Who is a Good Candidate for Lasik and What You Can Expect from this Procedure
If you are tired of wearing corrective lenses, you may be considering Lasik eye surgery. There is a lot to consider when weighing your decision on whether to have Lasik. It is also important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for Lasik.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what Lasik involves and who is the ideal candidate for a successful surgery.
What is Lasik?
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or Lasik as it is more commonly known, is a type of eye surgery that uses a laser to help correct vision.
Typically, blurred vision is caused by images not focusing properly on our retina. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Traditionally, blurry vision is corrected by bending light rays with glasses or contact lenses to properly refocus images on our retina. However, Lasik reshapes the cornea itself so that it provides the proper refraction and vision correction.
Does Lasik Work Well? What are the Side Effects?
In general, most people who have Lasik eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better. Complications are rare and most individuals who receive the surgery are satisfied with the results. Some side effects, such as dry eyes and temporary visual issues (such as glare), are fairly common. However, these side effects clear up a few weeks or months after the surgery, though some do consider them to be a long-term problem. Speak with your surgeon about the possible side effects as you weigh your options and consider if Lasik is right for you.
Your results depend on your refractive error and other factors. People with mild nearsightedness tend to have the most success. People with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness along with astigmatism have less predictable results.
What Can I Expect Before and During the Procedure?
Before a Lasik procedure, your eye surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye and check the overall health of your eye. This will help your surgeon during the procedure and ensures you end up with the best results possible.
During your procedure, you will be giving eye-numbing drops. Then your surgeon will use a special type of cutting laser to precisely sculpt your cornea. With each pulse of the laser beam, a tiny amount of corneal tissue is removed. There are different techniques or types of Lasik surgery and each has its advantages and disadvantages. It is best to discuss your options with your eye surgeon prior to your surgery to decide which type is best for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lasik?
In general, Lasik is appropriate for individuals who have a moderate degree of refractive error and no unusual vision problems. Before surgery, your surgeon will ask detailed questions about your eye health and evaluate your eyes to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could lead to complications or poor outcomes.
If you have any of the following, you may not be a good candidate for Lasik:
- Eye disease that results in continued deterioration of your vision
- Inflammation
- Eye injuries or disorders
- Dry eyes
- Large pupils
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Severe nearsightedness or high refractive error
- Age-related eye changes that affect your ability to focus up close (presbyopia)
- You have fairly good vision and see well enough to need corrective lenses only part of the time (surgery may not be worth the risks)
- You actively participate in contact sports
Lasik surgery could also have less predictable outcomes if you have certain medical conditions unrelated to your eyes, including:
- Any disease/condition that affects your immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV, and other autoimmune disorders
- Taking immunosuppressive medicine for any reason
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which could put you at risk of complications like diabetic retinopathy
Other Considerations
When weighing your decision, some other things to consider include:
- Whether your vision is stable or if it may continue to change
- If you can afford the cost of the procedure (most insurance plans consider Lasik to be elective and don’t cover the cost)
- If you can go without contact lenses for several weeks before surgery
Ready for the Next Step?
Are you ready to take the next step in correcting your vision? Black Diamond Eye Care provides treatment, consultation, and referrals for common vision correction surgeries and procedures, including Lasik. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your options with one of our professionals.
