Candidate evaluation of LASIK

Candidates for LASIK or PRK should meet certain requirements, which are essential to get safe and desired outcome. There is online LASIK screening for a personalized evaluation. And such a screening involves several factors, e.g. age and overall health condition.

LASIK is suitable for patients with stable eyes and vision

First of all, LASIK candidates must be adults over 18 or 21. This restriction is quite reasonable, because younger patients are still undergoing visual development. Most people get a stabilized vision in their 20s. Before that, LASIK should never be applied. Actually, most surgeons suggest that LASIK candidates should have maintained stable vision for at least a year. The second point is usually imposed on patients who regularly wear prescription contact lenses. Placed over the eye on a daily basis, contact lenses will inevitably change the corneal surface slightly, making the cornea lose its natural shape. Such a condition excludes the feasibility of laser eye surgery, which typically reshapes the irregular cornea.

Extremely heavy myopia or hyperopia is beyond LASIK

What’s more, there are still limits on the prescription of the patient’s eyes. LASIK can not cure every high amounts of myopia. Most vision centers responsibly claim that LASIK procedure is most effective in correcting mild to moderate myopia and hyperopia. For individuals seriously nearsighted or farsighted, there are actually other surgical solutions or they should just use prescription eyewear and avoid potential risks. For example, implantable lenses suit high myopia correction.

Some diseases may dissuade LASIK candidates

Existing eye problems such as dry eye, conjunctivitis and eye injuries, as well as other conditions including cataracts and uncontrolled glaucoma may exclude patients from LASIK treatment. Degenerative or autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, type-one diabetes, HIV and AIDS may also disqualify patients from LASIK. These diseases are suspected to affect the patient’s healing abilities.

Pregnant ladies are not eligible

Pregnant women are also prohibited from receiving LASIK due to their hormonal changes in the body. The rise of fluid levels in them may change the shape of the cornea, which is probably to cause visual changes. Pregnant women are suggested to get LASIK after several months of the delivery. Other concerns include common dry eye in pregnant people and the risk of healing medications towards the baby.