Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism affect millions of people worldwide. Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye does not let light focus on the retina directly.
These errors can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Another treatment option for refractive errors is surgery. Refractive surgery reduces or even eliminates the need for contacts or prescription glasses.
The most popular refractive procedure available is LASIK. Though LASIK is immensely popular, it’s not right for everyone. Keep reading to learn if you could be a good LASIK candidate!
Who Should Get LASIK?
Before getting LASIK, you will need to have a LASIK consultation. During this consultation, your ophthalmologist will determine if you’re a good LASIK candidate. Factors taken into account for LASIK candidacy include the following:
- You’re at least 18 years of age
- Your eyes are in good health and you don’t have any diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus
- You would like to stop wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses
- Your corneal thickness is at least 0.5mm and it’s safe enough to have LASIK performed on
- Your prescription is stable and has not changed in at least a year
Your ophthalmologist will also need your full medical history. It’s advisable to inform the doctor if you’re on any medication as that may affect the surgery and your recovery.
Your expectations also matter as different refractive errors can only be improved to a certain extent with LASIK. Your doctor should discuss this with you during your consultation.
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Most people are good candidates for LASIK, but not all. In particular, you should not get LASIK if you are pregnant.
You also shouldn’t get LASIK if you are currently nursing. During pregnancy, the body goes through many hormonal changes.
This can cause changes to your eyes, among many other things. While nursing or breastfeeding, new mothers are encouraged to wait at least three months before getting LASIK.
It takes several months for your eyes to stabilize after pregnancy. The eye drops taken to prevent infection and inflammation after LASIK can be transmitted through breastmilk.
This can be potentially harmful to a newborn who is being breastfed.
Other people who shouldn’t get LASIK are those who have autoimmune conditions. This includes conditions like HIV, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
These conditions can affect how your body recovers after having LASIK.
What Can You Do to Prepare for LASIK?
If you wear contacts, it’s important to stop wearing them before you have LASIK. Wearing contacts temporarily changes the shape of your cornea.
This is why you need to stop wearing contacts about two weeks before LASIK. It allows your cornea time to get back to its original shape. For the most accurate results during LASIK, this is key!
Your ophthalmologist will let you know how long you need to stop wearing contacts before LASIK.
Wondering if you could be right for a life-changing procedure like LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Herschel LASIK and Cataract Institute in Orlando, FL now!
