Who is a Candidate for LASIK?

When it comes to vision correction, one of the most innovative and effective solutions is LASIK. This procedure has been a game changer, enabling millions of people worldwide to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

What is LASIK and How Does it Work?

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve vision. The procedure uses a specialized laser to precisely remove a very thin layer of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea and changing its focusing power.

In most cases, LASIK is performed on both eyes, and the procedure typically takes about 10 minutes per eye. It's performed while the patient is awake, but numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort. The surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, lifts it, and then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.

After LASIK, the reshaped cornea refracts light more accurately onto the retina at the back of the eye. The result is clearer, sharper vision without the need for corrective lenses.

What are the Benefits of LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improved vision. For one, the procedure is quick and virtually painless, with most patients reporting only slight discomfort. The recovery time is also minimal. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision after surgery, and most achieve 20/20 vision or better within 24 hours.

LASIK can also correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This means that even if you've been dependent on glasses or contacts for years, LASIK may offer a viable solution.

Another advantage of LASIK is its long-lasting results. While glasses and contact lenses require regular updates and replacements, LASIK offers a more permanent solution to vision problems. Once your eyes have healed from the surgery, you can expect your clear vision to last, barring any normal age-related changes.

Criteria for LASIK Candidacy

While LASIK offers numerous benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. Several factors determine whether a person is a good candidate for LASIK. To start, candidates should be at least 18 years old, and their vision prescription should have been stable for at least a year. This is because the eyes continue to develop and change throughout adolescence and early adulthood.

Additionally, candidates for LASIK should have a healthy, thick cornea. Since the procedure involves reshaping the cornea, it's important that there's enough corneal tissue to remove. Those with thin or irregularly shaped corneas may not be suitable candidates.

Candidates should also be in good general health. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications can affect healing and may make LASIK a less suitable option. Pregnant or nursing women are also generally advised to wait until their hormone levels return to normal before considering LASIK.

Common Misconceptions About LASIK Candidacy

Despite the clear criteria for LASIK candidacy, there are many misconceptions about who can and cannot benefit from this procedure.

One common misconception is that people over the age of 40 cannot have LASIK. While it's true that age can affect the eyes, there is no upper age limit for LASIK. Older adults may still benefit from the procedure, although they may also need reading glasses due to presbyopia, an age-related condition that affects near vision.

Another misconception is that LASIK can't correct astigmatism. However, this is not true. LASIK is actually a very effective treatment for astigmatism, and most patients with this condition can achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery.

Finally, some people believe that if they've been told they're not a candidate for LASIK in the past, that's still the case. However, LASIK technology has advanced significantly over the years, and many people who were previously ineligible may now qualify for the procedure.

Is LASIK Right for You?

LASIK is an innovative and effective solution for many people with vision problems. It offers numerous benefits, including quick recovery, wide correction range, and long-lasting results. However, it's not for everyone. A thorough evaluation with an experienced eye doctor is necessary to determine if you're a good candidate for LASIK. Don't let misconceptions deter you from exploring this potentially life-changing procedure.

If you're interested in LASIK, schedule a consultation with our doctor at The Optical Centre in our Longmont, Colorado office. Call (303) 772-6650 to book an appointment today.