It’s one of the best questions to ask when considering LASIK. In fact, approximately 10 percent of my patients are not eligible for LASIK.
Your first step in determining if you’re a candidate for LASIK is completing a thorough, diagnostic evaluation of your eyes. You can expect an exam to take typically 1-2 hours and include such tests as measuring the quality and quantity of tears; the size of your pupils in dim and regular light, and the thickness, shape and surface quality of your cornea. Since laser vision correction uses a laser to reshape the cornea, healthy, well-shaped corneas thick enough to reshape predictably and reliably are important. A stable vision prescription and overall good health also are important factors for being a good candidate.
Individuals with irregularly shaped, thin or damaged corneas and those with certain chronic eye conditions or diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma are likely not good candidates for LASIK. Other factors that might rule out candidacy include a rapidly changing vision prescription and health problems that might interfere with healing, including diabetes, rheumatoid, arthritis and other immune system disorders.
My happiest patients are those who take the time to become an informed patient. Thoroughly research the procedure to understand not only what LASIK is (and what it is not), but also learn about recovery, risks and most importantly, if it fits with your vision expectations.
Ask yourself what you want out of LASIK. Are you active and glasses and/or contacts get in the way? Are you into sports? Outdoor activities? Do you lead a busy life? Can LASIK enhance your lifestyle? These questions will help you articulate what you are looking to achieve with a laser vision correction procedure and open a dialog with your physician to learn what your options may be.
