Both patients and doctors must consider many different factors before LASIK eye surgery. Pupil size is one of the basic variables that surgeons will look at when determining if someone is a candidate for laser eye surgery. The size of the patient’s pupil can have a major impact on the outcome of the surgery, and some patients may even be excluded from the procedure due to pupil size. Before opting to undergo LASIK, all patients should analyze their pupil size, consider the possible outcomes and discuss their concerns with a qualified surgeon.
Pupil Size and LASIK Success
Why does the size of the pupils matter so much? Most experts agree that patients with smaller or larger than average pupils generally do not have as good of results as those with average sized pupils. Numerous studies have shown that individuals with large pupils have a greater risk of experiencing a negative post-surgery outcome. Some potential side effects include blurry vision, overcorrection, undercorrection and poor night vision.
Due to this, surgeons now carefully screen patients based on important factors such as pupil size. In many cases, people with large pupils are told that they are not good candidates for the LASIK procedure. Past lawsuits brought by patients who have experienced negative outcomes have led many surgeons to err on the side of caution. However, all patients need to act as their own advocate when considering cosmetic surgery. In order to avoid problems, potential patients need to ask their qualified surgeon about pupil size.
Solutions for People with Larger Pupils
While large pupils can increase the chance of complications, this does not necessarily mean that every patient with larger than average pupils is ineligible for LASIK. New technologies and developments are making it possible for people with small and large pupils to have successful laser eye surgery. New lasers now allow surgeons to treat a larger area of the cornea with greater precision. However, surgeons must always warn patients that potential side effects may still occur.
In some cases, alternatives to LASIK are the preferred choice for individuals with small or large pupils. Some possible solutions include implantable lenses, intraocular lenses and traditional contact lenses. Each of these options carries a unique set of benefits, risks and expenses, so it is essential that each patient consider his or her own needs and resources before making a decision. For some patients, opting for a non-surgical choice such as 30-day contact lenses is a good choice that eliminates much of the risk.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Stress - Driving Them Away
By: Paul Hata | 21/08/2008
Chances are you will not be able to reduce your stress level overnight. Many of us have become quite used to stress on the road. However, by trying to make our trips as pleasant as possible, we can go a long way to lessening driving-induced stress.
Stress - Bring An End To The Meal-Time Rush
By: Paul Hata | 21/08/2008
Even if you don't have children, meal time can be major stress time. Your mate might become irritable while awaiting dinner, and you might be grumpy as well. Hunger can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be the cause of major stress. Sometimes, you might find it difficult to concentrate as your stomach is growling.
Mind Over Matter At Vital Times
By: Catherine Harvey | 21/08/2008
A look at one mans survival with the power of the mind after a catastrophic personal injury.
Stress - Are Your Kids Stressing You Out
By: Paul Hata | 21/08/2008
While you can guide your child, you cannot expect to control him or her, particularly when your child reaches the teenage years. Therefore, you have to learn to somehow manage the stress of parenthood before it gets the better of you.
At Home DNA Testing is Here
By: Jason Kay | 21/08/2008
You can't watch a crime drama on TV, or the news (think Anna Nicole Smith) for very long nowadays without hearing about DNA. DNA testing can tell who fathered a child. It can rescue an innocent inmate from prison, or prove the case against a criminal. DNA testing can give...
Fighting Cancer From Within
By: Catherine Harvey | 21/08/2008
A look at the research that is being carried out into the treatment of cancer and how new findings hope to secure a way of using the bodies own defence system to beat the killer disease.
The Health Benefits of Vitamin C
By: Paul Hata | 21/08/2008
The C vitamin is also an antioxidant for the body and helps other vitamins and minerals to be absorbed better. Folic acid and iron, for example, need the C vitamin to maximise their usefulness. The more C vitamin that the body has, the better its defence against colds and other common ailments.
Massage Therapy - History and Development
By: Paul Hata | 21/08/2008
During 500 BC-50 AD, the Greek and Romans used massage on Olympic athletes and to relieve neuralgia and epileptic seizures. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, incorporated massage in medicine. In 130 AD-201 AD, Galen, a Greek physician from the school of gladiators who were rubbed before fighting wrote a book on manual medicine.