Ideal Candidates for LASIK

The limitations, and sometimes frustrations (after all, how many people lose or break their glasses?) felt by people who wear prescription eyewear are very common. Whether for farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, laser eye surgery is something many will consider. While there are many types of laser vision correction, one is more popular than any other – LASIK.

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a technique that permanently changes the shape of the cornea; the clear domed lens which covers the eye. Refractive conditions like myopia and hyperopia are caused by the way light is refracted as it enters the eye and instead of being focused directly on to the retina at the back of the eye, it falls in front, too far behind, or into multiple different places. This causes blurred vision. However, when you undergo LASIK, the procedure will alter the way that the cornea reflects light, changing where it is focused in such a way that your vision becomes significantly clearer.

For some people, the idea of laser correction of their eyes can be worrying. However, laser eye surgery is extremely common with few side effects or possible risks, and most patients can return fully to their day-to-day routine 48-hours post-treatment.

Am I A Good Candidate For LASIK?

Whilst LASIK is a safe, popular and straightforward procedure, it does not automatically make it the perfect treatment for everyone. There are multiple laser treatments for refractive problems of the cornea, with LASIK being just one.

To assess suitability for LASIK treatment, your eye doctor will carry out a consultation appointment with you. Your doctor will look at your ocular history, carry out a physical examination of your eyes, and then move on to a conversation about the procedure itself. They will explain how it works by sharing comprehensive details of the procedure, any potential risks and side-effects, and of course what outcome can be expected. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Before booking an appointment, it is worth having at least some indication as to whether you would be a suitable candidate for LASIK treatment. If you can say “yes” to the following, simple questions, then you could potentially be a good candidate for corrective surgery via LASIK.
 

• Are you 18-years old or over?
   

• You are not pregnant or nursing at the proposed time of treatment
   

• You have no history of previous corneal disease
   

• You have had stable vision without prescription changes in the last year
   

• You have a prescription that fits within parameters that will be outlined by your LASIK surgeon
   

• You are free from medically diagnosed eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy which could affect the viability/outcome of the procedure
   

• You have a clear and reasonable expectation as to the outcome of the procedure

Whilst LASIK is a popular and hugely successful treatment, and most people can see clearly without the use of prescription eyewear, there is no guarantee that this will be the case for every patient. You may find that in certain situations, such as driving at night, you may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision.

If you have any questions, would like any further information, or would like to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, visit Great Eye Doctor of Burleson in Burleson. Call (817) 295-0186 today.