Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Seeing the world clearly can change your life. LASIK eye surgery is a popular option for many who want to ditch their glasses or contacts. But how do you know if it is right for you? This guide will help you understand what makes someone a good candidate.
 

Understanding LASIK

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive eye surgery. It changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision. This can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a quick procedure with a short recovery time. Many people notice better vision within a day or two.
 

Basic Requirements for LASIK

Not everyone is a good candidate. There are some basic criteria you need to meet:
 

• Age: You should be at least 18 years old. This is because your vision needs to be stable. Eyes can change shape as you grow.

• Stable Vision: Your prescription should not have changed much in the last year or two. Stability is key to the best results.

• Eye Health: Your eyes need to be healthy. Conditions like dry eye or infections can affect your ability to get LASIK.

• General Health: Certain health issues can make the treatment riskier. These include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

Detailed Eye Examination

A thorough eye exam is necessary. This will include:
 

• Measuring your cornea’s shape and thickness.

• Checking your pupil size.

• Testing for dry eyes.

• Assessing your prescription and eye health.

Your doctor will also discuss your medical history. This helps determine if you have any conditions that might interfere with the surgery or healing process.
 

Corneal Thickness

Corneal thickness is crucial. LASIK involves reshaping your cornea. If your corneas are too thin, you might not be a good candidate. Thin corneas can lead to complications and less stable results. Your doctor will measure your cornea to ensure it is thick enough for the procedure.
 

Pupil Size

Large pupils can be a concern. If your pupils are naturally large, you might experience more side effects. These can include glare, halos, and starbursts, especially at night. Your doctor will measure your pupils to see if LASIK is a good fit for you.
 

Eye Health Conditions

Some eye issues can put LASIK out of reach. For example, do you have keratoconus, where your cornea gets thin and bulgy? If so, LASIK is not a good fit. Severely dry eyes are another roadblock. LASIK could make them worse, leaving you uncomfortable and squinting.
 

Those with cataracts may not be good candidates. LASIK works on your cornea, but cataracts affect the lens inside your eye. Your eye doctor will check for these and other issues before giving LASIK the green light. They want to make sure it will help, not hurt, your vision.
 

Pregnancy and Nursing

If you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to wait. Hormonal changes can affect your vision. This can lead to inaccurate measurements and less effective results. It is safer to wait until your vision has stabilized after pregnancy and nursing.
 

Expectations and Lifestyle

Your expectations matter. LASIK is highly effective, but it is not perfect. Most people achieve a 20/20 vision or better. However, some might still need glasses for certain activities, like reading or driving at night. Discuss your lifestyle and expectations with your eye doctor to ensure they are realistic.
 

Seeing the world clearly can change your life. LASIK eye surgery can free you from glasses and contacts, but it is not for everyone. Knowing if you are a good candidate is key to making the right choice for your vision.
 

For more on vision care, visit Multnomah Vision Clinic at our Portland, Oregon, office. Call (503) 244-7788 to schedule an appointment today.