In 1996 I was diagnosed with MS, and that same year I had optic neuritis in my left eye. My health is stable, I take Avonex, interferon with no problems with the optic neuritis since.
Does optic neuritis or MS affecting the eyes, prevent one from being a candidate for Lasik?

I contacted my neurologist and the answer I got was that since Lasik has had no research done in the area of MS and Lasik, no complications are known at this time. Other people with MS have had the procedure done successfully.

>With Optic Neuritis in my left eye, caused by Multiple Sclerosis in 1996, I'm wondering about Lasik? My health is stable, I take
>Avonex, interferon with no problems with
>the optic neuritis since. Does optic neuritis
>or MS affecting the eyes (optic nerve)
>prevent one from being a candidate
>for Lasik?

I am not familiar with any research stating that LASIK is safe or risky with LASIK. The big concern would be whether a surgery on the eye would increase the risk of a recurrence of optic neuritis. I can not answer that, and I do not knpw of any published articles commenting on this situation.

I hope this is helpful

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

On April 12th, 2001 I had Lasik done on both eyes, and at my one week follow up I had 20/25 vision with slight double vision. I was told that was caused by the flap and this would go away when the flap healed down. So far so good, no optic neuritis symptoms at this time.