Lasik

Dentist in scrubs using advanced equipment to examine a patient's teeth after Lasik eye surgery.

Lasik

The main purpose of your LASIK consultation is to evaluate your suitability for laser eye surgery and identify the most suitable procedure for you, if applicable. We aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the suitability of LASIK surgery for your specific needs, including the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

During the consultation, we will also ensure that you have a clear understanding of the expected outcomes based on your unique prescription and individual circumstances prior to undergoing LASIK eye surgery. It’s important to note that scheduling a consultation does not commit you to proceed with the procedure.

To be considered suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, individuals should generally meet the following criteria:

Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

General health: LASIK candidates should not have specific health issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes. It is important to inform your eye doctor about any medications or conditions that may affect your immune response.

Eye health: Candidates should be free of certain eye diseases, including keratoconus, severe cataracts, as well as certain retinal and optic nerve diseases.

Eye problems: LASIK patients should inform their eye doctor about specific eye problems, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), or any recurring, residual, or active eye conditions that may impact the healing process. It is also important to discuss other conditions like keloid scarring from previous surgeries, back problems, claustrophobia, and any mental health conditions that may affect LASIK surgery or recovery.

Serious eye injury: Patients should not have any ongoing eye infections or serious eye injuries.

Pregnancy: LASIK candidates should not be nursing or pregnant when undergoing the procedure. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the stability of the prescription, so it is recommended for pregnant women to wait until after pregnancy to pursue LASIK surgery.

Corneal thickness: Corneal thickness is an essential factor in determining the suitability for LASIK. Your team of LASIK doctors and eye care professionals will thoroughly evaluate your corneal thickness before the procedure to ensure your safety as a candidate.

Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee eligibility for LASIK surgery, as each individual’s situation is unique. It is essential to consult with your eye doctor and LASIK professionals to assess your specific case.

If, during the consultation, the eye doctor determines that you are not currently a suitable LASIK candidate, there is still a possibility that you may become eligible in the future. Advancements in laser eye surgery technology continually expand the scope of potential candidates, even those with higher or more complex prescriptions. However, it is important to note that LASIK surgery is not suitable for everyone, and certain patients with specific corneal and retinal diseases may never be medically cleared for the procedure. The most accurate way to assess your candidacy is through a comprehensive, complementary, and obligation-free LASIK consultation at Eye Pros.

Modern LASIK techniques can effectively treat severe levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it’s crucial to understand that LASIK does not guarantee perfect 20/20 vision for everyone. While the primary goal of LASIK eye surgery is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, the level of visual acuity improvement varies among patients. Nonetheless, the vast majority of patients are extremely satisfied with and amazed by the significant enhancement in visual sharpness they experience after LASIK eye surgery.

The determination of a patient’s LASIK candidacy relies on a thorough evaluation of their eyes, expectations, and lifestyle by an experienced optometrist or ophthalmologist. We encourage you to Eye Pros for a complimentary LASIK consultation to assess your suitability as a safe LASIK candidate.

Smiling middle-aged couple embracing in a bright room after their Lasik vision correction.

Important Considerations Regarding Contact Lens Use Before LASIK

If you are considering LASIK surgery or any other laser vision correction procedure, it is crucial to understand how wearing contact lenses on a daily basis can impact the effectiveness of the procedure. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Long-term wear: Prolonged and continuous use of contact lenses can modify the shape of your corneas over time. This alteration can lead to an inaccurate measurement of your corneal shape and wavefront scan of your visual system. To ensure accurate measurements, it is advisable to discontinue the use of contact lenses for a specific period of time before undergoing surgery. This allows your corneas to revert to their natural shape.

Custom LASIK process: Custom LASIK surgery involves mapping your eyes to personalize the procedure. If your eyes are measured while they are still affected by contact lens wear, the laser programming will not accurately represent your true visual state. It is important to wait until your corneas have returned to their original shape before proceeding with the measurements for the LASIK procedure.

Open communication: Make sure to inform Eye Pros about the duration of your contact lens usage and the specific type of lenses you currently wear. This information is crucial for us to assess the impact of contact lens wear on your corneas and to provide you with the most accurate guidance regarding LASIK surgery.