Posted by: Clear Advantage in LASIK on July 25, 2024
Do you hate not being able to see clearly? Do you wish you didn’t have to fumble for your glasses or contact lenses when you wake up in the morning?
If you’re tired of having to wear glasses and contact lenses, you’ve probably thought about having LASIK. LASIK is one of the most popular elective procedures in the world, and for good reason.
Not only can LASIK give you complete visual freedom, but it can also help you see even better than you could when wearing glasses or contact lenses. Over 95% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the procedure!
With high rates of success and low rates of complications, LASIK is worth considering. However, you may wonder if you qualify for the procedure.
Keep reading to learn more about how to know if you’re a good LASIK candidate.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using specialized lasers to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure can give you better vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
It works by carefully reshaping the cornea to allow light to reach the retina properly. LASIK corrects refractive errors and provides you with clearer vision.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
To know whether you are a good candidate for LASIK, you need to have a LASIK consultation with your eye doctor at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center.
The good news is that most people with a refractive error make great LASIK candidates. Around 85% of patients who are evaluated for LASIK end up qualifying.
If you want a better idea of whether or not you’ll qualify for LASIK before your consultation, here are some signs that you’ll be a good LASIK candidate:
You’re Over 18
LASIK changes the shape of your eye to correct your refractive error. The procedure permanently changes your vision, but it’s less effective if your vision is still changing, as the procedure doesn’t prevent further visual changes.
This is why you must be at least 18 to have LASIK. Before that age, your eyesight is still changing as your body grows.
Your Vision is Stable
Even if you’re over 18, your eyesight may still be changing. For most people with a refractive error, these changes reduce once you reach adulthood, but they can still happen.
In order for LASIK to be effective, your vision must be stable. For all LASIK surgeons, that means your prescription must have stayed the same for at least a year.
Your Eyes are Healthy
In order to have LASIK, you shouldn’t be dealing with any eye conditions besides a refractive error. This includes serious eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts and milder conditions like dry eye syndrome.
However, you can often still have LASIK even if you have dry eye, you just need to treat that condition first. Many treatments can improve your tear quality. As long as you no longer show signs of dry eyes and your symptoms are managed during your LASIK evaluation, you may be a good LASIK candidate.
You’re in Good Health
In order to have any elective procedure, no matter how minor, you should generally be in good health. Certain conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders may make it difficult to heal from surgery.
You also shouldn’t be pregnant or nursing by the time you have LASIK, as hormonal changes can cause your prescription to change or become unstable.
Your Prescription Isn’t Too High
LASIK can correct nearsightedness up to -11.00 diopters, farsightedness up to +5.00 diopters, and astigmatism up to 5.00 diopters. If your prescription falls within these limits, you may be a good candidate for LASIK.
Luckily, this range covers the vast majority of refractive errors, so most people who want visual freedom are good candidates for LASIK because their prescription falls in the range that the procedure can treat.
Your Corneas Aren’t Too Thin
You probably don’t know how thick your corneas are, but that will be measured when you get evaluated for LASIK. LASIK creates a flap in the cornea, so your corneas must be thick enough to safely accommodate this flap.
If your corneas are not thick enough for LASIK, it is unsafe for your vision to undergo the procedure. You may be better suited for a different vision correction procedure like PRK.
Your Pupils Aren’t Too Big
If you have particularly large pupils, LASIK could cause issues with your night vision. For that reason, your pupils shouldn’t be above a specific size if you want to have LASIK.
You Have The Right Expectations
LASIK can correct your vision, giving you visual freedom and a clearer view of the world. However, there’s never a 100% guarantee the procedure will fully correct your vision.
Serious complications from LASIK are also very rare. Still, you should be aware of them and discuss all the risks of the procedure with your eye doctor before deciding to have LASIK.
Are you interested in learning more about your LASIK candidacy and exploring options for improving your vision? Schedule a LASIK consultation with Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center in Portsmouth, NH, today!
