Who is an Ideal Candidate for LASIK Laser Vision Correction?

LASIK eye surgery is a fast way to restore a patient’s vision. It’s not cumbersome like glasses, and doesn’t require frequent care like contact lenses. But despite its obvious advantages, LASIK isn’t right for everyone. Let’s look at some of the conditions that make someone a poor candidate for LASIK.

Your Current Health and LASIK Surgery

If you suffer from eye diseases or injuries to your eyes, you will need to resolve those problems before your laser eye surgery. Patients shouldn’t have LASIK laser eye surgery if they have HIV, diabetes, or other diseases that compromise their body’s ability to heal. If you have herpes that affects your eyes, let the doctor know during your pre-surgical consultation. You will also be screened for dry eye syndrome, thin corneas, overly large pupils, and glaucoma.

Your Age and LASIK Surgery

LASIK is only approved for adults over 18. Children and teens are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. LASIK works by permanently reshaping the cornea. Because our corneas are still growing and changing shape into our early 20’s, performing the surgery on a child or teen would be pointless, and possibly detrimental to their vision.

Your Lifestyle and LASIK Surgery

If you’re the cautious type, LASIK might not be right for you, since it carries the same risks as any other elective surgery. Also, if you participate in full-contact sports, or any activity where you have a real chance of getting hit in the face or eyes, LASIK isn’t a good choice. Also, you’ll need to be able to afford a quality LASIK procedure. Cheap eye surgery might sound good, but you’re gambling with your eyesight if you choose a surgeon based on price.

Women who are pregnant or nursing aren’t suitable candidates for the procedure. Hormones during pregnancy can cause temporary changes to a woman’s eyes, making it difficult to assess the amount of vision correction she needs. None of the post-surgical drugs, especially those prescribed to treat a complication of the surgery, have been approved for use during pregnancy or nursing.

Your Medical History and LASIK Surgery

You should tell your LASIK eye surgeons if you’ve ever had refractive eye surgery before. Each procedure reshapes your corneas, so the doctor will need to make sure your corneas can withstand further refractive surgery before proceeding. Finally, if your glasses or contact prescription has changed within the past year (known as refractive instability), ask your eye doctor if LASIK is right for you.