When dealing with vision correction, there are a number of routes that you can take. Among contacts, glasses, and even implantable lenses, there is an option available to patients that would bar the need for all of these choices: the LASIK procedure. When deciding if laser eye surgery is right for you, your doctor will not only take into consideration your eye prescription, but your overall eye health. Read on to better understand what LASIK is and how you may qualify as a LASIK candidate.
Qualifying For LASIK
Those who qualify for LASIK are free to ditch their contact lenses in favor of unimpeded sight. There are some factors for your optometrist to consider before a LASIK recommendation can be made. To qualify for LASIK, the most important thing is your overall eye health. While your vision may be blurry, your eyes can still be healthy. This procedure is perfect for those with healthy eyes who just need that extra help to achieve 20/20 vision.
Here are some of the qualifying factors:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be free of eye disease, such as glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus, and certain types of herpes
- Must have reliable vision for a year prior to the procedure (this can be in the form of glasses or contact lenses)
- Must have proper corneal thickness
You may not qualify for laser vision correction if you:
- Have past eye problems such as strabismus, amblyopia, and any other condition that might affect the healing process.
- Have a dry eye condition
- Have any previous eye injuries
- Have any diseases requiring medication that contradicts refractive surgery, such as collagen vascular disease
- Are nursing or pregnant, as certain hormones can affect one’s eyesight
A good LASIK candidate is someone who is free of eye disease and ready for clear vision without corrective lenses. However, for those with autoimmune diseases, LASIK may still be an option. Another factor which will be taken into consideration is if you wear contact lenses, as they can affect the thickness of your corneas. Your doctor may ask you to stop wearing contacts for a certain period of time. This amount of time varies from person to person.
As always, it is best to confirm with your doctor if you are a good candidate for LASIK, as they will be able to take into consideration several factors. There is no need to worry, as your doctor will perform a full evaluation before a patient is greenlit to undergo LASIK.
Choosing a LASIK Surgeon in Houston
Finding a trusted doctor to not only perform your eye exams but surgical procedures can be a daunting task. At Mattioli Vision Professionals, we’ve got your back. Dr. Mattioli has performed over 50,000 LASIK eye procedures and is one of the most trusted LASIK surgeons in Houston. As a highly experienced professional, you can count on Dr. Mattioli and staff to give their best service and care.
