LASIK can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts, drastically improving how well you see and your quality of life. The procedure corrects refractive errors, including astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
While LASIK has a high success rate for most people that choose to undergo it, you must meet specific criteria to qualify for the vision correction procedure. Keep reading to find out who is a good candidate for LASIK and if you may be eligible!
Your Eyes are Healthy
Eye conditions and injuries may mean you are not a good candidate for LASIK. For instance, if you have conditions like severe cataracts or keratoconus, LASIK is not an option.
Fortunately, in most cases, waiting for your eye injury to heal could allow you to have LASIK. Depending on the eye condition, you may be able to have LASIK after treatment.
Your ophthalmologist will work with you to ensure your eyes are healthy before proceeding with the vision correction procedure.
You Have Thick Corneas
LASIK can only be performed on corneas that are thick enough. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to correct your vision.
To safely have LASIK, your corneas must be thick enough to remove a tiny amount of tissue from the cornea. If your corneas are too thin, it may lead to severe complications after LASIK.
LASIK is only safe if your cornea is sufficiently thick to remain functional, healthy, and support the newly sculpted shape.
You Are in Your Twenties
LASIK is FDA approved for patients that are at least 18 years old. But most LASIK surgeons suggest waiting until you’re in your twenties before having LASIK.
Why? Your prescription changes when you’re still developing and may still need to stabilize. LASIK is more effective when it’s done after your vision is stable. You cannot have LASIK until your prescription has remained unchanged for at least a year for this reason.
You’re in Good Health
You don’t have to be in perfect health to have LASIK, but certain autoimmune conditions may mean you aren’t a good LASIK candidate. Some health conditions make you more susceptible to infection and make it harder to heal after undergoing the procedure.
Even though LASIK is an outpatient procedure, it’s still surgery. If you have autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you may not be a good fit for LASIK.
You’re Not Currently Pregnant
If you’re pregnant, it means that your hormones are constantly up and down. Your changing hormones can even affect your vision.
For the best outcomes, you should wait to have LASIK until three months after you’ve finished nursing. Waiting this long will ensure that your eyesight has enough time to stabilize and return to normal if it changes during your pregnancy.
Are You Considering LASIK Surgery?
The eye doctors at VisionFirst Eye Center have remained at the forefront of LASIK technology, delivering superior outcomes while ensuring patient comfort and safety. Our patients are often amazed at how well they can see after choosing to have LASIK.
Want to find out if you’re a good LASIK candidate? Schedule your LASIK consultation at VisionFirst Eye Center in Birmingham, AL, today!
