Is LASIK Right for Me? 5 Key Factors to Determine Your Candidacy

Do you dream of not needing your glasses or contacts? LASIK offers this freedom to many people. But you must first take time to see if you are a good match for surgery. Achieving an optimal outcome depends on proper candidate selection. Let us cover the essential factors surgeons evaluate.
 

Current Eye Health

Healthy eyes are crucial for LASIK's success. The surgeon checks for conditions that can affect results. Examples of these conditions include severe dry eye, cataracts, corneal infections, and more. Pre-existing issues like these can worsen after surgery. 
 

They can also disqualify candidates altogether when severe. Tell your eye doctor about any ocular conditions or concerns, even if your vision currently checks out fine. Identifying potential health impacts early is key.
 

Stable Vision Prescription

LASIK works best on fully-developed eyes. Typically, doctors advise surgery for patients over age 18. Additionally, vision prescription should hold steady for 12 months pre-procedure. This lowers the chances of shifts after LASIK changes corneal shape. Significant prescription fluctuations require corrections with glasses or contacts. So, ensure your eyes and vision have stabilized before considering refractive surgery.
 

Corneal Thickness and Shape

The cornea is the eye's outer transparent layer. Its shape and thickness determine candidacy. First, there must be adequate corneal tissue for reshaping. Surgeons use lasers to alter the cornea's curvature permanently. Enough thickness allows the removal of inner cells while preserving structural integrity. 
 

Secondly, the specific curvature also impacts eligibility. Talk with your surgeon in depth about corneal qualifications.
 

Lifestyle Activities and Expectations

Reflect honestly about your lifestyle and expectations, too. Frequent eye irritants can increase infection risk after surgery. For people working outdoors or in dusty settings, LASIK may pose challenges. 
 

Certain sports like boxing and football also heighten impact hazards to the eyes. Discuss your regular activities with the surgeon. Also, set realistic expectations. While LASIK reduces the need for glasses or contacts, average patients still use eyewear for some tasks.
 

Consultation With a Qualified Surgeon

This final step is the most valuable for determining candidacy. Connect with an experienced LASIK specialist for in-depth discussion. Be ready to share your entire ocular history and ask questions.
 

A reputable surgeon conducts additional pre-operative tests. They examine your unique situation and advise if LASIK is suitable. If so, they suggest the best procedural approaches based on your eyes. A proper consultation helps you decide whether LASIK is right for your needs.
 

While LASIK improves vision for millions, the results are not universal.
 

The best way to determine if LASIK fits your needs is through in-person evaluation. Connect with a skilled refractive surgeon to discuss your situation at length. Ask questions to understand potential risks and benefits.
 

Together, you can decide if LASIK is the right path. Otherwise, explore analogous procedures like PRK and SMILE. With realistic expectations and proper selection, you can move forward on the path to better sight.
 

For more on LASIK, visit Alta Loma Optometric. Our office is in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Call (909) 787-1760 to schedule an appointment today.