Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the two most common methods of vision correction chosen today. While they serve a purpose, each has certain limitations that can create frustration over time. How often might someone have to wipe fog off of their eyeglass lenses after opening the oven door? How many times might the contact wearer have to go fishing for a lens that has gone rogue or fallen on the counter? These irritating encounters are pretty minor, but they are exactly what lead many people to consult with an eye doctor about LASIK surgery.

One of the common questions we hear from patients is if they are a good candidate for LASIK. We want patients to feel informed so their decision regarding treatment is made with full confidence. Here, we discuss a few of the details that may help patients choose their best path to better vision.

First, why Laser Vision Correction is So Popular

Every person has their own reasons for seeking LASIK vision correction. The common thread that runs beneath most of the reasons we hear is convenience. Most of us love the idea of life being made a little easier. For the person whose eyesight is not naturally crisp and clear, life can be made much simpler by eliminating those frustrations we opened with. No more foggy, scratched, or broken glasses; no more lost contact lenses, just good vision.

LASIK Details You Need to Know

• LASIK can be performed on patients as young as 18 and well into their senior years. Doctors usually do not recommend laser vision correction before the age of 18 even when it is warranted because it is best to wait until vision has completely developed.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes in the cornea as hormones shift and fluctuate. For this reason, LASIK is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women nor for women trying to conceive.
• The vision prescription is an important aspect of LASIK success. There is a common misconception that a person must have a stable prescription for at least one year in order to be a good candidate for LASIK. The technical detail of this requirement is that doctors just want to confirm that no drastic changes have occurred from one eye exam to the next.

LASIK has been a go-to procedure, and one of the most well-known forms of surgical vision correction, for several years. We routinely perform this surgery and also understand that it’s not right for every person. Explore the ways in which we can help you regain the vision that will support your quality of life. Call (352) 237-8400.