LASIK is a popular procedure meant to correct poor vision. Are you among the 90 percent of people aged between 18 and 65 who are good candidates for this procedure? If so, you can embrace the freedom this treatment offers, too. Modern LASIK surgery delivers excellent visual outcomes at a high success rate.
Studies show that up to 99 percent of patients achieve at least 20/40 vision. An impressive 90 percent achieve 20/20 or better vision. Furthermore, the satisfaction rate among patients is an unprecedented 96 percent. That is the highest rate of any elective procedure.
Requirements for LASIK Candidates
Of course, ensuring you are a suitable candidate is essential to a successful procedure. Eye care professionals assess various factors to determine eligibility for this procedure. The primary objective of undergoing a LASIK consultation is to evaluate whether you qualify for laser eye surgery. Some of the requirements you must meet to undergo this treatment include the following:
You Have Healthy Eyes
Your eye health will determine how well your eyes heal and the risk of complications after the procedure. Generally, any active eye infections, abrasions, or inflammation must resolve before you get laser eye surgery.
LASIK can exacerbate your symptoms if you have dry eye syndrome or eye disease that affects the shape or function of your cornea. Tell your eye surgeon if you have a history of an eye infection or problem since surgery can aggravate your condition. LASIK may not be safe for you if you have the following conditions:
- Severe dry eye syndrome.
- Keratoconus.
- Corneal dystrophy.
- Herpes-related eye infections.
- Glaucoma.
- Retinal tears.
- High myopia.
Your Vision Prescription Is Within Range
LASIK can treat various prescriptions, including astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. Your eye surgeon will determine the appropriate type of LASIK for you. Eye care professionals set limits on how poor your vision can be to undergo this procedure. Your surgeon may recommend an alternative treatment if your prescription is too high.
You Are Within the Proper Age
Typically, patients must be at least 18 to have LASIK. Nevertheless, most eye care professionals recommend waiting until your mid-20s. That is when vision tends to stabilize for most people.
The procedure does not have an upper age limit. However, there are some considerations. Presbyopia usually begins to set in after age 40 and continues until around age 60. This condition can affect your near vision. However, this procedure does not improve near vision unless you get monovision LASIK. Otherwise, you may still need reading glasses once you are over 40.
Your Corneas Are Thick Enough
If you have a high prescription, your eye surgeon will remove more corneal tissue to correct your vision. The procedure involves cutting a flap on the cornea and then using a laser to remove some corneal tissue underneath the flap. So, your chances of corneal ectasia are higher if your corneas are too thin.
You Have a Stable Vision
It would be best to have stable vision for at least one or two years before your procedure to reduce your chances of regression and subsequent surgery. That does not necessarily mean that your prescription did not change at all. Usually, a slight change is acceptable.
Although success rates are incredibly high, it would help to have realistic expectations. Nobody can predict with complete certainty how you will heal after surgery. After all, everyone is different.
For more on LASIK, visit Grin Eye Care at our offices in Kansas City, Missouri, or Leawood or Olathe, Kansas. Call (913) 829-5511 or (816) 333-8600 to book an appointment today.
