Do Allergies Affect LASIK Candidacy And Recovery

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jason Greenberg

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures available, with over 40 million procedures performed worldwide, speaking to its safety and efficacy. 90% of people between the ages of 18 to 65 are excellent candidates for LASIK, also explaining its popularity.

If you’re considering a vision correction procedure, it’s normal to wonder if an underlying health condition could be an issue for candidacy, including allergies. Below, we explain how allergies affect LASIK candidacy and recovery and how, with proper management, they don’t have to be a barrier to vision correction.

Can Allergies Affect LASIK Candidacy?

The answer to this question largely depends on the severity and type of allergies you have. Mild allergies (such as seasonal allergies causing occasional itchiness or redness) typically don’t disqualify you from LASIK candidacy. But if you have severe allergies that are impacting the health of your eyes or compromise your immune system, you may be advised to wait until your allergies are under control before having LASIK.

When you come in for a free consultation, our team will run a series of diagnostic tests to determine your LASIK candidacy. We consider factors like your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health, including any allergy-related issues, when recommending a treatment plan.

Can Allergies Affect Your LASIK Recovery?

One of the benefits of LASIK is that it usually offers a quick recovery with little to no side effects. Most patients are back-in-action the very next day, but with clear vision.

In general, allergies are known to cause discomfort, such as itching, redness, and increased tear production. Depending on the severity of your allergies, these symptoms can potentially exacerbate irritation during LASIK recovery. However, with proper pre- and post-operative care and management of your allergies, these effects can usually be minimized, if not completely avoided.

If you struggle with allergies, it’s ideal to get them under control before LASIK through prevention and management strategies, to promote a smooth and speedy recovery. Tips for managing your allergies if you’re undergoing a vision correction procedure include:

• Consult with your allergist or primary care physician. They can help you develop an effective allergy management plan tailored to your needs. This may include prescription or over-the-counter medications, allergy shots, or lifestyle modifications to reduce exposure to allergens.  
   
• Follow your LASIK surgeon's pre- and post-operative instructions diligently. This may include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding rubbing your eyes, especially during allergy season. Our team will give you all the information you need before your surgery and will be with you every step of the way to address questions and concerns.  
   
• Consider temporary measures to alleviate allergy symptoms. This can include using cold compresses or artificial tears to soothe irritated eyes.  
   
• Communicate openly with your LASIK surgeon about your allergies and any concerns you may have. Our talented medical team can provide personalized guidance and ensure that your LASIK experience is as smooth as possible.

Allergies don’t need to be a barrier to LASIK. Plus, think of all the benefits that come with freedom from glasses and contacts, including when it comes to managing allergy symptoms. For example, contacts are known to cause eye irritation and redness (especially dry eye), which are symptoms that are also linked to allergies and can thereby exacerbate your overall discomfort. But after vision correction, it’s one less thing you’ll have to think about.

At LASIK MD, we offer personalized treatment plans and work closely with our patients to offer superior visual results. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to confirm your candidacy and get on the road to clear vision.