Laser in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK has now become the preferred choice for many doctors and patients because of how effective and safe it is compared to the other forms of treatment. Not only is it very effective and safe, it is also generally painless and the recovery fast. However, not all patients make a good candidate for LASIK. Your doctor will generally screen you to determine if you are a good candidate or not. Now, here are some guides that can what to expect before the screening.
The Ideal Candidate
Although many individuals make good candidates for the procedure, some people simply do not meet the requirements. So, what makes an ideal candidate for LASIK? First, the candidate must have myopia, astigmatism or hyperopia or a combination of these conditions. Second, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age and have previously used eyeglasses or contact lens plus meet the corneal thickness for the procedure. Age becomes very important since children’s eyes continue to grow so they are not good candidates for the procedure. It is the same with wearing eye glasses and contact lens as it affects the shape of the cornea. Third, the candidate must not have any condition or disease that will affect the healing and effectiveness of the procedure.
The Less than Ideal Candidate
The less than ideal candidate lists as those who do not meet the requirements for LASIK but may eventually meet them in the near future. These are pregnant women since their vision swings to nearsightedness so it is very difficult to have an accurate evaluation; have history of dry eyes since it may worsen the condition after the procedure; and those who are taking medications that may affect one’s healing, such as taking steroids. This alone makes it important to find a good eye specialist. A less than ideal candidate may become an ideal one by working with the doctor over time. At the same time, even if one does not make an ideal candidate for Lasik, a good doctor will be able to find the best or the ideal treatment for his patient.
Personal Criteria
As doctors perform the screening and determine if one is an ideal candidate or not, patients must also ask themselves if the procedure is the right one for them. This becomes necessary so that they will not have any unrealistic expectations regarding the procedure. In other words, this eliminates any disappointment after the procedure. First, patients must be willing to sign informed consent and more importantly must be willing to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Second, the patient must not have any unrealistic expectations and must accept that just like any surgery, the effectiveness, rate of healing and overall outcome of the procedure varies per individual. Third, the patient must be willing to work with his or her doctor. This means disclosing all pertinent information and following all the doctor’s advice and instructions.
Whether you are an ideal or less than ideal candidate, ultimately your doctor will decide if you qualify for the procedure. If you suffer from myopia, astigmatism or hyperopia or a combination thereof, you can visit Houston Lasik, the leading LASIK or laser eye surgery center in Houston. They have the most advanced equipment and tools for the procedure while their doctors aim to provide the ideal treatment for their patients. You may think that you are not an ideal candidate for LASIK but at Houston Lasik, they have the best doctor that will determine how you can meet the requirements. At Houston Lasik, what is important is that you will get the vision care that you need.
Houston Lasik 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, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
Via
LASIK Surgery Screening Guidelines For Patients The Eye Surgery Education Council Medical Advisory Board: Chair, Roger F. Steinert, MD; Douglas D. Koch, MD; Stephen S. Lane, MD; R. Doyle Stulting, MD:
