Understanding Candidacy and Other Considerations for LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery which was invented by Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris in Greece in 1981, is a popular procedure for correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a safe and effective procedure that can give you the freedom to see clearly without glasses or contacts.

If you are considering LASIK surgery, it is important to understand who can undergo the procedure and what other considerations you need to take into account.

Who Can Undergo LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is not suitable for everyone. There are a number of factors that can make you ineligible for LASIK surgery, including:

• Age: LASIK surgery is typically performed on adults who are at least 18 years old.
• Eye health: You must have healthy eyes in order to undergo LASIK surgery. If you have any eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eyes, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
• Other medical conditions: If you have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need to be cleared by your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.

Who is not suitable for laser eye surgery?

LASIK surgery is not suitable for everyone. Some people who may not be good candidates for LASIK surgery include:

• People who are under the age of 18
• People with certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eyes
• People with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People who have unrealistic expectations about the results of LASIK surgery
• People with very high prescriptions
• People with irregular corneas
• People who have had previous eye surgery

In general, LASIK surgery is not recommended for people over the age of 70. This is because the cornea tends to become thinner as people age, and LASIK surgery can make the cornea even thinner. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule, so it is important to talk to your doctor about whether LASIK surgery is right for you.

Other Considerations for LASIK Surgery

In addition to the eligibility requirements, there are a number of other considerations you need to take into account before undergoing LASIK surgery. These include:

• Cost: LASIK surgery can be expensive. The cost of LASIK surgery varies depending on the surgeon and the location of the surgery.
• Recovery time: LASIK surgery typically has a short recovery time. However, you may experience some discomfort and blurred vision for a few days after the surgery.
• Risks and complications: LASIK surgery is a safe procedure, but there are some risks and complications associated with it. These include dry eyes, night vision problems, and halos and glare.

Are There Alternatives to LASIK?

There are a number of other types of laser eye surgery available, including:

• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
• LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy)
• SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction)

The best type of laser eye surgery for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to talk to your doctor about your options and choose the procedure that is right for you.

Conclusion

LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can give you the freedom to see clearly without glasses or contacts. However, it is important to understand who can undergo LASIK surgery and what other considerations you need to take into account before making a decision.