What Makes Someone a Good Laser Eye Surgery Candidate?

Are You a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Here are some preliminary screening factors that you will want to consider.  But, the only true way to know if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery is to schedule a free consultation with our experienced team of specialists. But to get you started, read on for some basic considerations you’ll need to know.

Will Eye Health and Prescription Affect My Candidacy?

First, eye health and your vision prescription are important. You might be a good laser eye surgery candidate if:

• Your eyes are healthy but you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
• Your prescription for glasses or contact lenses has not changed significantly for at least one year.
• Your general eye health is good and you do not have any condition that could have a negative impact on the surgery or healing process, such as eye infections, dry eyes, lazy eye, or other active eye diseases.
• Individual eye characteristics, such as dry eyes or the thickness of your cornea may also impact your laser eye surgery procedure options.

Does Age and General Health Affect Being a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

To be a candidate for laser eye surgery, you must be at least 18 years old. You must also be in good overall health. Medical conditions that may affect vision, blood pressure, or healing process can be red flags for a laser eye surgery candidate.

• You should not be pregnant or nursing because hormonal changes can cause your vision prescription to fluctuate. Also, there are medications used before and after surgery that you would want to avoid if pregnant or nursing.
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes may affect the body’s natural healing responses. However, individual reactions and risks vary, so have a thorough and candid discussion with your eye care professional before making your decision.
• Before scheduling a laser eye surgery procedure, tell your surgeon about any medication (prescribed or other) you are taking or have taken in the past year.

What are Other Considerations for Laser Eye Surgery?

Schedule:  If you are planning a special life event, sporting activity, or travel, be aware of preparation and recovery requirements. You’ll need time for the healing process and will need to be available for follow-up visits. There will also be temporary activity restrictions that could alter your plans.

Contact Lenses:  If you wear contacts, you will not be able to wear them for a period of time before your laser eye surgery because contacts can change the natural shape of your cornea and may affect surgical outcome. Your eye doctor will give you specific instructions.

Cost:  Because laser eye surgery is an elective surgery, there are many different payment options to explore for payment.

For More Information

The guidelines above are intended only as a general overview. Everyone’s eyes, health, and lifestyle are unique, and there are many variables to be considered. A thorough consultation and discussion with a qualified laser eye surgery specialist is required before deciding whether you are a candidate.

Schedule your FREE consultation today at a local laser eye surgery center to understand if you’re a good candidate!