For those of us who love mountain climbing, vision correction can be a scary topic. So what about all the rumors of problems related to Mountain climbing and vision correction? There was a bit of a problem with a few climbers when it came to RK vision correction and mountain climbing. The extenuating circumstances; they didn’t inform their doctor they would be climbing (Mt. Everest) nor did they inform the guide they had a procedure- a couple of “no-no’s” in the realm of climbing.  RK is the one vision correction procedure that can be impacted by high altitude.

So what height is too great to climb after you have LASIK vision correction procedures? To be honest whether you’re at 18,000ft on the MexicanVolcanoes, or at 29,000ft to the top of Mt. Everest you should have minimal effects from your LASIK vision correction procedure. The approximate time to wait for climbing after LASIK is generally 2 weeks. But be sure to talk it over with your eye care professional.

The Most Common Procedures:

 Custom Wavefront LASIK
 Epi-On LASIK
 PRK

The Most Common Complications:

 Dry eyes
 Lack of Oxygen to the Cornea
 Fluctuation of Vision

Even if you are still questioning the idea of mountain climbing after LASIK a quick conversation with your eye care professional can help put the aftercare in perspective. Remember that it takes at least two weeks of recovery time in most cases before you should climb. See your eye care professional to be sure. Something you are interested in doing should be top priority. Making sure that you will be able to do the things you love with your new vision comes next.

So whether you are interested in climbing the 22,500 ft of the Aconcogua or you want to make it only half the way to the top of the Mexican Volcanoes check out what vision correction procedure will best suit you and your situation.

For more information regarding LASIK visit: http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik.htm