Are you considering LASIK eye surgery in Houston?
If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people have undergone the procedure and benefited from its results. While it is a very common and safe procedure, it is not the ideal vision correction choice for everyone. So, who is a candidate for LASIK surgery? Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
What Is LASIK?
LASIK, which is short for laser in situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to correct vision problems. The laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This results in improved vision.
What Factors Determine Whether I’m a Candidate for LASIK?
There are a few factors that determine whether you’re a candidate for Houston LASIK surgery. These factors include:
Age
There is no exact age limit for LASIK surgery. However, the procedure is not recommended for people under the age of 18. It is best to wait until the eyes have fully matured.
Stable Vision
LASIK is not recommended for people who have unstable vision. It is recommended that your vision be stable for at least one year before you undergo the surgery.
Expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations about what Houston LASIK surgery can do for you. The surgery can improve your vision, but it may not correct all of your vision problems or be the ideal solution for your specific needs. It is important to talk to your doctor about your expectations so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo the surgery.
General Health
LASIK is a safe procedure, but some health conditions can increase the risk of complications. These conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
Your doctor will need to evaluate your overall health before determining whether you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery.
Corneal shape and thickness
Another factor that determines whether you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery is the shape and thickness of your cornea. The laser needs to be able to reshape the cornea to improve your vision. Not everyone is a candidate for Houston LASIK because not everyone has a cornea that is thick enough or shaped the right way.
Eye Health
Your eye health is also a factor in determining whether you’re a candidate for LASIK. Some conditions that can disqualify you from the surgery include:
- Corneal scars
- Pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye)
- Glaucoma
- Keratoconus
Your doctor will need to do a thorough evaluation of your eyes before determining if you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is also a factor that can disqualify you from LASIK surgery. During pregnancy, the shape of the cornea can change, so it is best to wait until after you have given birth to undergo the procedure.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, the best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to talk to an experienced Houston LASIK surgeon. He or she will do a thorough evaluation of your eyes and health to determine whether the surgery is right for you.
Berkeley Eye Center offers a complimentary LASIK consultation to help determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Only through a thorough examination are our surgeons able to determine what vision correction option is right for you.
The pre-operative evaluation involves a series of diagnostic testing to determine not only the stability of your vision but the health of the eye. After a thorough evaluation of your eyes, our team will sit with you to discuss your eligibility and laser vision correction options.
Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK
How long does LASIK last for?
It is a common misconception that LASIK can wear off. LASIK is a permanent procedure. However, this does not prevent the normal changes to your vision that come with aging.
Is LASIK painful?
LASIK itself is a painless procedure since oral and topical anesthetic medication is administered to make you feel comfortable. Some people experience some discomfort in the hours following surgery, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
Patients can expect to be at Berkeley Eye Center’s Surgery Center for approximately two hours. You will be in the surgery suite with the doctor for about 15 to 20 minutes, and the actual laser treatment time is about one minute per eye.
What If I’m Not a Candidate for LASIK?
At Berkeley Eye Center, we must turn down a portion of candidates who do not meet our criteria, because of these physical or medical factors. However, if it is determined that LASIK is not right for your eyes, our surgeons are highly skilled in providing alternative vision correction options such as PRK or EVO ICL. If our surgeons do not think LASIK is the right solution for your specific circumstance, they will determine what, if any, is the best treatment for your vision needs. If you are ready to learn how laser vision correction can enhance your life, simply call (713) 526-3937 or click here to schedule a free consultation.