If you’re looking for a new way to combat less than perfect vision, then you’ve probably looked into Lasik eye surgery. You’ve probably read about all the benefits, like no longer having to worry about contacts or glasses, the painless surgery process, the short 24-hour recovery time and the savings on eye care over time. Lasik eye surgery in Orange County may be perfect for you.
However, do you know if you are the right candidate for this surgery? While most people are able to get Lasik eye surgery performed on their eyes, there are a few caveats and requirements.
Age
Since our vision changes as we get older, and changes more significantly in our younger years, there is an age requirement. This surgery is only FDA-approve for individuals 18 years of age or older. Most eye doctors, however, often advise their patients to wait at least until their mid-twenties to get the surgery when their prescription will be more stable.
As we age, a condition called presbyopia can set in around 40 years of age. This condition can make it difficult to see things within an arm’s reach and makes most people reach for their reading glasses. Unfortunately, Lasik surgery cannot correct presbyopia. There is another type of surgery though, called monovision laser surgery, that may be able to help this problem.
Prescription Changes
When considering you for Lasik eye surgery, eye doctors also look at how much your prescription has changed within the last 1-2 years. Generally, they like to see that your prescription has remained the same. Too many changes can signal that your eye still need to “settle” on one prescription. Refractive errors need to be stable for at least a year before a doctor will consider performing Lasik surgery on your eyes.
Prescription Limits
In addition to prescriptions changes, your prescription must be within certain limits in order for the surgery to be successful. If your prescription is too high, a doctor will probably not recommend you for Lasik eye surgery. The results of Lasik performed in individuals with high prescriptions can be unpredictable and not worth the risk or the cost. There are different surgeries and treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor if your prescription is too high for Lasik eye surgery.
Pupil Size
The size of your pupils play an important role in the success of the surgery, so they need to be the right size. Pupils that are too large can increase the risk of some side effects, like halos, glares and starbursts in low light, especially when driving at night.
Thick Corneas
Since most of the procedure will take place on the front surface of your eye, a.k.a. your cornea, this area will need to be able to stand up to the task. The surgeon will be reshaping this area, and it cannot be too thin or misshapen. Otherwise, the surgery can make your vision worse.
Recent advancements have allowed people with thinner corneas to be able to have the surgery. For example, a surgeon could use a different kind of laser on a person with thinner corneas. And if your corneas are still deemed too thin, there are other treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor.
You and your eyes must be in good general health
There are some conditions and illnesses that may prevent you from being a good candidate for Lasik eye surgery in Orange County. If you have uncontrolled autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and AIDS your doctor may recommend another treatment option for you. Also, if your body has any trouble healing, you may be better off treating your vision with another type of surgery. Also, your eyes need to be in good health and free from illnesses, like cataracts, in order to be considered for Lasik eye Surgery.
Lasik eye surgery is definitely a great option for people who suffer from less than perfect vision. Talk to you doctor to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure!
Advanced Eye Medical Group is led by experienced eye doctors with a mission to deliver their patients clearer vision, while providing them the highest quality care. Our team of doctors and specialists have years of experience to deliver outstanding and advanced laser eye surgery in Orange County.