Are you annoyed with wearing glasses or contact lenses? Have you been suffering from dry eyes because of your contacts?
Do you think about what life would be like without your glasses or contact lenses? Glasses and contacts are great for improving your vision, but daily use can be inconvenient!
If you have been thinking about these things, it is time to see if you are a candidate for LASIK. No, not everyone can undergo LASIK. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK candidacy!
Why Do I Need To Be A Candidate For LASIK?
Learning if you are a candidate for LASIK is important, because LASIK is an elective surgery. This means that it’s not considered medically necessary for your well-being and health.
If you have interest in LASIK, you need to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure. The only way to find out if you’re a LASIK candidate is through a LASIK consultation.
At your consultation, you’ll undergo several tests. Based on these tests, Dr. Balin will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Not everyone who wants LASIK should have the procedure. About 15% – 20% of patients are ineligible for procedures like LASIK. For those who are ineligible, other vision correction procedures may be a great option, Dr. Balin can discuss with you during your evaluation.
Your Prescription Is In the Range For LASIK
One thing that’s key for LASIK candidacy is your prescription. Specifically, is your prescription in the right range for LASIK?
If your prescription is too strong, or too weak, you shouldn’t get LASIK. Dr. Balin will determine if you are a candidate for an alternative procedure.
Eye Health and Eye Maturity
You need to be 18 or older and have stable vision for two years before considering LASIK. If your eyes are still changing, you should wait to get LASIK.
It is important that patients have healthy eyes. This means that they need to be free of diseases, infections, and injuries. This is important to ensure that your eyes heal effectively after the LASIK procedure.
Good Health
There are specific conditions and medications that can make the healing process more difficult following LASIK.
It is important to share your entire medical history with Dr. Balin at your consultation.
Are Your Corneas Thick Enough?
LASIK corrects your vision by reshaping the cornea to allow light rays to focus correctly on the retina to produce clear vision. The cornea is reshaped by removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue. Patients who have thinner corneas may not have enough corneal tissue to be good LASIK candidates. Dr. Balin will measure the thickness of your cornea at your LASIK consultation.
Accurate Expectations
It is important to understand the limitations of LASIK. This ensures you’re satisfied with the results of your procedure! Your LASIK consultation is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
Dr. Balin will discuss what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure if you are a candidate.
Ready to see if you could be a LASIK candidate? Contact Balin Eye & Laser Center to schedule your LASIK consultation at 413-584-6666!
