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LASIK has been a popular and effective method to correct vision problems. Doctors, nowadays, prescribe the newest treatment for patients to restore their vision. The procedure, however, is not ideal for all.

To know whether or not the treatment is right for you, there are criteria you should meet. What are those? Here are some of them. Take a close look at the following:

  1. Healthy Eyes – Laser eye surgery is effective. But it’s not suitable for patients with serious conditions. Doctors advise clients to wait until their problem is resolved. Conjunctivitis, infection, eye injury, and severe dryness are common issues.

Have you been experiencing persistent dry eyes for days now? Did you know that LASIK can aggravate the condition? Symptoms can include a gritty sensation, stinging, intermittent blurry vision, excessive tears, and reduced tolerance to wind. Whatever your case may be, discuss them with your physician before the surgery.

  1. Thick Cornea – Refractive treatments improve visual acuity. How do they work? They reshape the cornea. Patients with a thin cornea, however, have a high risk of impairing their vision or compromise the results. Did your doctor tell you couldn’t undergo surgery? Worry no more! There are other solutions you can take advantage.

With the recent technological advancement, you can be a candidate for other laser vision correction. Instead of a microkeratome, doctors use a femtosecond laser to perform a thinner corneal flap or preserve the tissue.

  1. Small Pupils – Pupils are large by nature. But other people have a small one. What happens when you have a large pupil? You’re more prone to starbursts, glares, halos, and other side effects. Consult a doctor for further details!
  1. Your Prescription Must Be Within Specific Limits – Whether you suffer from astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, your prescription is quite high. Right? Then, don’t be surprised when the doctor does not recommend the procedure.

Results of the surgery to treat high refractive errors may not be worth the cost and are less predictable.

A high amount of myopia, for example, requires the removal of corneal tissue. While some patients had a successful experience, it may increase your risk of experiencing severe complications.

Did you know that there are other correction surgeries to try? Refractive lens exchange and phakic IOL implantable lenses will be your best shot.

  1. You Must Be 18-year-old – Specific eye treatment requires patients to be 18 or 21 years old. So, can younger patients be treated? Of course! But it depends on the discretion of a surgeon and guardian.

Generally speaking, there’s no age limit. But it is important to use reading glasses to treat presbyopia for adults.

A surgeon may also consider a patient perfect for monovision LASIK to restore his normal vision without bifocals or reading glasses.

Remember that women are more prone to dry eyes, especially after menopause. Men, on the other hand, have a higher risk later in life.

  1. Stable Vision – Teenagers and adults experience changes in their eyeglasses and contact lens prescription yearly. Before undergoing the treatment, it is essential for refractive errors to be as stable as possible for everyone’s safety. Usually, nearsightedness worsens. But there are also other conditions that change. So, follow your doctor’s advice to avoid other unnecessary expenses.

Younger patients are not good candidates. But when their eyes settle down into a particular prescription, they can qualify. But wait for your specialist’s advice.

  1. You’re Healthy – Contraindications to eye surgeries may include rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, type 1 diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and other degenerative conditions. HIV positive patients, however, may be a good candidate for the procedure unless they have good immune cell counts.

What about the individuals who encounter a trouble with healing? Well, the results of the operation are not satisfactory.

Which diseases that may disqualify a person for the treatment? Opinions vary among specialists. That’s why it is necessary to consult an expert. Although it requires an extra cost, the results are worth the investment.

More than that, certain medications can increase the side effects associated with the surgery. While immunosuppressant affects post-operative healing, other medications can result in dry eye syndrome.

  1. Delay the Surgery If you’re Pregnant – Whether you’re pregnant or nursing, the surgery is not experts-recommended. It’s good to note that hormonal changes can impact the shape of your cornea. While it sounds a simple problem, it leads to changes in your vision. The good news is that the problem is temporary.

Doctors do not perform the procedure until your vision and hormones have returned to the normal level. How long does it take? It lasts for a few months. Although it’s too long, it’s a good opportunity to change your lifestyle and enjoy the best results.

Pregnant women suffer from persistent dry eyes, which is another reason to postpone the procedure.

That’s not all! There are medications that can endanger your baby, whether unborn or nursing. So, follow your doctor’s prescription to avoid any side effects.

  1. Realistic Expectations – LASIK has been creating noise on the market. Generally, it is excellent. But it is important to consider the possible side effects, complications, and other risks before you make a decision.

From there, it is beneficial to rely on an experienced surgeon. Not only will they advise patients about laser eye surgery, but they will also recommend other refractive operations. While it is enticing to choose the cheapest solution, nothing can beat quality services from a certified expert. Although the rate is higher than expected, the results are worthwhile.

It is also imperative to tell your doctor all the information about your medical and health history to achieve the best outcome at the end of the day.

See a Doctor Today!

To know whether you’re a perfect candidate for LASIK, consult a specialist. Usually, the process starts with a comprehensive exam. Depending on the result, they will tell you what to do. Just be wary when searching for the best expert. With enough research and patience, it’s possible to work with an experienced practitioner.