Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is a popular and effective procedure that can correct various vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. There are some factors that can affect the safety and outcome of the surgery.
Here are some of the considerations that can help you determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Age
You should be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK, as your eyes are still developing and changing before that age. Some doctors may recommend waiting until you are 21 or older, especially if you have a high prescription or unstable vision. You should also have a stable prescription for at least one year before the surgery, as fluctuations in your vision can affect the accuracy of the procedure.
Eye Health
You should have healthy eyes that are free of any diseases or conditions that can affect the healing process or the results of the surgery. Some eye problems that can disqualify you from LASIK include glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, eye infections, and eye injuries.
You should also have a sufficient corneal thickness, as LASIK involves removing a thin layer of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. If your cornea is too thin or irregular, you may not be able to have enough tissue removed to achieve the desired correction.
Medical History
You should be in generally good health and have no medical conditions that can interfere with the surgery or the recovery. Some of the medical issues that can affect your eligibility for LASIK include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, blood clotting disorders, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should also inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some of them can affect your healing or increase your risk of complications.
Expectations
You should have realistic expectations about what LASIK can and cannot do for you. LASIK can significantly improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but it may not give you perfect vision in all situations.
You may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses for some activities, such as reading, driving at night, or working on a computer. You may also experience some side effects after the surgery, such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or starbursts. These are usually temporary and mild, but they may persist for some people.
If you are interested in receiving LASIK, schedule a consultation with an eye doctor in your local area.
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