Email a Friend
Print Article
LASIK: Visible Proof
A recent visitor to our WebMD Vision & Eye Disorders message board asked a very interesting question:
4 years after uncomplicated LASIK can an examiner tell whether or not an eye has had previous LASIK?
That's a very interesting question and it immediately prompts me to think:
Why would you want to know?
First things first, since LASIK surgery includes creation of a superficial flap of corneal tissue the edges of the flap are usually visible for years afterwards. Sometimes the edges heal extremely well, making it nearly imperceptible, but a careful magnified examination using the slit lamp biomicroscope will expose the flap incision.
Besides the flap edges there are other visible clues to alert the examiner to the presence of earlier LASIK. Clumps of migrating surface cells and grey-white patches of scar tissue can accumulate underneath the flap. These features jump out right away.
Now, about my question. Who would want to know if somebody had undergone previous LASIK?
Many careers require excellent eyesight without refractive correction. It goes beyond aviators. Many law enforcement jobs, security jobs, and other occupations demand crystal clear vision. Folks eager to qualify for a dream job will do what they feel is necessary to get hired. Such enthusiasm is honorable but it can backfire. Perfect LASIK may still leave you needing spectacles for residual error. Moreover, refractive surgery may affect your near vision and force you to obtain (disqualifying) reading eyeglasses. Finally, some employers exclude candidates with a history of prior eye surgery.
Here's some good advice. Invest wisely and make sure you fully understand all of the hiring criteria before paying for expensive refractive surgery.
Related Topics:
4 years after uncomplicated LASIK can an examiner tell whether or not an eye has had previous LASIK?
That's a very interesting question and it immediately prompts me to think:
Why would you want to know?
First things first, since LASIK surgery includes creation of a superficial flap of corneal tissue the edges of the flap are usually visible for years afterwards. Sometimes the edges heal extremely well, making it nearly imperceptible, but a careful magnified examination using the slit lamp biomicroscope will expose the flap incision.
Besides the flap edges there are other visible clues to alert the examiner to the presence of earlier LASIK. Clumps of migrating surface cells and grey-white patches of scar tissue can accumulate underneath the flap. These features jump out right away.
Now, about my question. Who would want to know if somebody had undergone previous LASIK?
Many careers require excellent eyesight without refractive correction. It goes beyond aviators. Many law enforcement jobs, security jobs, and other occupations demand crystal clear vision. Folks eager to qualify for a dream job will do what they feel is necessary to get hired. Such enthusiasm is honorable but it can backfire. Perfect LASIK may still leave you needing spectacles for residual error. Moreover, refractive surgery may affect your near vision and force you to obtain (disqualifying) reading eyeglasses. Finally, some employers exclude candidates with a history of prior eye surgery.
Here's some good advice. Invest wisely and make sure you fully understand all of the hiring criteria before paying for expensive refractive surgery.
Related Topics:
