Who Can Get LASIK?

Quite often people come into my office asking me if they are a candidate for LASIK surgery. There are a number of types of LASIK surgery, but  the procedures share many similarities. Though LASIK does not guarantee that a person will have perfect vision after, it greatly improves their ability to see without the aid of glasses or contacts. Some people are able to ditch these items entirely after the work is complete.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that nine out of ten patients achieve somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision upon completion of the surgery. While the treatment is highly effective, it cannot correct presbyopia, which is the age-related loss of focusing power for seeing near objects. This means that most people will need to rely on reading glasses as they age regardless.

Patients ask me if they would be a good candidate for this type of procedure. Following are some requirements that are necessary in order to undergo LASIK treatment:

Must be 18 years of age: People under the age of 18 are still experiencing changes to their vision, thus making it risky to perform the procedure.

Must not be pregnant: Pregnancy can change the measured refraction of the eye, thus making the treatment inaccurate.

The person’s prescription must be stable: In order to make sure that the treatment works, a person’s vision should be relatively stable. For some people, this does not happen until their mid to late twenties.

The individual must have good health overall: I typically do not recommend LASIK for those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, cataracts, disorders of the cornea, and retinal disease. I recommend a consultation with your doctor first.

Must not suffer from dry eye: Dry eye, whether caused by contacts, medications, or other issues, can negatively impact the effectiveness of the surgery. An individual must undergo a screening for dry eye before they have any kind of refractive surgery.

I also believe that personal expectations will play a part in one's overall satisfaction with their surgery. An individual who expects to enjoy perfect vision when the operation is over may be disappointed when their vision is drastically improved, but still not perfect. Setting realistic expectations and knowing the details about the surgery help to ensure that a person feels good about the work when it is complete.

Prior to getting LASIK surgery done, a prospective patient should have an honest conversation with the doctor who will perform the procedure. I believe that the patient has to really explain their goals, concerns, and their medical history. Giving the doctor the full picture of themselves and their health is the best way to ensure that they are able to perform an effective LASIK surgery.

Niki Silverstein is a well-respected ophthalmologist whose practice is Silverstein Eye, 408 Main Street in Chester, NJ. Dr. Silverstein is proud to supply her patients with state-of-the-art therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, as well as personal attention and care. For more information please call the office at 908-879-7297, visit www.silversteineye.com or visit us on Facebook at Silverstein Eye.