LASIK Candidacy Check List

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?  

Unlocking the Secrets to a Successful LASIK Procedure

 Are you tired of reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses to see clearly? If you've been considering laser vision correction surgery such as LASIK or PRK to correct your vision, you may be wondering if you're a good candidate.  Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ will explore 6 important factors that can determine the best candidates for LASIK or PRK in order to help you better understand if laser vision correction surgery is right for you.

1. Stable Vision
2. Corneal Thickness and Shape (Curvature)
3. Eye Health
4. Age
5. Prescription Range
6. General Health

To watch a brief video on what makes you a suitable candidate for LASIK, please click below. For more detailed information on whether you might be a good candidate for LASIK, PRK or another laser vision correction procedure, please continue reading.

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What Makes Me a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) has revolutionized the field of vision correction, providing millions of people with improved visual acuity and freedom from corrective eyewear. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Let’s dive into the essential factors that determine the best candidates for LASIK or PRK to help you better understand if laser vision correction surgery may be right for you and your eyesight.

1. Stable Vision A primary consideration for LASIK candidacy is whether you have a stable prescription. LASIK and PRK candidates must demonstrate that their vision has remained relatively unchanged for at least one year before considering surgery. This stability helps ensure the effectiveness and longevity of any vision correction treatment.
2. Corneal Thickness and Shape (Curvature) Because your eye surgeon will reshape your cornea during LASIK and PRK surgery, the thickness and shape of your cornea are crucial factors in determining the suitability of LASIK or PRK. If your cornea is already too thin, further tissue removal may compromise its structural integrity and stability.  Similarly, if your cornea is misshapen, this means that the curvature of your cornea is not normal.  Performing LASIK or PRK on a misshapen cornea can lead to unpredictable outcomes and potentially worsen your vision. During your examination with a LASIK surgeon, he or she will examine your eyes to determine whether there is enough tissue for the reshaping and if you can benefit from LASIK. This assessment should involve measuring corneal thickness using specialized instruments and mapping the corneal curvature. If your cornea is misshapen or too thin, LASIK may not be an option (but PRK might be). Most of the expert LASIK surgeons featured in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory perform not just LASIK and PRK, but other vision correction procedures that may be more suited to improving your vision while not risking your eyes if you have thin or misshapen corneas.
3. Healthy Eyes Good overall eye health is essential for undergoing LASIK or another vision correction procedure.  Your eye should be free from underlying conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, corneal diseases, or severe dry eyes. Significant glaucoma, for instance, can affect the optic nerve and visual field, making it unsuitable for laser vision correction procedures. If you have corneal scarring resulting from previous injuries, infections or prior surgery on your eye(s), any of these can impact the effectiveness and safety of LASIK. An expert eye surgeon like the ones profiled in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory can properly evaluate your eye health through a comprehensive examination to determine your suitability and perform your LASIK or another refractive surgery procedure more suitable to your eyes to help you achieve the best outcome towards improving your vision.
4. Age Although there is no strict age limit for LASIK, most eye doctors will recommend waiting until a person's eyes have fully matured. Generally, this means that LASIK is suitable for individuals over the age of 18. However, the ideal age range often falls between 20 and 40 years when your vision tends to stabilize.
5. Prescription Range  LASIK  is generally effective in treating a range of vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (blurry vision). The best LASIK surgery candidates are typically those with mild to moderate refractive errors. However, recent advancements in LASIK technology have expanded the range of treatable prescriptions, allowing a broader spectrum of patients to benefit from this procedure.  The ranges of vision correction for each condition are as follows:
   

•    Myopia (nearsightedness): LASIK can effectively correct myopia ranging from mild to moderate levels, including prescriptions up to approximately -8.00 diopters.
•    Hyperopia (farsightedness): LASIK can correct hyperopia ranging from mild to moderate levels, including prescriptions up to approximately +4.00 diopters.
•    Astigmatism (blurry vision): LASIK can also be effective in treating astigmatism, ranging from mild to moderate levels. This includes prescriptions up to approximately -6.00 diopters.

6. General Health. Good overall health plays a vital role in determining LASIK candidacy. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes, may affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, the use of certain medications may impact eligibility. Disclosing your complete medical history to your surgeon is essential to ensure your safety and optimize your results so you obtain the best outcome towards improving your vision.

Realistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations is crucial for LASIK candidates. While LASIK and other laser vision correction surgery procedures can significantly improve your vision, it does not guarantee perfect vision or eliminate the need for reading glasses in later years (presbyopia). A thorough discussion with your LASIK surgeon can help you understand the potential outcomes, risks, and limitations associated with a particular laser vision correction procedure.

LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for individuals seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, since every individual is unique, a comprehensive examination and consultation with an reputable and experienced LASIK surgeon will provide personalized insights into whether you are a good candidate.   

Summary

LASIK and PRK can be very successful when performed on the right patients, but it is not for everyone.

Laser vision correction surgery should only be done on adults whose eyes have finished maturing and who have had a stable prescription for at least one year. Your cornea must be sufficiently thick and not misshapen.  Good general health and healthy eyes, free of diseases, infections, injury, scarring from a previous injury or surgery are also necessary.

If you're interested in LASIK, consult an experienced eye surgeon to determine your eligibility. Your consultation should include specialized tests, including measuring the thickness of your cornea and corneal mapping, along with a detailed medical history. If LASIK is not a good option for you, there are alternative vision correction surgery options that may be more suitable to you and your eyes.

Act now and take the first step towards clear, unaided vision visiting the Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory and scheduling a consultation with a reputable Trusted LASIK Surgeon™ today. 

All LASIK surgeons profiled at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ have been screened based upon their experience, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the field of ophthalmology.

How Do We Screen Surgeons Featured in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory? 

LASIK surgeons at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ have proven expertise so you can choose with confidence.

Why Choose a Trusted LASIK Surgeon™?

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