When Should you go for LASIK?

The constant development and continuing refining techniques of LASIK surgery has been successful in offering people with a clearer vision. Millions of people who had been depending upon contact lenses and corrective eye wears have now attained near-perfect eyesight with the help of LASIK, a refractive eye surgery that alters the shape of cornea. By doing so, the light rays are focused accurately on retina. The efficacy and safety of LASIK has been well established as a result of decades of advances made in the underlying technology. In spite of technological innovations made in the arena of LASIK surgery, complications still exists; hence, it is of prime importance for a patient to ascertain whether he/she is an ideal candidate for LASIK. This can be easily determined by having a clear picture of various reasons for which one could undergo a LASIK surgery.

LASIK might be a feasible option for a person suffering from Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (far sightedness) or some form of astigmatism. All these conditions fall under the category of refractive errors. In contrast to other eye diseases, these conditions are not progressive in nature. For some people the condition might improve as time passes hence there might be no need for a LASIK surgery to be performed. A person suffering from Presbyopia cannot be treated by LASIK surgery. In majority of cases, LASIK surgery candidate is expected to have completed 18 years of age with a stable contact lens or eye wear prescription at least for a span of two years. In addition, a person’s corneal thickness is measured to determine if the candidate is suitable for the surgery.

For some people LASIK surgery involves a great amount of risk. For example, people affected by autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or HIV which is an immune deficiency disease, the chances of healing after surgery is lesser and the possibility of infections and other related complications following the surgery are greater. This makes it clear that such people should not consider undergoing LASIK.

People with other eye diseases like dry eyes are likely to have a delayed healing after the surgery. Surgeons suggest that if a person’s vision is constantly deteriorating due to other diseases, the candidate might be considered ineligible for LASIK. People with facial bone anomalies or deep-set eyes might also be considered a poor candidate for LASIK. It is of prime importance to take these specifics into consideration and discuss every detail with your LASIK surgeon prior to making a decision, in order to avoid a LASIK disaster.