LASIK is a life-changing procedure for many, offering freedom from glasses and contacts. But is it the right choice for everyone?
Several factors determine LASIK candidacy. Understanding these details is crucial for anyone considering this vision correction procedure.
Let’s investigate these requirements and explore alternatives if LASIK isn’t a good fit.
8 Requirements To Be A Good LASIK Candidate
LASIK is a fantastic option for many people, but not everyone can be a good candidate for the procedure. Here are some key factors that determine whether LASIK can be a good option for you:
- Age. You must be at least 18 to be eligible for the procedure. Most doctors recommend waiting until mid-20s, but you can’t be “too old” for LASIK.
- Stable vision. Your prescription should be the same for at least a year. Fluctuating vision makes it impossible to know what to correct with LASIK.
- Prescription. Generally, you should be within -12.00 diopters for nearsightedness, +6.00 diopters for farsightedness, and 6.00 diopters for astigmatism.
- Cornea thickness. Your cornea needs to be thick enough for the procedure. If it’s too thin, LASIK may hurt your eyes and worsen your vision.
- Eye health. Your eyes need to be in good condition, so you shouldn’t get LASIK if you have severe dry eye, cataracts, or glaucoma.
- Overall health. Certain health conditions like diabetes can affect your eyes and impede recovery.
- Pupil size. Large pupils may increase the risk of side effects.
- Pregnancy and nursing. The hormonal changes during this period can affect your eye shape and healing.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about LASIK. Although it’s an amazing procedure with a high success rate, you have to understand its limitations.
Limitations and Side Effects of LASIK
You should understand that the corneal changes from LASIK are permanent and can’t be undone. Some people may need a follow-up procedure, especially those with higher prescriptions. You may even still need a small prescription after the procedure.
Other possible side effects include:
- Dry eyes
- Halos
- Glares
- Other visual disturbances in low-light situations
Fortunately, these side effects typically subside within a few months after the procedure.
Flap complications are also a possibility, although it’s rare. This requires immediate attention, so schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Other side effects include:
- Overcorrection and undercorrection
- Corneal ectasia
- Vision regression
- Scratchy eye sensation
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- Infection
The LASIK Procedure
Before the procedure, the surgeon will give you numbing eye drops and maybe a sedative to help you relax. They’ll also clean around your eye carefully before starting the procedure.
During the procedure, the surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The flap is then lifted to expose the inner layers of the cornea.
An excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. This process corrects refractive errors, and the laser is programmed based on your specific prescription.
Once the procedure is complete, the flap is laid back into place. Because the flap adheres naturally, there’s no need for stitches.
What Should You Do After the Procedure?
Make sure you have someone to take you home after the procedure. You should also check your vision for fogginess, scratchiness, and light sensitivity. These are normal.
Once you get home, it’s important to rest for at least 2 to 4 hours. Take a nap to prevent blinking and use prescription eye drops or artificial tears. This helps reduce dryness, prevent infection, and promote healing.
Here are other things to avoid while you’re healing:
- Rubbing your eyes for at least a month after surgery
- Getting water, soap, or shampoo in your eyes for the first week
- Swimming and other water activities for 2 weeks
- Wearing makeup for one week
- Dusty environments
Although you’ll start to notice visual improvements immediately, it will take several months for your eyes to fully stabilize. However, you can return to work a few days after the surgery if your doctor approves.
When you go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light. Lastly, you should attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Alternative Vision Correction Options
Don’t worry too much if you’re not a good candidate for LASIK. There are many alternatives available to correct your vision, including
- Glasses & contact lenses. The most common option for vision correction. Uses different lenses to address specific refractive errors and eye problems.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). A good option for thin corneas because it doesn’t require a flap. However, the healing time is typically longer.
- Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). A newer laser type. Removes a tiny disc of tissue inside the cornea, creating a smaller incision. Potentially fewer dry eye issues post-op.
- Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). Uses a special microkeratome device that exposes the cornea to an alcohol solution.
- Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). Replace your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct eye problems.
LASIK is a highly successful and effective procedure, but not everyone can be a good candidate. Talk to your doctor about LASIK to see if you’re eligible for the procedure. You can also discuss alternatives if it isn’t right for you.
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