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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/14/2007 7:11 PM (GMT 0)

Has anyone here had laser eye surgery? Is everything O.K.?

Is there anything someone with crohns should be concerned about? I’m wondering about eye conditions that seem to go along with crohns and any possible complications. I’m also concerned about possible complications with immune system retarding drugs like Remicade.  

I’m only taking Remicade now and doing fine. As an experiment, my doctor asked me to tapper off the 6-MP (unrelated to the eye surgery). I’ve been totally done with it for three weeks now and I’m still fine. I can’t tell a difference without it.  

Thanks.   

Posted 12/14/2007 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I've never had laser eye surgery. but I've been told that it's best to do it when you're young (under 30).
Posted 12/14/2007 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
I had laser eye surgery this past summer. june 07. I am 28 years old. I checked with my GI about it before and he had no concerns.  My Crohns was and is stable since then. The surgery was one of the best gifts I ever gave to myself ! I have worn glasses since 2nd grade. I have nothing bad to say about it and my eyes feel great.  I still wake up some days and tell myself it was the best decision. My husband, and brother & father in law have all had the sugery with positive results. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Posted 12/15/2007 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
I had Laser eye surgery in Sept 2001 when I was a month shy of 40. A good four years before I was diagnosed. I would say I have had Crohn's since my early 20's. In my case, ignorance was bliss, I didn't know I had Crohn's when I went forward w/the eye surgery. Luckily it all went by the book. I am now 45, still 20/20 and couldn't be happier. Oh, and NO I have not needed reading glasses yet. Its coming though -according to what my eye doc says.

Lastly, talk to your Gastro and get a really GOOD surgeon to do the eye surgery. Don't bargain hunt.
Posted 12/15/2007 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Laser eye surgery is okay at any adult age, my mom had hers done at 70 (she has UC and had no issues with getting laser eye surgery, as UCers get extraintestinal manifestations with eyes, skin, joints, ect too)....and my grandma-in-law got her eyes done at 85...they both had great results regardless of being so old.

:)
Posted 12/16/2007 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
It seems that the info I got (from a patient who had the surgery) was not complete. It's specifically not recommended for people who are too young, minimum age 18, but better not until age 21. However, it's also not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases. Here is an informative link, make of it what you will:

http://www.lasersurgeryforeyes.com/eligibility.html

The web site also says:

In the past, laser eye surgery was only for those under 40. This is not true anymore. More and more patients over 40, 50, and even some over 60 have had successful laser eye surgery. There are some age-related medical conditions that may come into factor when your surgeon evaluates you for refractive surgery. Your doctor will discuss any medically related problem with you during your consultation.

Specifically excluded are:

Persons who have refractions which are continuing to change dramatically
Persons with known collagen vascular, autoimmune or immune-deficiency disease
Women who are pregnant or nursing
Persons with keratoconus
Persons taking Accutane, Cordarone or Imitrex
Persons with a history of Herpes Simplex or Herpes Zoster involving their eyes
Posted 12/17/2007 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
I am interesting in laser eye surgery but have been thinking lately with all the links from Crohn's to the eye it may not be a good idea - I would love to hear experiences from people who have Crohn's who have had the surgery (or been advised not to).

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