Are you considering LASIK surgery to enhance your vision? Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand the key factors that determine your candidacy for this procedure.
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While it’s a highly effective procedure for many, it’s not suitable for everyone.
Key Factors for LASIK Candidacy
Age:
Candidates must generally be at least 18 years old.
General Health:
Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or other health conditions that compromise the immune system may not be suitable candidates.
Eye Health:
Certain eye diseases, such as keratoconus, severe cataracts, or retinal and optic nerve conditions, can disqualify individuals from LASIK.
Eye Problems:
Existing eye problems like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), or recurrent eye conditions may influence candidacy.
Other factors to consider include keloid scarring, back problems, claustrophobia, and mental health conditions.
Serious Eye Injury or Infection:
Current eye infections or serious eye injuries can prevent LASIK candidacy.
Pregnancy and Nursing:
Women who are pregnant should postpone LASIK surgery, as hormonal changes can affect prescription stability. While nursing, patients can consult with a LASIK specialist to evaluate their individual circumstances and determine if the procedure is a viable option.
Corneal Thickness:
Adequate corneal thickness is essential for a safe and effective LASIK procedure. Your eye surgeon will carefully evaluate your corneal thickness during the consultation.
What Procedures Does Whiting Clinic Perform?
At Whiting Clinic, we strive to get to know you as an individual, which includes your lifestyle, type of work, and hobbies as these, in addition to your vision prescription and optical testing results, could impact the treatment recommendation we provide to you.
Understanding the Benefits and Limitations
While LASIK can significantly improve your vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t guarantee perfect 20/20 vision. The goal is to achieve a level of visual acuity that enhances your quality of life.
It’s also essential to discuss any concerns or expectations you have with your eye surgeon. They can provide realistic information about the potential outcomes and limitations of LASIK.
Schedule Your Free LASIK Consultation.
We hope to see you soon and assist you on your journey toward better vision.
Schedule NowContact Lenses and LASIK
If you currently wear contact lenses, it’s important to inform your eye surgeon about your contact lens history. Long-term contact lens wear can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, potentially affecting the accuracy of pre-LASIK measurements. Your surgeon may recommend discontinuing contact lens use for a period before the procedure.
By understanding the factors that influence LASIK candidacy and having an open conversation with your eye surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you.
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2023). LASIK – Laser Eye Surgery. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
American Refractive Surgery Council. (2023). LASIK Candidacy. https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-candidacy/