Relying on corrective lenses to see with refractive errors can be a hassle. It can keep you from living life without limitations. Luckily, LASIK is a solution.
LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures with impressive outcomes. It eliminates the need for contacts or glasses.
While the benefits of LASIK are appealing, it isn’t for everyone. Keep reading to learn the signs that you may be a candidate for LASIK!
Good General Health
To be eligible for LASIK, you shouldn’t have certain medical conditions. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, vascular disease, or autoimmune disorders can impact recovery.
Also, you shouldn’t be taking medications like corticosteroids. They can weaken your immune system, which needs to be healthy during the healing process.
It’s important to note that a pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you from LASIK. If you have a medical issue, your eye doctor can determine whether you’ll be able to heal after LASIK.
No Eye Problems
Besides being in good general health, your eyes should be healthy to have LASIK. If you have other eye conditions besides refractive errors, you may not be suitable for LASIK.
Additionally, conditions like persistent dry eyes can worsen after LASIK. Such eye issues can interfere with the healing process and impact visual outcomes.
Ultimately, you might still be able to get LASIK. But you will likely need to treat and have your eye conditions under control beforehand.
Thick Corneas
LASIK corrects refractive errors by reshaping your cornea. If your corneas are too thin, your surgeon may not have enough tissue to reshape them.
Having LASIK on thin corneas can be dangerous and lead to vision complications. Adequate corneal thickness increases the chances of a successful outcome.
You’re Not Pregnant or Nursing
When you’re pregnant or nursing, the shape and thickness of your cornea can fluctuate due to hormonal shifts. Changes in your eyes after LASIK could make the results ineffective.
For this reason, you should wait to get LASIK until a couple of months after you finish nursing.
Stable Prescription
If your prescription hasn’t changed in the past year, you may be an ideal LASIK candidate. Some surgeons recommend that you have a stable prescription for two years.
In Your Mid to Late Twenties
Many LASIK specialists prefer to perform it on people in their mid to late twenties. If you’re too young, your eyes may still change, which affects your prescription.
Once your eyes have matured, your prescription will remain the same. Then you may be able to qualify for LASIK.
Achieve Visual Freedom with LASIK
LASIK has the power to give you clear eyesight for the first time in your life. It could be a life-changing event if you are a candidate for it.
But, some people do not qualify to get LASIK. There are numerous criteria, and if you don’t meet all of them, you cannot undergo the procedure.
If you don’t qualify for LASIK, you may still be able to correct your vision, though. There are LASIK alternatives available that have different requirements.
What disqualified you from getting LASIK may not be a factor with another procedure. Your eye doctor will help you determine if LASIK is right for you or not.
Ready to talk about LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO. Learn if you qualify!
