LASIK helps treat severe nearsightedness and moderate levels of astigmatism and farsightedness. But, is LASIK suitable for you? Well, having a successful LASIK surgery procedure is hinged on whether you meet set patient criteria. LASIK suitability is determines on an individual basis based on the patient’s prescription, medical history, and other health considerations.

LASIK procedures almost always lead to favorable outcomes. In case you have questions about lasik eye surgery, here is a list of factors that can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for a LASIK procedure:

Healthy Eyes

The efficacy of your LASIK surgery and the subsequent healing can be affected by the eye health conditions you’re currently dealing with – for instance, eye injuries or infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and dry eye syndrome. So you should wait for the health issues to be resolves before you consider surgery.

If you’re dealing with persistent dry eyes, LASIK surgery can exacerbate the condition. The dry eye condition is characterize by gritty sensations in your eyes, sporadic blurry vision, decrease tolerance to wind, stinging or burning, and in some cases, excessive tears. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, disclose them to your doctor before surgery.

Your doctor can diagnose the condition during the preoperative consultation, and usually. The dry eye condition can be treats successfully after which you’ll proceed with the surgery.

Sufficient Cornea Thickness

Refractive surgeries usually bolster visual acuity by slightly altering the cornea (the eye’s front surface). So if your cornea is too thin or has an extremely irregular surface and misshapen (which is often the case when you suffer from conditions like keratoconus), laser surgery may be ineffective and it may impair your vision.

However, if in the past you’ve been told that you can’t have a LASIK surgery because of the thinness of your corneas, the recent improvements in laser eye surgery technology may mean that you’re now a suitable candidate for surgery. 

Size of Pupils

The success of the LASIK surgery is also influence by the size of your pupils – if the pupils are too large, you could be more vulnerable to side effects like halos, and starbursts and glares in low-light conditions.

The Extent of Your Prescription

If your prescription – whether it’s attributable to astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness – goes beyond certain limits, your surgeon may recommend that you avoid a LASIK procedure. This is because LASIK surgeries on high refractive errors tend to be less predictable. The potential risks often outweigh the potential benefits.

In addition, increase levels of myopia may need extensive removal of corneal tissue, which may, in turn, increase your vulnerability to vision complications.

Age 

For you to get some LASIK procedures done, you should be at least 18 years old and 21 in others. Younger patients can only get treats with the permission of their guardian and the discretion of the surgeon.

Typically, anyone above the lower age limit can be a possible laser surgery candidate. However, once you get into your 40s. You may still need to use reading glasses due to normal age-related issues like presbyopia.

Stable Vision

Teenagers and young adults often need to have their eyeglass prescription and contact lens prescription changed yearly until their vision stabilizes. For you to be considers a viable LASIK surgery candidate. Your refractive errors should have remains unwavering for at least a year.

Good Overall Health

Certain uncontrolled autoimmune diseases and degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, AIDS, and type 2 diabetes may disqualify you from getting laser eye surgery. Basically, if your body’s ability to heal is compromise, your LASIK surgery outcome is likely to be unsatisfactory.

Delay Your Surgery if you’re Nursing or Pregnant

Shifts in hormones can change your cornea’s shape, leading to impermanent shifts in vision. Surgery should only be performs after your hormones return to normal after delivery. Besides, some medications (like steroids and antibiotics) that are use to promote healing after surgery may negatively affect your baby (whether nursing or unborn).

Realistic Expectations

Most LASIK surgeries have fantastic outcomes, but you should also be aware of the probable side effects, complications, and risks before you opt for the procedure. A competent LASIK surgeon can counsel you on your suitability as a LASIK surgery candidate. 

You should provide your surgeon with all relevant information regarding your medical and health history – this will ensure you get the best results possible.

Visit an Eye Doctor

The only way to ascertain whether LASIK surgery is appropriate for you is by visiting an eye specialist for an extensive eye examination.