Lens replacement surgery can sometimes be suitable if you have an autoimmune disease, but decisions are highly individual and depend on how active and well controlled the condition is.
Factors that influence suitability
Autoimmune conditions can affect healing, inflammation, and tear production. Careful coordination between your eye surgeon and rheumatologist or physician is essential.
- Quiescent, well-controlled disease is safer than active inflammation
- Some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome, increase dry eye risk
- Systemic medications like steroids or biologics may need timing adjustments
- Extra lubrication and anti-inflammatory drops may be planned
- Simple monofocal lenses are often favoured to maximise contrast and predictability
When extra caution or avoidance is needed
In some autoimmune diseases, elective eye surgery may carry higher risk of complications. Your team will weigh benefits against these concerns carefully.
- Active uveitis or scleritis can flare after intraocular surgery
- Severe dry eye or corneal disease may limit visual outcomes
- Infection risk may be higher if immune-suppressing drugs are strong
- You may need closer and more frequent post-operative follow-up
- In certain cases, postponing or avoiding lens replacement may be recommended
