LASIK surgery is a largely popular vision correction procedure, one that millions of people seek every year. However, although LASIK surgery is popular and effective, it does not mean that all people can safely undergo LASIK. To qualify for LASIK surgery, you must meet a few requirements. Our goal is to make LASIK surgery available to as many people as possible, while also keeping up with the standard of safety that you come to expect from Loden Vision Centers.
Below are some of the factors that our doctors will consider during your LASIK consultation. These factors play a big part in whether or not LASIK will work for you.
Are you at least 18 years old?
Those younger than 18 years old tend to still be growing, meaning that the eyes still have changing to do. Performing LASIK during this time is not a good idea, as the eyes are not yet stable and will continue to change even after surgery. Our doctors at Loden may want to wait even longer, depending on the person. We also require that you have a stable prescription for at least one year before undergoing LASIK surgery.
Do you have any other health problems or eye diseases?
Any history of diseases like glaucoma or cataracts can interfere with your LASIK results, greatly increasing your risk of post-op complication. Previous corneal injury may also exclude you from LASIK candidacy. Patients with dry eye syndrome are also encouraged not to undergo LASIK surgery, as the surgery can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
Are you currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within the next six months?
If you answered yes, it is wise to delay your LASIK procedure. LASIK is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women because of the hormonal changes that occur during these stages of life. These hormonal changes can have a large effect on the eyes, so it is best to wait until they are back to their normal state. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to developing dry eye syndrome.
Are you generally healthy?
General health is also a concern when it comes to LASIK surgery. For instance, those with diabetes may not make good LASIK candidates. Diabetes takes a toll on the eyes if not controlled properly, leading to vision loss and damage.
Do you have realistic expectations?
During your LASIK consultation, your doctor will go over all potential side effects and what to expect after surgery. While many people are able to achieve perfect 20/20 vision after LASIK, this is not the case for everyone. Those with high level refractive error will experience an improvement in their vision, but they may not experience 20/20 vision. Going into this surgery with realistic expectations is important.
Because LASIK surgery is not for everyone, our doctors at Loden Vision may suggest another procedure like PRK. PRK offers results similar to LASIK, while reducing some of the risk for certain patients. If you are interested in LASIK surgery and want to know if you are a candidate, call one of our Loden Vision locations in Nashville, Tennessee. Book your consultation with our experts at Loden to explore your vision correction options!
