Can I Have Laser Eye Surgical procedure If I Have Epilepsy? [VIDEO]

If you happen to’ve been contemplating Laser Eye Surgical procedure for some time however have an underlying well being situation, you might need talked your self out of getting a session. That is doubtless since you’re frightened that you just gained’t be eligible for the remedy. Nonetheless, developments in expertise lately imply that extra persons are appropriate for Laser Eye Surgical procedure than ever earlier than – typically together with these with critical well being situations. However what about you probably have epilepsy? May you continue to be a candidate for Laser Eye Surgical procedure?

What’s Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a standard neurological situation that causes frequent seizures. It might even be generally known as a “seizure dysfunction”. Seizures happen attributable to bursts {of electrical} exercise that quickly have an effect on how the mind works. Epilepsy can begin at any age nevertheless it mostly develops in childhood and persists all through an individual’s life.

There are a variety of various kinds of seizures they usually could have an effect on individuals in several methods, relying on which a part of the mind is concerned. Some frequent signs embody:

• Uncontrollable jerking or shaking (known as an “epileptic match”)
• Changing into stiff
• Shedding consciousness
• Unusual sensations
• Collapsing

In lots of instances, epilepsy may be well-managed with the assistance of anti-seizure or anti-epileptic medicines. Different remedy strategies which will additionally assist to scale back seizure frequency and severity embody surgical procedure, implantation of {an electrical} system within the physique, and particular diets.

Some individuals could possibly cease therapies if their seizures disappear; nonetheless, many sufferers have to proceed remedy for all times.

Does Epilepsy have an effect on the eyes?

Epilepsy isn’t typically related to any everlasting modifications to the eyes or imaginative and prescient. Nonetheless, throughout a seizure, sufferers could expertise some eye modifications together with speedy eye blinking, eye deviation, visible discipline loss and hallucinations.

Nonetheless, visible notion is understood to be concerned within the triggering of some seizure sorts. For instance, for round 3% of individuals with epilepsy, publicity to flashing lights at sure intensities or to sure visible patterns can set off seizures. This is called photosensitive epilepsy. This situation is extra frequent in youngsters and adolescents, turning into much less frequent with age.

Epilepsy and Laser Eye Surgical procedure

The lasers utilized in Laser Eye Surgical procedure emit a flashing gentle throughout your remedy. For some sufferers – significantly these with photosensitive epilepsy, this could be a concern. Nonetheless, the kind of gentle used within the process isn’t strobe lighting and is extraordinarily unlikely to set off seizures.

As our skilled Laser Eye Surgeon, Mr. Glenn Carp, explains within the video under, Epilepsy is due to this fact not typically thought-about a contraindication for Laser Eye Surgical procedure.

If you happen to’re epilepsy is well-controlled, there’s a god likelihood you may be appropriate for Laser Eye Surgical procedure. In fact, each affected person is totally different. For that reason, we could seek the advice of together with your GP and/or neurologist to find out your suitability for remedy as precisely as potential. Moreover, at your preliminary screening appointment, you’ll endure complete testing and examination to determine whether or not Laser Eye Surgical procedure is the correct alternative for you.

Taking the step in direction of Laser Eye Surgical procedure may be scary – particularly you probably have underlying well being situations. Nonetheless, at London Imaginative and prescient Clinic, we’re devoted to offering the easiest commonplace of care – and this consists of turning you away if you’re unsuitable. The one technique to discover out is to e-book a session at our Harley Road clinic.

If you want to be taught extra about your suitability for Laser Eye Surgical procedure, E book a Session or get in contact with one among our pleasant clinic coordinators right this moment.