This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Grateful for any advice on the following.

In addition to being blessed with RR MS two years ago (age 39) I was blessed at age 15 with short-sightedness and astigmatism. This got worse in my 20's and levelled out in my 30s. In my mid 30s I got sick and tired of contact lenses and glasses and enquired about laser eye surgery. I was told by an eye surgeon who performed this procedure, that the procedure was getting safer and more accurate as technology developed and to come back in a couple of years for the op. Unfortunately, MS intervened (although I have not to date had any eye symptoms - eg ON). I am assuming laser eye surgery is out of the question, but wondered if anyone had gone through with the procedure after MS had been diagnosed?

Ian

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I had Lasik before I new I had MS. I was near-sighted before the surgery and had perfect vision after, this lasted for 5 years. I was diagnosed with MS in Nov 06, but felt my vision getting slightly worse before then. Now I need a prescription for distance, but only really need it for night vision or the movies. Compared to how I was before the surgery I am still doing well, but it isn't as good as before. The MS Specialists say I do not have optic neuritis, but the optometrist says I do need correction. I have an appointment with an Neuro-ophthalmologist at the end of July, I'll let you know if he has any insight....

Kristen

Ian,

My 38 year old son had lasik surgery for his eyes a few months ago. He does not have MS.

The surgery lasted about 5 minutes per eye. He is ecstatic about the clarity of his vision now. He had terrible short sidedness and astigmatism and now has 20/10 in both eyes.

I cannot imagine how MS would keep you from getting this done. My son had it done by an ophthalmologist who is a professor of eye surgery at the local university. If you go to a highly qualified person, you should have no problems and good eyesight afterwards.

gwa

Kristen / GWA,

Thanks.

I'd forgotten all about my question. I might start to look (no pun intended) into it again.


Ian

My husband recently reconsidered LASIK after we read about this:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 091413.htm

I've had glasses for about the last 20 years. I typically need a new prescription for new lenses about every 5 years or so. I do not expect this cycle to change much, at least not for the better. Thus, if I were to get Lasik eye surgery, I think it would be fully reasonable to expect that I would need glasses once again in another 5 years or so. It's simply not worth it for me.

NHE

I wouldn't want anything non reversible done to my eyes, especially after reading Minai's post. Its different if you have bad cataracts and need the clouded lens removing, but laser eye treatment just seems like a vanity thing and as NHE says, you would no doubt need it doing again after a while.

Sarah

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An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Dr Charles Stratton / Dr David Wheldon abx regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. Can't run but can paint all day.

Here's the free advise of your resident optometrist. (I couldn't resist) Lasik surgery improves the quality of life for many. Choose your surgeon wisely and make sure your expectations are well communicated. MS is not a contraindication for lasik surgery. Here's a question I get asked often-- Dr. Smilingface, have you had it done? The answer is no. I'm not a good candidate because my cornea's are too thin, my pupils are too large and my eyes are too dry. But for the right patient, I am happy to be able to offer it as an alternative to contact lenses and glasses.

I had lazik eye surgery 5 months before I was dx. I do not have Optic Neuritis. I too was a long-time contact lens wearer and got to a point where they started driving me crazy. According to one of the drs., they wouldn't have done the surgery if they would have known I had MS. In fact, I don't think they will do the surgery for anyone with an AI disease....slow to heal I think.

Anyway, it is so wonderful to not have to wear contacts anymore! Altho I need non-prescription glasses to read sometimes. The surgery was 2 1/2 years ago and all is okay.

PS. My decision to have lasik eye surgery had nothing to do with "vanity".

missvicki,

Thanks. My neuro didn't think it should be an issue - I received my first dose of Campath six months ago. I'll wait until after my second dose for things to settle down and reconsider. I've worn glasses for 27 years and contacts for 20. It really isn't a vanity thing - I'd just like to read my clock in the morning which is 3ft away! One of my relapses affected my right hand and it was like trying to put the lens in with a sausage!

I think it was cruel of Anecdote to suggest laser eye surgery is vanity. This is a woman who has had breast augmentation and got two tattoos removed!

Ian

There, I said you were confusing me with someone else! I won't repeat who again now for fear of a libel charge.

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An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Dr Charles Stratton / Dr David Wheldon abx regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. Can't run but can paint all day.

anecdote, don't bother with Ian and his peculiarities.

Being an accountant and looking at numbers 5 days a week has forced him into living much of his life in fantasy land to avoid becoming too boring.

Anything strange that he posts is usually while under the potion of his fantasies. Ignore his madness as he does post many scientific and interesting data most of the time.

gwa

gwa, luckily, I take all his fantasy stuff with a pinch of salt: I know accountants only too well! I suspect he probably wears red socks as well...........Sarah

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An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Dr Charles Stratton / Dr David Wheldon abx regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. Can't run but can paint all day.