Am I a Candidate for LASIK? Here’s How To Know
LASIK has transformed the lives of over 40 million people across the world. It may be surprising to learn that many people who wear glasses and contact lenses are eligible for LASIK, even those with high prescriptions.
There are various things that influence LASIK eligibility. At LASIK MD, our clinical staff take a number of factors into account when determining if a patient is a good candidate for LASIK. When you come in for a pre-operative consultation, our team will conduct a series of diagnostic tests. This allows us to confirm your eligibility and recommend a treatment plan best suited for you.
Below, we take a look at some of the factors that can influence your candidacy for LASIK.
What’s The Right Age for LASIK?
LASIK can treat refractive errors in patients of a wide range of ages. In general, 90% of people between the ages of 18 to 65 are excellent candidates for LASIK.
However, LASIK isn’t suitable for children and youth. At LASIK MD, we require our patients to be at least 18 years old. Adolescents are still going through puberty, which can lead to hormonal changes that can affect vision.
Can LASIK Treat My Prescription?
Most refractive errors are caused by a misshapen cornea. LASIK can correct this by removing corneal tissue to re-shape the eye. It can treat common vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).
At LASIK MD, we offer a wide range of vision correction procedures. So, even if LASIK isn’t right for you, we may be able to recommend another treatment option.
How Does Health Influence LASIK Eligibility?
While most people with refractive errors are eligible for LASIK, there are some health factors that can disqualify a patient.
This includes the eye’s overall health. Certain conditions can make a person ineligible, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye disease, and other eye infections.
Similarly, if the cornea is too thin, LASIK may not be an option. However, at LASIK MD we have other procedures that can work for people with thin corneas who aren’t eligible for conventional LASIK.
Other pre-existing conditions (like rheumatological diseases such as arthritis and lupus) can disqualify patients. Our clinical staff will review your medical history at your pre-operative consultation when considering your candidacy for a vision correction procedure.
Moreover, we don’t perform LASIK on patients who are pregnant, as the medication used to dilate the pupils isn’t recommended in expecting. Additionally, hormonal changes in pregnancy can affect the person’s vision. You can still book a pre-operative appointment in pregnancy; your surgery will simply be scheduled for a date after you’ve given birth. Patients who are breastfeeding can safely undergo LASIK.
The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for LASIK or another vision correction procedure is to come in for a free, pre-operative consultation. Our clinical staff will determine your eligibility, recommend a treatment plan best suited for your needs, and address any of your questions and concerns. Book your free consultation with LASIK MD today.