Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK? Criteria and Considerations

LASIK is one of the most popular and effective procedures for correcting common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While LASIK offers freedom from glasses or contact lenses for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding the criteria for a good LASIK candidate can help you determine if this life-changing procedure is right for you.
 

Key Criteria for LASIK Candidates

• Stable Vision Prescription: Your prescription should have remained stable for at least one year. Significant changes in your vision might indicate an underlying condition, which needs to be addressed before LASIK.

• Age Requirements: LASIK is approved for individuals aged 18 and older. However, most eye surgeons recommend waiting until your mid-20s when your vision is more likely to have stabilized.

• Healthy Eyes: Conditions like dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or active eye infections may disqualify you from being a LASIK candidate. Your eyes need to be in good health to ensure proper healing and long-term results.

• Adequate Corneal Thickness: LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. If your corneas are too thin or irregular, alternative procedures like PRK or SMILE may be more suitable.

• Realistic Expectations: While LASIK can significantly improve your vision, it doesn’t guarantee perfect eyesight or eliminate the need for glasses in every scenario, particularly for reading as you age.
   

Considerations That May Affect Candidacy

• Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect your vision and healing process, making it advisable to wait until these stages are complete.

• Certain Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or a history of keloid scarring can impact healing and may make LASIK less suitable.

• High or Unusual Prescriptions: Extremely high prescriptions may be beyond the scope of LASIK. Your surgeon will assess whether the procedure can safely correct your vision.

• Lifestyle Factors: If your profession or hobbies involve high-risk physical activities, you might need to discuss potential risks of corneal trauma with your surgeon.
   

Next Steps: Is LASIK Right for You?

The best way to determine your eligibility for LASIK is through a comprehensive consultation with an eye care professional. At Eye Co., we use advanced diagnostic technology to assess your vision, eye health, and overall suitability for LASIK. We will guide you through the process, answering your questions and ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
 

Schedule Your Consultation Today

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for many people seeking clearer vision. By meeting the candidacy criteria and discussing your goals with a qualified eye care provider, you can take the first step toward visual freedom. 
 

Contact Eye Co. to schedule your LASIK consultation and see if this revolutionary treatment is right for you! Visit our office in Columbus, Ohio, or call (234) O-H-Eye-Co to book an appointment today.