Many people with eyesight problems often choose LASIK as an alternative to corrective eyewear. It is one of the most popular laser vision correction options for people with refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. 

LASIK uses laser technology to reshape the cornea to correct these vision problems. It offers many people a chance to stop wearing eyeglasses or contacts. However, it is best to understand that it carries some risks, like any surgery. You should ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure by consulting your eye doctor. 

How to Determine Whether LASIK Is Right for You

Most people who undergo this treatment achieve 20/20 vision or more, giving it an excellent track record. Complications are rare, and the side effects are mild and usually clear up with time. 

However, LASIK eye surgery is not ideal for everyone. You may have a condition that would disqualify you from the treatment. Examples include diabetes, glaucoma, and autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes. If you are considering getting LASIK vision correction surgery, you must meet the following criteria to be a good candidate. 

You Are Over 18 Years Old

LASIK surgery results are permanent. However, your eye can change throughout your life. Vision can change dramatically during adolescence, making LASIK results unpredictable or temporary. That is why eye doctors recommend this treatment for those over 18 years. 

Your Vision Is Stable

You may not be a good candidate for surgery if your eyeglass or contact lens prescription frequently fluctuates. Most eye surgeons prefer patients to have a stable prescription for at least a year.

Some reasons why prescriptions fluctuate include diabetic blood glucose changes, contact lens wear, and aging. Since LASIK is a permanent procedure, ensuring your prescription is stable before surgery makes sense. 

You Are Not Pregnant or Nursing

Eye doctors do not recommend having LASIK during or just after pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations just before and after pregnancy can cause changes to your prescription. Your myopia may worsen, or you may develop some astigmatism during this period.

Hormone changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to dry eyes. These changes could delay healing and make your eyes uncomfortable.

You Are Not Taking Prescription Drugs

Certain prescription medications can interfere with surgery results. For example, acne medications can cause dry eyes, increasing the risk of corneal scarring after LASIK surgery. Some steroids may decrease best-corrected vision and delay healing. It is best to inform your eye surgeon if you take any prescription drugs. He/she will determine whether they are acceptable. 

You Have Realistic Expectations

While most LASIK patients enjoy excellent outcomes, you should not go in expecting to achieve perfect vision. Every patient is different, and you may need corrective eyewear for at least some activities, such as driving at night. Having realistic expectations will spare you from too much disappointment if things do not go as expected. 

Conclusion

LASIK is an effective and quick treatment for several vision issues. However, not everyone is eligible. So, it is best to consult a specialist who understands the procedure to determine whether it is right for you. 

For more on LASIK, visit Reeve Woods Eye Center at our Chico, California office. Call (530) 317-EYES to schedule an appointment today.