Are you tired of wearing contact lenses and glasses? Do you dream of a life without visual aids?
While glasses and contacts do help you see, they can cause problems and are an inconvenience. LASIK can end your need for glasses or contacts.
If you have ever had an interest in LASIK, you should talk with your eye doctor to see if you are a good candidate. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK candidacy and if it can treat astigmatism.
You Have to Meet Specific Requirements to Receive LASIK
When you talk to your eye doctor about LASIK, you will discuss if you are a good candidate for the procedure. There are some specific criteria you must meet to undergo LASIK.
Around 15%-20% of prospective candidates do not meet these criteria. If you do not meet the requirements, your eye doctor can tell you about LASIK alternatives.
During this process, you must follow your eye doctor’s recommendations. They have to know that you are a good fit before performing the procedure because LASIK can be dangerous for some people.
One of these requirements is the strength of your astigmatism. That and a few other facts about you will help your eye doctor determine your LASIK candidacy.
Do You Meet the FDA Treatment Guidelines?
According to the FDA, you need to have a prescription within specific parameters to get LASIK. If your prescription is too strong due to your astigmatism or any other reason, you may not qualify. Your eye doctor will tell you if your prescription fits inside the FDA guidelines.
Are You in Good Health Overall?
Certain medical conditions and medications disqualify you from getting LASIK. If you have one of these conditions or use one of these medications, then LASIK is not a good option.
Make sure to share your complete medical history with your LASIK surgeon. LASIK and the recovery process can be difficult and hazardous if you are in poor health.
Do You Meet the Age Requirement?
The FDA has approved LASIK for patients 18 and up. But, most doctors prefer that LASIK patients be in their mid-twenties at least.
They prefer you be in your mid to late twenties because you don’t want your eyes to change after LASIK. That would make the procedure pointless.
Your eyes tend to stabilize and stop changing in your mid-twenties. Once your eyes stabilize, your prescription will stay the same, and you can have a successful procedure.
Are Your Eyes Healthy?
To qualify for LASIK, you must have healthy eyes. This means they are free of diseases, infections, and injuries. Having healthy eyes will make your recovery process faster. It will also increase your chances of a successful procedure.
Are Your Corneas The Proper Shape and Size?
LASIK improves your vision by modifying your cornea’s shape. The cornea helps focus light that enters your eye to create an image on your retina.
During your consultation, your doctor will measure your cornea’s thickness and shape. If your cornea is too thin, LASIK is dangerous for you. Your eye doctor will propose LASIK alternatives if your corneas are not thick enough.
Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Since LASIK reshapes your cornea, it is a great option to treat astigmatism. Astigmatism is the term for a misshapen cornea that affects your vision. LASIK reshapes your cornea to give you clear sight without the need for glasses or contacts.
Want to discuss LASIK candidacy? Schedule an appointment at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today and get ready for visual freedom!
