LASIK and Medications

Certain medications can diminish the effectiveness of your LASIK surgery or lead to complications after the fact. Frequently, these complications are related to dry eyes. However, depending on what you are taking, more serious issues can arise. It is important to discuss the medications you are currently taking with your laser eye surgeon before undergoing LASIK surgery.

The following medications can be problematic when taken in conjunction with your LASIK operation:

• Accutane: This drug is frequently used to treat severe acne. A common side effect of Accutane is dry eye, which can lead to LASIK complications. You should stop taking Accutane six months before your surgery, and refrain from using it for at least six more months while you recover.
  
• Beta Blockers: These are used to treat many conditions, including migraines, glaucoma, anxiety, and heart conditions. Beta blockers frequently cause dry eye. However, since it is generally not safe to discontinue using beta blockers, you should consult your ophthalmologist to see if you are a candidate for LASIK.
  
• Viagra: While Viagra doesn't lead to any complications with your LASIK surgery, it can result in other eye conditions that may affect your laser eye surgery. Viagra has been known to cause blurry vision, double vision, colors that appear unusual, decreased vision, and increased light sensitivity. In more severe cases, the drug can lead to redness, burning and bleeding of the eyes. If you are taking Viagra and experience any of these symptoms following your LASIK surgery, it will be almost impossible for your surgeon to determine whether they are a result of the surgery or side effects of the drug.
  
• Marijuana: Marijuana can lower the pressure inside your eye, which may increase your risk of under correction during your LASIK surgery. You might need additional surgery to correct the problem.
  

It is important to always be completely honest and forthright with your surgeon about all drugs -- prescription and nonprescription, legal and illegal -- that you are taking before going ahead with your eye surgery.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon near you.