Rheumatoid Arthritis Support

Up to 80% of the myopic population may physically qualify as potential PRK candidates. There are a number of basic criteria which a potential candidate should satisfy:

* Normal ocular health

* Age 18 years or older

* Stable refraction error (no noticeable change in the last year) correctable to 20/40 or better

* Between -1.00 to -12.00 diopters of Myopia

* Not pregnant at the time of surgery

* Realistic expectations of the final results (with a complete understanding of the benefits, as well as the possible risks)

* Pupil size 6& mm or less in a dark room is ideal (but some newer lasers may be acceptable for larger pupils)

* Assessment of allergies, (e.g., pollen) where allergy may complicate the eyelid margins following surgery leading to dry eye.

There are also some pre-existing conditions that may complicate or preclude the treatment.

* Collagen vascular disease (e.g., corneal ulceration or melting)

* Ocular disease (e.g., dry eye, keratoconus, glaucoma)

* Systemic disorders (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)

* History of side effects from steroids


Adapted from the Wikipedia article Photorefractive keratectomy, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki