Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? If so, you may have wondered whether LASIK may be a good choice.

LASIK is the most popular elective surgery. The benefits are undoubtedly appealing.

The possibility of living without glasses or contacts draws many individuals around the globe to opt for this procedure each year.

Keep reading to find out if you may be a good candidate for LASIK.

1. You Are at Least 18 Years Old

Before reaching adulthood, your body is still developing to a significant degree, including your eyes. Because of this, your prescription can change over just a few years.

You must have a stable prescription for laser eye surgery to be effective. If your eyes are still developing, you will need to wait before you can have LASIK.

2. Your Prescription Has Not Changed in at Least a Year

A stable prescription is necessary to qualify for LASIK. The longer you have maintained the same prescription, the better. Ideally, your prescription will remain unchanged for a minimum of a year.

LASIK is a permanent method of vision correction. If your eyes are still changing, it may not be as effective over time.

That is why the stability of your prescription is critical. It avoids the need for additional procedures in the future and ensures the most successful outcome.

3. You are in Good Health

Your eye health is essential, but you must also consider your general health. You may not qualify if you have conditions like diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. These can all negatively affect the results of LASIK.

We will also consider any medication you are taking that may interfere with the success of the procedure. For example, some medications can compromise your ability to heal correctly.

4. You Are Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Much like during your adolescent years, pregnancy results in increased hormone levels, affecting your eyes. Some pregnant or breastfeeding women even find during this time that their glasses or contacts are not as effective as they used to be.

Pregnancy can alter the thickness and shape of your corneas. If you have your vision corrected during this period, the results would not be as dependable. For the best results, wait to have LASIK once your hormones return to normal and your prescription is stabilized.

5. Your Corneas Are Thick Enough

Your corneas play a significant role in the success of your LASIK procedure. The cornea is the transparent layer at the front of the eye.

If this part of your eye is too thin, there will not be enough tissue remaining in the cornea to support your eye’s functions. Your corneas are measured during your LASIK consultation to ensure they are within the needed range.

6. You Have Realistic Expectations for the Results

Laser eye surgery is not a guarantee that you will be able to put away your glasses or contacts for good. Still, LASIK has an incredibly high patient satisfaction rate. Almost all patients achieve at least 20/40 vision or better, with most achieving 20/20 or better.

While you will most likely be able to significantly reduce your need for glasses or contacts, potentially eliminating that need, it is necessary to be realistic about what LASIK can achieve.