASIK ectasia” if too much tissue is removed.
LASIK Indirectly Helps Keratoconus Patients
Even though patients with keratoconus cannot safely undergo LASIK, the growth of the LASIK industry still benefits them. This is because LASIK consultations are a leading pathway for new diagnoses of keratoconus. Many individuals with undiagnosed keratoconus seek LASIK consultations due to frustration with their vision, and in the process, they discover they have keratoconus.
Since the FDA approved the first excimer laser for LASIK in November 1999, the increasing number of identified keratoconus patients has driven the development of new and improved treatments. These include corneal cross-linking, which strengthens the cornea by promoting collagen cross-links, and scleral contact lenses, which provide better vision correction and comfort for those with keratoconus. Given the significant population affected by keratoconus, venture capital and other funding sources are motivated to invest in and support the development of new treatments. This condition, which impacts the cornea and can lead to vision loss, has garnered attention from various organizations and investors aiming to improve patient outcomes.
In summary, while LASIK is not safe for individuals with keratoconus, it plays a crucial role in diagnosing the condition. The increasing number of diagnosed keratoconus patients contributes to advancements and new treatments.
ReVision Optometry is a referral-based practice in San Diego providing contact lens services for patients with keratoconus. To schedule an appointment, request your appointment online, or call our office at 619.299.6064.