Maple Eye and Laser Center
Who Benefits from Undergoing Laser Eye Surgery

Candidates for LASIK: Who Benefits from Undergoing Laser Eye Surgery

girl with good eyesight
Our surgeons have helped countless patients in and around White Plains, Westchester and Manhattan with advanced laser vision correction. LASIK reshapes the corneas and eliminates the need for glasses or contacts. There are a number of things required to qualify for LASIK, which we'd like to go over in basic terms right now. A full consultation will be required to determine if LASIK is right for you.

LASIK Is for Treating Refractive Errors

First and foremost, the ideal candidates for LASIK are people who have blurry or unclear vision as a result of refractive errors, which mean light is not properly focused as it passes through the eyes. Refractive errors include the following:
  • Myopia (Nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
LASIK can also be used to treat presbyopia, an age-related form of farsightedness related to hardened lenses. Presbyopia can be treated with monovision LASIK, which involves correcting one eye for near vision and another eye for distance vision.

Patients Need to Be at Least 18 Years Old

LASIK patients need to be at least 18 years old or older. This ensures that the patient's eyes have stopped changing with maturation and the LASIK surgery achieves optimal revision of the corneal contour without need for further revision.

Stable Prescription for at Least a Year

A stable prescription is crucial as well since this ensures that no drastic or further changes will affect the shape of the corneas before LASIK is performed.

Free from Eye Injury/Infection for at Least a Year

As with a stable prescription, the eyes should be free from injury or infection for at least a year since these can affect the health and contour of the corneas and/or affect your vision.

Proper Corneal Thickness Is Essential

LASIK requires the creation of a flap in the topmost part of the cornea. In order to create this, patients need to have regular corneal shape and thickness. If patients have thin corneas, an alternative treatment will need to be considered.

Patients Should NOT Be Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can result in changes to a woman's vision. In addition, medicated and anesthetic eyedrops are taken as part of the LASIK procedure, which may affect a developing fetus or a child who is ingesting a woman's breast milk. For optimal result and overall safety, it's best to avoid LASIK until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Patients Should NOT Have Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common side effect of LASIK surgery. If a patient already experiences dry eye, the LASIK procedure may make matters even worse. To avoid additional irritation and discomfort, people with dry eye will not be able to undergo laser vision correction.

Realistic Expectations About the LASIK Procedure and Results

As with any surgery, it's important for patients to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved through LASIK. While 20/20 vision is not a guarantee, patients will notice a significant improvement to their overall vision quality and will be able to see clearly without the aid of corrective lenses.

Schedule a Consultation at Maple Eye and Laser Center

For additional information about LASIK and why it may be the right treatment option for you to consider, we encourage you to contact our vision correction and eye care center today. The team at Maple Eye and Laser Center looks forward to your visit and helping you see clearly.