Question
Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy (PPCD) is to an absolute contraindication to having LASIK. However, suitability for LASIK does depend on the severity of the PPCD. PPCD can be associated with low endothelial cell counts, corneal edema (swelling) and/or glaucoma.
These potential complications of PPCD need to be assessed by your surgeon prior to any consideration for LASIK surgery.
Hi Mei
Corneal dystrophies are a very diverse range of genetic conditions affecting the cornea. Many of them disqualify people from having laser refractive surgery, but not all. So it depends.
As I mentioned in the answer to your other question, Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy (PPMD-a type of corneal dystrophy) can span a spectrum from mild non-progressive corneal changes to increasing corneal swelling and haziness over time.
Most patients have the mild type.
The answer to your question as to whether LASIK is possible, is that suitability needs to be considered on a case by case basis. In your case, it would be prudent to observe the condition over a period of time eg 1 or more years, and assess various parameters such as severity of changes and endothelial changes/corneal thickness changes over time. In very mild cases with non progressive changes, LASIK may be considered.
Suitability for Lasik / Refractive Surgery is a common concern of patients with dry eyes. It is well established that post-Lasik, patients experience longer periods of reduced cornea sensitivity and symptomatic dry eyes. This is thought to be related to the cornea nerves being severed at the nasal and temporal limbus during creation of the flap. However dry eyes per se doesn’t automatically disqualify you from having Lasik performed. This is because most patients with symptomatic dry eyes can be optimised before surgery so that they may get better results after surgery.
Hi Susanne In the first step of the LASIK procedure, a ‘flap’ is created using a femtosecond laser (or, in the past, a special blade called a microkeratome). During this step, the laser is ‘connected’/docked to the eye with a ring-like device that grips the white part of your eye. You can watch an animation here: There are many small blood vessels on this part of the eye, and sometimes the suction pressure providing the grip may cause some of the blood vessels to leak some blood, causing red patches after the LASIK.
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