Who is Suitable for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Most people who wear glasses or contact lenses have also heard of LASIK. LASIK is the most popular elective surgical procedure in the world, with countless procedures performed in the United States every single year.

LASIK is designed to correct refractive eye errors that cause patients to need to wear glasses or contacts, and it does so using cutting-edge laser technology. First, a special handheld tool called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap in the outer corneal tissue covering the eye. After this flap is opened, advanced laser technology is used to reshape the underlying cornea so that light is refracted correctly onto the retina at the back of the eye. This reshaping is performed with enhanced accuracy and precision, based on the individual needs of each patient.

Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is manually placed back over the cornea and left to heal naturally over the coming days. No sutures are required, and within a week, your eyes should feel completely normal, and your vision significantly improved. It really is that simple.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

LASIK laser eye surgery is a very effective technique for correcting the vision in the majority of patients with refractive eye errors. This includes myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. However, before you can go ahead with the treatment, you’ll first need to have your candidacy assessed by your LASIK provider. This will involve evaluating your vision, the extent of your refractive eye error, and assessing the general health and condition of your eyes to ensure that there are no issues that would increase the risks associated with the procedure.

In most instances, patients who are considered to be suitable for LASIK laser vision correction:

• Are at least 18 years of age
  
  
  

• Have had stable vision with no changes to their prescription for at least 24 months
  
  
  

• Have a prescription for glasses or contact lenses that falls within the specific parameters required for LASIK and which will be explained by your LASIK surgeon
  
  
  

• Have no prior history of corneal diseases
  
  
  

• Have no diagnoses of eye health problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma
  
  
  

• Have no current eye infections or similar issues
  
  
  

• Do not suffer from moderate to severe dry eyes
  
  
  

• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
  
  
  

• Are dissatisfied with wearing glasses or contact lenses and would like more visual freedom
  
  
  

• Understand that if their vision changes significantly or in certain conditions such as driving at night, they may require the use of prescription eyewear now or in the future
  
  
  

• Understand that presbyopia, which is an age-related visual condition, can still affect their vision and this could necessitate them needing reading glasses as they get older

While most patients find that they can see clearly without using any prescription lenses after LASIK, this isn’t something that can be guaranteed, and their LASIK surgeon will explain the importance of having realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure.

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery and would like more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our expert LASIK team today at Maple Eye and Laser Center by calling 914-948-5157.