Lasik and other elective surgeries?

[katyb98]

How does the Catholic faith (and other religions) feel about Lasik and other elective surgeries?

I understand why a breast augmentation may be immoral (vain, not honoring my body as a temple of God, leaning to temptation), but can one wanting to improve their eyesight be viewed as altering the body that God gave to me in a negative light?

I want to be greatful that I am whole and a child of God, I can see his hand in my creation, but I also yearn to be able to see when I wake up in the morning (I have -6 myopia [nearsightedness] in both eyes). The technology seems to be a gift rather than an evil…

I am searching my soul and praying for an answer, but I think my deep desire for it and the fact that an eye doctor recently told me my window of opportunity is narrowing (because if my vision gets any worse I may no longer be a candidate) is really getting in the way of me hearing God’s answer to my prayers.

Thanks,
Katy

 

[beverly30]

I don’t know that much about lasik surgery, but a friend and I were talking about it once, and she pointed out a very good point. You never see any of the doctors who perform this have it done… Maybe I’m wrong, but we were thinking of people around our area, and they all still have glasses. To me that’s not a real good sign. It makes me wonder if their being cautious for a reason.

 

[Kielbasi]

Maybe I’m wrong, but we were thinking of people around our area, and they all still have glasses.

The same folks, opthalmologists, who do eye surgery also sell glasses.

Even if they had the surgery done, they would still model eyeglasses in the office even if the models only had clear glass in them. The eyeglasses are part of their work attire, regardless.

 

[JimG]

Oh, I know LASIK surgeons who have had the surgery done on themselves. For a very nearsighted person it is probably a good idea, and results are generally quite good.

I would have it done myself, but (as your doc indicated) I waited too long. There are two reasons that I can’t do it now: 1) Beginning of cataracts means that eventually, in fixing that, my natural lenses in the eye will be replaced by artificial, thereby correcting the vision. 2) more seriously, I have beginnings of glaucoma. In doing LASIK, the flap is made by a microkeratome; during that process, for a few seconds, your eye pressure is briefly elevated. Not good for glaucoma patients.

But if you don’t have any contra-indications, I certainly see nothing wrong with doing LASIK surgery.

 

[militarymom9]

I would just like to say that I feel that the Lasik procedure is no different than other new technologies that have come along to improve the quality of people’s lives. To say that one would not improve your sight because the surgeryis elective and accept your eyes in their present condition begs the question as to why you seek improvement at all via glasses or contacts. I have just had this surgery done and every morning when I open my eyes and see the room around me better than I ever have in my entire life, I thank God!
I think it is entirely different than cosmetic surgeries that would serve to only feed the vice of vanity or to over-glorify the body, but to improve one’s eyesight, and to go from helpless without glasses to sighted, is another story. BTW, many of my doctor’s staff had the surgery, too! God bless you!

 

[JimG]

Finally, I would just say to be sure and check out your Lasik surgeon. Not all are equally qualified. (Don’t ask your optometrist. He or she may be in the ‘stable’ of a particular ophthalmologist.)

 

[katyb98]

Thanks all… I see the point is well agreed upon… I still pray for the answer to come in my heart, but until then it is good to know.

I found information in the Catechism that referred to amputations and other surgeries (even including cosmetic surgery), but I do see a definite difference between that and this.

Thanks again for all of your opinions. I think I will have the decision in my heart at the right time (and then find out if it’s even an possibility!)

Katy