Because of the growing popularity and high success profile of LASIK, many people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are interested in having the surgery.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate. During your eye examination at Houston LASIK & Eye, your eye doctor will determine whether you meet patient criteria or not.
Are Your Eyes Healthy?
Some conditions can impact your eyes’ response to the surgery. If you have dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or infection, your surgeon may address these problems first before performing surgery. If you have cataracts, mild to advanced glaucoma, keratoconus, or diabetic retinopathy, you are not eligible for the procedure. You shouldn’t have a history of ocular herpes at least a year before surgery.
Cornea and Pupil Requirements
As refractive laser eye surgery typically involves reshaping of the cornea to improve visual activity, having the right corneal thickness is crucial. An adequately thick cornea will allow for removal of corneal tissue and creation of the surface flap, without losing its shape. Thin or irregularly shaped cornea is a contradiction to LASIK as they compromise surgical outcome.
In addition, your pupil must not be overly large. Large pupils increase your risk for post-refractive surgery risks, such as halos, glares, and starbursts. A good LASIK candidate has dilated pupil size below seven millimeters.
Age
Many Houston eye doctors express reservations about performing refractive surgery on younger patients. FDA approves LASIK to patients 18 and above, and it is also the number recommended in Preferred Practice Pattern by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Some eye doctors, however, are willing to wait until patients are 21 years and their prescription has stabilized. A stable vision means your eyes have settled into one prescription. Teenagers and young adults tend to experience changes in their eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions from year to year. To qualify for refractive surgery, your eyes must have been stable for at least a year.
As for the other end of the age spectrum, eye doctors tend to be more enthusiastic. It doesn’t matter how old you are. As long as you are physically healthy and your eyes are healthy and stable, you may be a candidate.
Low to Moderate Amounts of Refractive Error
Severe refractive errors – whether it is myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism – put you at an increased risk for vision complications. Hence, your eye surgeon may advise you against the procedure if you have a very high prescription.
Good Overall Health Condition
You must be in good health to qualify for refractive laser eye surgery. You must not have autoimmune diseases such as lupus and diabetes. You shouldn’t be taking certain medications, such as steroids, as they may also interfere with post-operative healing.
Can Pregnant Women Have Refractive Surgery?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your cornea to change shape and hence, your vision. You should wait a few months after your pregnancy when your hormones and your vision are back to normal.
LASIK has a 99.5% success rate, but like any surgery, there are postoperative complications. Your surgeon will discuss these with you so you’ll know what to expect.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
