Can hormones affect your LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea of the eye to improve its ability to focus light. However, many people may be concerned about whether their hormones can affect the results of LASIK surgery.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between hormones and LASIK surgery.
Hormones and Eye Health
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including the health of our eyes. For example, estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyesight. Studies1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36609995/ have shown that women who undergo menopause and experience a decline in estrogen levels are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. On the other hand, testosterone has been found to have a protective effect on the eyes, reducing the risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Hormones and LASIK Surgery
While hormones can impact eye health, their effect on LASIK surgery is still a subject of debate. Some studies2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6650653/ suggest that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect corneal thickness, which is a critical factor in determining LASIK candidacy. During ovulation, a woman’s estrogen levels peak, which can cause a temporary decrease in corneal thickness. This can potentially affect the accuracy of LASIK measurements and the outcome of the surgery.
However, other studies have found no significant difference in LASIK outcomes between women during different phases of their menstrual cycle. Some ophthalmologists recommend scheduling LASIK surgery during the first half of the menstrual cycle to avoid potential fluctuations in corneal thickness.
While hormones play an important role in eye health, their impact on LASIK surgery is still a subject of debate. If you are considering LASIK surgery, it is essential to discuss any hormonal changes or concerns with us. This can help determine the best course of action and ensure the safest and most effective outcome for your vision correction.
Book a free virtual appointment to learn more today.
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Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …
Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …