Want clearer vision without glasses or contacts? Houston LASIK surgery might be the first thing that comes to mind. It’s popular for a reason – it works wonders for many people! But what if you’re told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK?
Many people aren’t suitable for LASIK, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here in Houston, we have a wide range of vision correction procedures to help you see your best. Keep reading to learn about your options, and when you’re ready, contact our team at Mattioli Vision Professionals to schedule a consultation. We’ll help find the best vision correction solution for you.
What Might Disqualify Me for LASIK?
Here are some of the most common reasons why someone might not be the perfect fit for Houston LASIK surgery.
- Thin Corneas: LASIK involves reshaping your cornea (the front part of your eye). If your cornea is too thin, LASIK might not be safe.
- Dry Eyes: If your eyes are chronically dry, LASIK can sometimes make it worse.
- Eye Conditions: Certain conditions like keratoconus (where the cornea bulges outward) or severe nearsightedness can rule out LASIK.
- Unstable Vision: If your prescription keeps changing, you’ll need to wait until it stabilizes.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can affect your ability to heal properly after LASIK.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of complications.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your vision, so it’s best to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Age: LASIK is generally not recommended for people under 18, as their vision is still changing.
What Are My Options if I Can’t Get LASIK?
Didn’t qualify for LASIK? You have other excellent vision correction options to achieve clearer vision.
Implantable Lenses (ICLs)
For those with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas, ICLs might be the answer. These tiny lenses are implanted inside your eye, in front of your natural lens. They work with your eye’s natural focusing power to correct your vision. It’s a bit more involved than LASIK but can be a fantastic long-term solution.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Think of PRK as LASIK’s close cousin. It’s been around longer and is very effective. Instead of creating a flap in the cornea like LASIK, the surgeon removes the very thin outer layer. PRK is a great option if you have thin corneas or are at higher risk for eye injuries (like athletes). The recovery might take a bit longer than LASIK, but the results are excellent.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is the new kid on the block and is known for being super precise and minimally invasive. A tiny incision is made in the cornea, and a small piece of corneal tissue is removed. SMILE is often preferred for people with dry eyes or those who play contact sports.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
This procedure is similar to cataract surgery. Your natural lens is replaced with an artificial one that corrects your vision. RLE is often a good choice for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or very high prescriptions that can’t be corrected with other methods.
Don’t Let LASIK Disqualification Discourage You
Even if you’re not a candidate for Houston LASIK, there’s no need to give up on your dream of clear vision. Many paths can lead you to a life free from glasses or contacts. Take the next step and schedule a consultation at Mattioli Vision Professionals today!
