Can Anyone Have LASIK Eye Surgery?

Can everyone who has a problem with their eyesight apply to have LASIK? Clearly LASIK has got great potential and benefits but just like with any new procedure there are risks associated.

The risk of complications or impaired eyesight after LASIK vision correction can be greatly reduced if you make an effort to establish if you are a good prospect to have LASIK surgery. Not everyone who wants their vision corrected is necessarily a good candidate to have LASIK surgery. Here are a few things to consider before you decide on LASIK:

• If you are risk averse, you probably shouldn't have LASIK laser surgery. There are possible complications that can come about as a result of LASIK that you should consider before having the procedure done.

• Does your insurance cover LASIK vision correction? How would LASIK laser surgery or possible complications affect your career? If having this procedure would impact your life negatively you might consider another alternative.

• Although the cost of having LASIK done is getting cheaper, it is still quite expensive and you'll want to make sure it isn't prohibited by your employer.

• A requirement for LASIK vision correction is that you must be an adult with refractive stability. Refractive instability is common among patients who are 20 or younger with fluctuating hormones. This is caused by several conditions including diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding or taking medications that cause fluctuation in vision.

• People who regularly engage in contact sports or suffer from a condition or disease which may affect the healing of a wound might have to consider an alternative to the LASIK vision correction surgery.

There are a number of other situations one should discuss with your doctor prior to deciding on LASIK laser surgery. If you suffer from conditions such as herpes or shingles that affects the area around the eyes, you should disclose that information. Also, any other conditions, including glaucoma, ocular hypertension, eye diseases, eye injuries, previous eye surgeries, or keratoconus should also be discussed

Please ask your doctor to screen you for the following conditions prior to LASIK eye surgery:

• Blepharitis
• Large pupils
• Thin corneas
• Previous refractive surgeries
• Dry eyes

Only once you have considered and cleared all of the above conditions or discussed them with a LASIK surgeon, can you determine if you are an excellent candidate for LASIK laser surgery by: L Jimmy Roos