If you wear corrective eyewear, the struggle of remembering to bring them with you everywhere you go is all too familiar. Then there are limitations as well. Glasses make it impossible to participate in high-impact sports, while contacts carry a higher risk of developing bacterial infections and eye irritation when you play water sports. And the list goes on and on.
If you’re tired of this or just want to simplify your life, then LASIK surgery might be the solution. Of course, you will need to qualify for the procedure first, so here are some of the signs you’re a good LASIK candidate.
You Have a Stable Prescription and Straightforward Vision Troubles
One of the biggest prerequisites a LASIK candidate needs to meet is a stable prescription. Any fluctuations regarding your vision may interfere with the results and call for revision of the procedure. Generally speaking, it’s best that LASIK candidates ensure that their prescription has remained unchanged for at least a year before applying for the procedure.
Other than that, it’s also vital that your eyesight issues are straightforward in nature, such as astigmatism and near and farsightedness. As long as you don’t suffer from any complex vision issues, LASIK might be right for you.
You Don’t Currently Suffer From Eye Conditions
Another big factor you’ll need to consider when deciding whether you’re a good LASIK candidate is your current eye health. Dry eye is one of the conditions that may interfere with the results of the procedure and make it rather uncomfortable for patients.
Still, it is possible to have LASIK eye surgery even if you are susceptible to dry eye. Your doctor may be able to perform the procedure once you’ve successfully treated the condition. The same goes for other common eye conditions such as pink eye or eye injuries
Your Cornea and Your Eyes Are Healthy
During vision correction procedures such as LASIK, a surgeon needs to make a corneal flap. For this to happen, it is important that the patient’s cornea has the proper amount of thickness. Otherwise, it may be impossible for the surgeon to make the flap safely.
Other than ensuring your cornea is thick enough, your ocular health also needs to be in good condition. Individuals with diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and cataracts are not good candidates for LASIK. Your doctor will evaluate your eye health during the consultation and decide if this procedure is the best option.
You Don’t Have Any Physical Issues
Your general health will also be a deciding factor in determining your candidacy for LASIK. Of course, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it is important that you don’t suffer from any conditions that may make the procedure challenging or even dangerous.
During your consultation with the eye doctor, you will discuss your medical history. While it is possible to get LASIK if you have diabetes, you will need to disclose any conditions you have and discuss them in detail. Patients with autoimmune diseases may or may not be eligible for the procedure. This will largely depend on the type of condition they have and its effect on their body.
You’re Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Even if you are in good health, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK if you’re an expectant mother. Pregnancy is a period of many hormonal changes that affect eyesight. Vision fluctuations are common, so until your vision is stable, you should not be having any vision correction procedures.
If you’re considering getting LASIK while breastfeeding, wait for at least three months after weaning. Your vision may change during your next pregnancy, so if you plan on having more children, it’s best that you wait with the procedure until you’re done and no longer breastfeeding.
You’re Over 18 Years Old
Last but not least, your age will also play a role in determining whether you’re a good LASIK candidate. Like our bodies, our vision undergoes multiple changes when we’re young. This is why it’s best to wait until you’re 18 years old to have eye surgery.
On the other hand, there’s no upper limit to the age at which you can get LASIK. That said, there may be other, more suitable vision correction options for you if you’re over 45.
Wrapping Up
For patients suffering from vision issues, getting a clear, crisp vision is a dream come true. Procedures such as LASIK can make that dream a reality. If you meet the requirements listed above, feel free to schedule a consultation, as this will be a big step to a sharper vision and a brighter future.
