Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK Surgery in Wilmington?
If you want to see clearly without the aid of corrective lenses, one of the best options out there is LASIK. This is one of the most popular eye surgeries in the world, and millions have benefited from it already.
When you stop by our laser vision correction center for a consultation, we'll be able to tell you if LASIK is right for you and your needs. Let's look at some the basics surrounding candidacy right now.
About LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is a refractive procedure that uses lasers to reshape the overall contour of the cornea. By doing this, light will properly focus on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eyes.
Vision Problems That LASIK Can Address
LASIK is ideal for dealing with refractive errors, which means issues with corneal contour that affect received light. You may know refractive errors better by the following names:
- Nearsightedness (Myopoia) - Nearsightedness is a case in which it is easier to see nearby objects clearly while objects at a distance may be blurry or indistinct.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia) - Farsightedness is a case in which it is easier to see objects at a distance clearly while objects that are nearby may be blurry or indistinct.
- Astigmatism - Astigmatism refers to a general blurring of vision that occurs due to uneven corneal shape. It generally accompanies both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
General Candidacy for LASIK Surgery
Ideal candidates for LASIK surgery are:
- At least 18 years old
- In generally good health
- Have normal corneas
- Have had a stable prescription for a year
- Have not suffered from eye infections or injuries in a year
- Have realistic expectations about surgery
Poor Candidates for LASIK Surgery
In general, ophthalmologists find that the following people make poor candidates for LASIK surgery:
- Minors
- Pregnant/nursing women
- People with dry eye syndrome
- People with thin corneas
- People with unstable glasses prescriptions
- People who have suffered from eye injury or infection recently
- People with autoimmune disorders
Candidacy for LASIK at a Later Time
In some cases, it is possible for a person to become a good candidate for LASIK at a later time. If a woman is pregnant or nursing, she can undergo LASIK roughly three months following pregnancy or after nursing is completed (assuming she meets other qualifications). Minors can similarly undergo LASIK later in life, and people with unstable prescriptions can undergo LASIK once their vision stabilizes.
People with dry eye and autoimmune disorders will not be good candidates for LASIK at any time given the nature of their condition. In those cases, alternative therapies will need to be considered.
Alternatives to LASIK
There are many surgical and non-surgical alternatives to LASIK surgery to consider. In some cases, a refractive surgery such as PRK or LASEK may be ideal for people with thin or oddly shaped corneas. For others, the reliance on corrective lenses may be most ideal. We can go over all these in greater detail when you stop by for a visit.
Learn More About Laser Vision Correction
If you would like to learn more about LASIK and your many other options for advanced vision correction, be sure to contact our Wilmington, Delaware laser eye surgery center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible eye health and wellness.
