Hi has anyone on methotrexate and humira considered laser eye surgery.

[kayd]

[mistymeana]

Hiya. I'm not on either of those - just hydroxy and arcoxia plus pain meds. What I found was that high-street opticians will not consider operating on anyone with RA or similar. Quite rightly so as I discovered once I researched it. I ended up going to Harley Street for my treatment. They did a very comprehensive exam and sent the results and info re my meds etc to a rheumy consultant ( at Royal London Hosp I think) to see if they considered the op safe. Only after he wrote back giving the all clear did they agree to operate. I'm glad I had it done as the results were better than excepted, by them as well as me, and the care was exemplary. So if you're seriously considering laser surgery have a try but do please be prepared that you might be turned down for the sake of your own eye health and, if it is a goer, you will probably have to pay more than the bargain basement prices you see in the high street windows. However, you will get much better care and treatment. Good luck x

[oldtimer]

I've been on MTX but not Humira. I have thought often about laser surgery, but I am very concerned about the risks of infection with a lowered immunity from the medication (and I'm on steroids as well).

The other thing is that a couple of people i know who have had laser surgery have to wear glasses for reading as it doesn't, of course, correct the hardening of the lens that occurs as you get older. One of them, a builder in his fifties, has found that his work is much easier since the treatment as before he had to have two pairs of glasses - now one pair does for the close work and he can do the rest without glasses.

With our altered immune system, I feel it's best to avoid anything that involves issues with healing, but you may feel more strongly that the advantages are worth it.

[kayd in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks old timer I have to wear glasses all the time and through the summer they rub my nose raw ,I have tried everything to combat this and I just can't think of going through another summer like that..plus I risk infection through open wound. ..... That's if we get a summer!!!!!!!!!

[kayd]

Thanks Mistymeana that gives me a bit of hope i am considering it ,I have been and had the initial exam and they said there would be no problem because it is not an invasive procedure but I would need a GP consent form stating whether RA is stable or not..my neutrophil count has been low for the past few months ,even though ive been feeling ok !!!! so on and off meds. Will have to speak to GP and see what he says.

[delicoops]

Hi I have been on methotrexate and humira for several years and had laser eye surgery almost 2 years ago. So glad I did!!!! My eyes are dry and I do have to put drops in every morning but its worked! I've had RA 20 years ( I'm 40 now) I was told eventually i would need glasses for close reading as I age but so far so good. I didn't involve doc etc but had excellent before and after care.

[kayd in reply to delicoops]

I'm so glad to hear that delicoops do you mind me asking where you had it done and who was it done with? I went to optical express , had the initial exam and was given a GP consent form to fill in and take to the next consult. I am considering IOL surgery because I wear varifocals Laser would mean I still need glasses for reading

[delicoops in reply to kayd]

Hi it was optical express

[kayd in reply to delicoops]

Thanks I've got a consent appointment with them on the 8th may,spoken to rheumy nurse and she doesn't think there should be a problem even thinks GP is being unfair by saying RA is unstable because of low neutrophil count so fingers and everything else crossed xxx

[Izzyc23 in reply to delicoops]

Who did your procedure?

[kayd in reply to Izzyc23]

Optical express .

[Hidden]

I had it done two and a half years ago just after my RA diagnosis. I went to Harley Street after several recommendations. They would not do it until I had seen a Professor of eyes and rheumatoid (odd mix, but each to their own!). He first of all said I could not have it done as I had not been in remission long enough, then gave in and said OK as long as my steroids were increased and extra check up appts were done. Both he and the place in London told me that not even Moorfields would have done the procedure due to my RA. I am still over the moon with the result, feel free to PM me if you want. At the time I was only on MTX and pred. Virge

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Forgot to say, I wore varifocals but because of the procedure I had I don't even need reading glasses unless really tiny print and not much light. Would strongly recommend my Prof.. Virge

[kayd in reply to Hidden]

I've bitten the bullet ,paid my £500 deposit and got a consult to be scanned and measured for lenses. I have to take GP form with me stating if RA is stable or not.i spoke to GP and he's written RA unstable cos of a blip with low neutrophils.so going to speak to rheumy nurse tomorrow and see what she says. So hope I can go ahead now I've made my mind up.