LASIK surgery has revolutionized the way we correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It offers a permanent solution for individuals who are looking for a life without the hassle of contacts or eyeglasses. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure. To determine if you are, we’ll discuss five ways to know if you’re a good LASIK candidate.
Your Age
Your age plays a crucial role in determining if you’re a good candidate for LASIK or not. This is because your eyes change as you age. LASIK has limitations regarding age – individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a stable prescription for at least two years. The LASIK surgeons at Illinois Eye Center recommend that those over the age of 55 consider alternative options instead of LASIK because the chances of developing presbyopia (the loss of the ability to focus on objects up close) increase as we age.
Your Eye Health
Your eye health is critical for LASIK surgery. You must have healthy eyes, free of any infections or chronic dry eye syndrome. Blood thinners and certain autoimmune diseases can also be a restriction for LASIK surgery. Individuals who have a history of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, may be ineligible for LASIK.
Your Prescription
LASIK surgery is highly effective for correcting any refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, certain prescriptions may limit the effectiveness of this procedure. In general, the more severe your vision problems, the less likely LASIK will be able to completely correct your vision. This is not to say that you cannot undergo the surgery, but the results may not be significant enough to justify the cost and risks associated with the procedure. This will be discussed with you in-depth during your screening exam.
Your Corneas
LASIK surgery alters the shape of the cornea to improve vision quality. Candidates with thin corneas may not be eligible for LASIK surgery because reshaping it could weaken it further. In this case, your LASIK surgeon may recommend a different solution such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) as an alternative procedure.
Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and daily habits play an important role in determining if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Activities like boxing or martial arts, and other high impact activities, such as skydiving, may increase your chances of developing complications during the healing process, which may not make LASIK surgery a viable option for you.
As you can see, several factors come into play when considering LASIK surgery. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to schedule a comprehensive, no-obligation consultation with a reputable LASIK surgeon.
What if I’m Not a Good Candidate?
Roughly 15 to 20 percent of patients are considered ineligible for LASIK. Nevertheless, many advancements have been made in vision correction surgery. Therefore, even if a patient is not an appropriate candidate for LASIK, there is a possibility of finding a different type of eye correction surgery that can provide them with great vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Can I Know For Sure if I’m a Good Candidate?
Understanding your health history and discussing your LASIK surgery options in detail to make the right decision for your unique situation is essential. The LASIK doctors and LASIK coordinator at Illinois Eye Center can help you determine if you’re an excellent candidate or would benefit more from an alternative or more conservative vision correction solution. Give us a call or text our LASIK coordinator at 309-243-3811 to schedule your consultation and step towards a life with clear vision without glasses or contacts.