Lasik surgery with MTHFR

(Kansas City)

I have been diagnosed with the gene mutation MTHFR and told that I have 2 copies of the same gene. My hematologist gave me Folic acid tablets to stabilize my homocysteine levels even though he had not tested them yet. He also said I only need to take 1 aspirin a day and that my borderline high cholesterol now needs to be aggressively treated. My question is I want to know if I'm still a good candidate for Lasik surgery. I have read that during surgery the pressure inside the eye is elevated to unusually high levels causing the closing of small blood vessels inside the eye and temporary vision loss. Once the pressure is normal, these vessels re-open and vision returns. Patients who have known blood vessel disorders or increased susceptibility to blood clotting are NOT good candidates for Lasik. Does MTHFR now put me in that category after being told I was a good candidate 2 months ago?

I did have a TIA when I was 35 and put on Plavix, but stopped taking it about a year ago because I was tired of all the bruises which seemed to be getting worse! My hematologist now thinks the TIA was caused by this gene mutation.

Lasik surgery with MTHFR

Gene mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase results in increased thrombosis risk with resultant increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Folic acid consumption is increased with resultant rises in homocysteine levels. As you say, by increasing Folic acid levels it helps to control your homocysteine levels.

As to Lasik risk with this condition, I am not aware of any increased risk but you are really better off talking to your eye surgeon about this.

My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Click Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!