Are You Eligible for LASIK Eye Surgery?

When you have lived most of your young life and probably early adult life wearing glasses, the idea of a life without them feels almost impossible. LASIK allows patients with certain conditions to live without needing lenses. There is freedom when you transition from glasses to contacts. The feeling you get from not needing to rely on lenses anymore is incredible. 

LASIK procedures are mainly successful and with little chance for bad reactions. The surgery may have minor side effects, but they all subside in a few weeks. While the surgery is safe, not all adults are candidates for the procedure. You have to meet specific criteria to qualify for the surgery. 

So, what makes you eligible for LASIK eye surgery?
 

Are You Eligible?

Every doctor will look for specific markers to know if their patient is a candidate for the procedure. Here are some of the most critical factors that make you eligible.
 

You Have Good Eye Health

Before seeing an ophthalmologist for the procedure, you must see an optometrist. Optometrists are responsible for comprehensive eye exams, which are an excellent way to see if you qualify. A comprehensive eye exam will check your exact prescription for your error and eye health. 

If you have an eye condition like an infection or dry eyes, you must first treat it. Some conditions are easily treatable, but others are not. If you have a degenerative eye disease, you will not be encouraged to proceed with the procedure.
 

You Are in General Good Health

LASIK may be a quick procedure with little downtime, but it is still a surgery. Before you go for any surgery, you need to be in good body health. It is a requirement to ensure that your body can withstand the surgery's stress. LASIK involves making incisions in both eyes. If you are healthy, your body will fight off any infection that may try to develop. Also, your body will manage to heal well after the procedure. 
 

Here are some conditions that may hinder you from qualifying for the procedure:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic pain conditions like migraines or fibromyalgia
• Depression

You Should Be Over 25 Years

Clinically, you may become a candidate for the procedure when you turn 18. This age is crucial because it is when most people experience visual stability. Your eyes are no longer growing, so you can get a procedure, and the results will last. 

However, most ophthalmologists prefer to wait until you are in your mid-20s. Despite 18 being the clinical age, some people still experience changes in their vision into adulthood. The surgery will be more effective when your vision has completely stabilized. 

Your Lens Prescription Is Not Too High

LASIK works for all the known refractive errors—hyperopia, presbyopia, myopia, and astigmatism. It can correct a wide range of prescriptions, but it is limited in the changes it can offer. If your prescription is too high, LASIK may not work effectively. 

According to the FDA, LASIK is approved for prescriptions of +6.00 diopters of hyperopia, -12 for myopia, and 6.00 for astigmatism. Sometimes, your eye doctor may not recommend LASIK even within these measurements.
 

For more on whether you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery, visit Shepard Eye Center at our offices in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Solvang, or Orcutt, California. Call (805) 667-0100, (805) 793-1800, (805) 410-9998​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, or (805) 937-9532 to book an appointment today.