Am I a Candidate For LASIK In Elkridge and Columbia?

LASIK is one of the most advanced forms of vision correction treatment available today. The treatment involves a surgical procedure that helps to resolve refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At this point, it’s been successfully performed millions of times worldwide. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. You and youreye doctor in Elkridge and Columbia, MD, can determine if this is a good solution for your circumstances. In the meantime, read on to learn about who makes a good candidate for LASIK.

Stable Vision

One of the first considerations for LASIK candidacy is having stable vision. This means that your prescription has remained relatively unchanged for at least one year before considering surgery. One reason for this criterion is that fluctuating vision may indicate underlying issues that could affect the success of LASIK or require additional procedures in the future.

Healthy Eyes

Good eye health is essential for LASIK candidacy. Candidates should be free from eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and severe dry eye syndrome. The cornea should also be thick enough to undergo the procedure safely. Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination before deciding whether you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK.

Age

Candidates should be at least 18 to ensure their vision has stabilized. People over 40 should be aware that presbyopia, a natural age-related condition that affects near vision, may still occur after LASIK. Your eye doctor will discuss your age-related vision changes and their potential impact on your candidacy for LASIK.

Lifestyle

Optimal candidates for LASIK have generally healthy lifestyles without heavy smoking, drinking, or drug use. Ideally, the candidate should exercise at least moderately regularly. Finally, persons who engage in highly risky behavior, where there is a heightened risk of eye injury, may not be the best candidates for LASIK.

The Importance of Realistic Expectations

LASIK is not a miracle procedure. Sometimes people find that they still need a mild prescription for vision correction after the procedure. Candidates should also understand the potential risks and benefits of LASIK surgery and have reasonable expectations regarding the outcome.

If you want to considerLASIK in Elkridge and Columbia, MD, contact your eye doctor for a consultation. We look forward to seeing you soon!