Are you tired of having to wear contact lenses? Have you been thinking about what life would be like without glasses and contacts? Glasses and contacts improve your vision, but they can be frustrating as well.
If the thought of getting LASIK has crossed your mind, it is time to talk with your eye doctor about the procedure. One of the most important things for you to discuss with your doctor is if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
LASIK is an amazing procedure but it’s not right for everyone! It’s also important to decide if the results are more important than the risks.
You need to learn about the risks and what the best procedure for fixing your vision is. When deciding on the procedure, you should listen to what your surgeon recommends. Around 20% of possible candidates do not meet the treatment guidelines for LASIK.
There are guidelines that they have to follow to determine if someone is a good LASIK candidate. Keep reading to learn some of the factors that determine if you are a good LASIK candidate!
Meet FDA Procedure Guidelines
To qualify for LASIK, your prescription has to be in the FDA procedure guidelines. The guidelines are that you can have up to +6.00 diopters of hyperopia, up to 6.00 diopters of astigmatism, and at most -12.00 diopters of nearsightedness.
If your prescription is too strong and does not meet these guidelines, you will not be able to get LASIK. But don’t worry, there are other vision correction procedures available!
Good Health
To qualify for LASIK, you need to be in good health. You don’t need to be in perfect health by any means but good health is essential.
There are certain conditions and medications that may make recovering from LASIK difficult. LASIK might not be a good idea if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder or take a certain kind of medication.
Your doctor needs your complete medical history to make an informed decision about your LASIK candidacy.
Stable Prescription and Good Eye Health
The FDA approved LASIK for patients who are 18 years and older. Many doctors prefer patients to be in their mid-twenties when they get LASIK.
This is because when you are in your mid-twenties, your prescription is stable. You need to have a stable prescription for at least a full year before getting LASIK.
Also, your eyes need to be healthy. This means that they are disease, injury, and infection-free. Having healthy eyes is important for the recovery process.
Cornea Shape and Thickness
LASIK changes your cornea’s shape to improve your vision. The cornea focuses light on your retina to create an image.
If the cornea is too thin or abnormally shaped, LASIK might not be effective. Your doctor will measure the thickness and shape of your cornea to make sure you can get the results you want.
Realistic Expectations
LASIK is a successful procedure, but it does have its limits. You need to talk with your doctor about what they are, so you are happy with the end results.
If you do not understand the limits, you might be unsatisfied with your results. Ask any questions you have during your LASIK consultation. This is the best time to get a good understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes.
If you meet these standards, then you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Do you feel ready to book a LASIK consultation? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY today!
