I’ve been asking this question for years, and unfortunately there are no good statistics to share about Graves’ patients and their experience with Lasik.
A couple of things to consider, though. First, Graves’ Disease changes the quality of our tears. Whether or not we have TED, our tears are less viscous, much thinner, than the average tears. We can manage the resulting dryness with artificial tears ~ moisture in our eyes is key. When our eyes are chronically dry, we risk corneal ulcers and cuts that may result in loss of sight. Lasik also results in chronically dry eyes, so it could easily double your trouble.
In addition to that, studies show that 100% of Graves’ patients have SOME level of TED, even if they do not experience the worst symptoms. Presuming that’s so, trauma to the eyes has the potential to increase antibody activity around the eyes, which could trigger TED symptoms.
For me, it hasn’t been worth the risk. My doctor keeps asking, mentioning that I have "good corneas" and probably would have a good result from Lasik, but as soon as I remind them I have Graves’ and I don’t want to risk it, they shut my file and nod. I’ve asked them if they have specific info about GD patients and Lasik, and they don’t, so if the professionals don’t have specifics, I have little hope that the information even exists in any form I can use to make my decision.
Let us know if you choose to do it, and how it turns out!
