Lasik eye surgery and SFN

Hi @kyc117, I did a search of Connect and was not able to find any members with small fiber neuropathy who also had Lasik surgery. That's not to say there isn't one out there lurking around in the discussions so hopefully your new discussion will bring in someone with experience to share. I did find the following information on the topic that may be helpful.

"Risks Complications that result in a loss of vision are very rare. But certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare, are fairly common. These usually clear up after a few weeks or months, and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem." --- LASIK eye surgery - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774

Twenty Years Later, LASIK Has Its Pros and Cons: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20191220/twenty-years-later-lasik-has-its-pros-and-cons

I also had some glasses that felt uncomfortable on my face but needed them until I had cataract surgery late last year. Now I only need reading glasses and can drive without glasses. I do need a small correction for an astigmatism so I just ordered a set so that I can wear them all the time and not need to find my reading glasses 🙂 I didn't even think about possible complications due to my small fiber peripheral neuropathy when I had cataract surgery. I just knew my eyes weren't working very well and I needed to do something.

Have you been looking into Lasik surgery?

I have been thinking about it for years but was so nervous about it. Then I was diagnosed last year. My eye doctor said if I waited until cataract surgery but that’s another 10 years. Even worried about that surgery as well. If I go for initial consultation, I will share what they say. Thank you John

I had LASIK eye surgery. It resulted in vision problems that are not correctable with glass (spherical aberration, coma, trefoil), left me able only to drive short distances at night and caused chronic dry eye. It thus ended my career in my mid forties. Note: The microkeratome used in LASIK to cut the flap cuts the corneal nerves.

Hi, I am also considering PRK (lasek) surgery. Are you able to share what they told you during the consult? Is it okay for people with SFN to have this surgery?

I had lasik, it helped a great deal: I had dry eyes for awhile, used drops, no problems. I grew cataracts as I got older and had them removed about 5 years ago, no problems. The aging process continues ... in January I will have a small laser procedure in one eye. I'm not afraid. My doctors say that we do not have nerves in our eyeballs. That's why I haven't had any pain from these surgeries. I don't expect my nervous system to react to my Jan. laser surgery either. Peggy