Is LASIK Right for Me? By David Gross on March 28, 2013

When patients undergo LASIK surgery, they often wonder why they waited so long to seek permanent correction of their refractive errors. Considering how quick the actual treatment is (less than five minutes per eye) and the minimal side effects that result from surgery, many find that the benefits of LASIK surgery outweigh the minor inconveniences that result from surgery. Indeed, patients that have relied on eyeglasses and contact lenses to compensate for their nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic vision can finally gain independence from such visual aids. With LASIK surgery, patients can achieve 20/20 vision at all distances. However, to achieve a successful outcome and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications, LASIK should only be performed on qualified candidates. At our Merrillville vision center, Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we screen potential LASIK patients to ensure that they can safely undergo treatment and achieve good results.

Basic Requirements for LASIK

The best way to find out if you are a suitable LASIK candidate is to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. That said, prospective patients could check to see if they meet the basic requirements for surgery. Our Merrillville LASIK patients should:

Be at least 18 years of age
Not be affected by age-related vision conditions such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration; these vision conditions are more common in patients over the age of 45
Have had the same vision prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism for at least two years
Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
Not have a history of dry eye
Not have a high degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism; our eye doctors will measure the degree of your refractive error to determine if it is within the prescribed limits for LASIK surgery
Have an adequate amount of corneal tissue
Have a healthy cornea and retina
Not suffer from glaucoma, cataracts, ocular herpes, eye inflammation, or an eye infection
Not have excessively large pupils; pupils that are bigger than 8.5 millimeters when dilated extend beyond the LASIK treatment zone, resulting in poor vision in low light conditions
Not have certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, auto-immune diseases, and collagen vascular diseases
Be willing to experience some side effects after surgery; common side effects include discomfort, sensitivity to light, the appearance of glare and halos around lights
Understand that there are some risks associated with LASIK surgery

LASIK Alternatives

Unfortunately, some patients that wish to undergo LASIK surgery are not good candidates for treatment. In these cases, our eye doctors will recommend alternative treatment options to improve vision. Depending on the patient’s unique vision needs, we may recommend:

Surface ablation surgery such as PRK
The placement of intraocular lenses or implantable contact lenses
Eyeglasses
Contact lenses

To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery, contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers today. Patients can schedule a LASIK screening appointment at our Merrillville or Hobart offices so our eye doctors can determine if LASIK if right for you. During your appointment, we will perform comprehensive testing and discuss your medical history to identify any problems that may preclude you from being a good LASIK candidate.