Is LASIK Right for You?

If you are considering LASIK, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the internet and other sources. Ultimately, you'll have to go to an eye surgeon to find out if you are a candidate. There is simply no other way to know for sure; however, there are a few main candidacy factors you can think about when preparing for a consultation:

How long has your prescription been stable?

The planning of your LASIK surgery is based on the shape of your cornea and your specific vision disorder. In order for LASIK surgery to be successful, your corrective lens prescription must have been stable for the past year. For most people, this vision stabilization occurs in their 20s.

Talk with your ophthalmologist about your medical history.

Autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases like HIV and rheumatoid arthritis can impair your body's ability to heal and may increase risks. In some cases, these types of diseases may increase your risk of infection or poor healing after LASIK. If you have a health condition, discuss it with your eye surgeon. In some cases, you may be able to manage your health in order to become a good LASIK candidate.

Do you have chronically dry eyes?

If you have dry eye syndrome, LASIK may make it worse. Talk with your eye doctor about any dry eye experiences. You may be able to treat the condition, or it may not be so bad as to rule out LASIK as a possibility.

The most important part of determining your candidacy is having an open, frank conversation with your eye doctor. Make sure your questions are answered and that you feel confident in your final decision.

To learn more about LASIK, please contact an experienced eye doctor in your area.