High-impact sports introduce trauma risk to the eye.
Modern LASIK flaps are stable. However, flap displacement after blunt trauma has been reported, even years after surgery. ¹
For athletes involved in boxing, martial arts, rugby, or military close-contact roles, even rare risks must be weighed carefully.
Surface ablation (PRK) avoids flap creation, but still involves corneal tissue removal and healing phases that may temporarily reduce visual reliability. ²
Military refractive surgery programmes highlight the importance of occupational assessment before clearance. ³
Key considerations include:
- Frequency of direct ocular trauma
- Protective equipment use
- Return-to-play timelines
- Risk tolerance in professional settings
At Blue Fin Vision®, contact athletes undergo careful discussion regarding trauma exposure.
In some cases, surgery is delayed. In others, non-corneal options may provide safer refractive correction.
Sport longevity matters. So does long-term corneal integrity.
Even rare flap displacement is unacceptable if your career depends on ocular impact exposure.
References
- Melki SA, Azar DT. LASIK complications: flap-related issues. Ophthalmology. 2001;108(1):52-59.
- Netto MV, Mohan RR, Ambrosio R Jr, Hutcheon AE, Zieske JD, Wilson SE. Wound healing in the cornea. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005;139(5):835-847.
- Tanzer DJ, Brunstetter TJ, Zeber R, et al. Laser refractive surgery in the United States Navy. Ophthalmology. 2013;120(3):449-455.
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- Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Laser Eye Surgery: Why We Defer
- Monocular Patients: When One Seeing Eye Changes the Threshold
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