6 criteria for LASIK candidates

Tired of wearing contacts or glasses? Then you’ve probably thought about what it would be like to be free of contacts and glasses and have looked into LASIK vision correction. What are the requirements to be considered a candidate for this procedure? Here are six criteria that make for a good candidate for LASIK.

You are at least 18 years old. To undergo laser eye surgery, you must be 18 years old or older. This is because your eyes have to achieve ocular maturity. Your eyes continue to change and evolve when you are younger. During your consultation with your eye doctor, you will find out if your eyes have fully developed in order to be considered a candidate for LASIK.

Your current prescription is stable. To be considered for LASIK, your prescription needs to remain the same for at least a year. LASIK corrects the vision you have at that time, so if your eyes continue to change, you may need LASIK enhancement down the road.

Your corneas have appropriate thickness. The thickness of your corneas is a factor in your candidacy for LASIK. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to improve vision. If your cornea is too thin, you may not get the results you want.

Your eyes are in good health. Eye injuries and infections and eye diseases can affect results and make you ineligible for surgery.

You are in good general health. People who have diabetes, chronic pain conditions or autoimmune diseases may not be good candidates. Women who are pregnant experience hormonal changes that may temporarily change their prescription, deeming them ineligible for LASIK at that time. Certain medications can also affect the healing process, which is why it’s important to share your current medications and discuss your medical history and health concerns with your eye doctor during your consultation.

You have done your research. It’s important to come prepared for your appointment and have realistic expectations for outcomes. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, and make sure you leave with an understanding of what to expect from the procedure, recovery and results.

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK vision correction and whether you are a candidate for this procedure, contact our Everett office at (425) 259-2020.

Posted in: LASIK

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