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When Shouldn’t You Get LASIK?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in LASIK
LASIK is a refractive procedure designed to give you visual freedom. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy their life without glasses or contacts?
The procedure is famously effective and is quite safe for most people. But as is the case with any kind of surgery, there are certain risks involved with LASIK.
If you want to reduce these risks, you will need to go through a LASIK candidacy screening. Keep reading to find out when you shouldn’t get LASIK!
What Makes A Good LASIK Candidate?
People mistakenly believe that anyone can get LASIK but it’s not true. You must be a good LASIK candidate to get the procedure.
It’s a matter of safety for who can and cannot get LASIK. There are many attributes and factors that go into deciding who is a LASIK candidate. Here are a few of the first things the doctor will screen you for:
You need to be at least 18 years old to be a candidate for LASIK
Most LASIK surgeons recommend waiting until you are in your twenties. This ensures that your eyes have completely matured.
Although you can be too young for LASIK, you cannot be too old for LASIK if you meet the other criteria.
You cannot be pregnant while getting LASIK
You also shouldn’t get LASIK if you are currently planning on becoming pregnant. Hormones produced during pregnancy can cause your prescription to change.
You will need to wait several months before you can get LASIK. This is true even if you are nursing as well.
Your prescription must be up to date
Your vision can have no significant changes for a full year. Stable vision is one of the most important factors for LASIK candidacy.
Your corneas need to be thick enough
Thin corneas are more susceptible to complications after the procedure. If your corneas are too thin, you may be better suited for a procedure like PRK instead.
You must have eyes that are healthy
Previous eye injury or current eye diseases/disorders may make LASIK unsafe.
Certain health issues that affect your body’s ability to recover will make you a bad LASIK candidate. This includes HIV/AIDS, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and uncontrolled diabetes.
You need to have normal-sized pupils
Large pupils increase the risk of certain side effects and may make you unable to get LASIK.
Your prescription can’t be too strong
If your prescription is too high, LASIK may not be able to help you, as results are less predictable.
You must have reasonable expectations for the surgery
Of course, it is a wonderful procedure that has an incredible success rate, but it is not guaranteed. You should be aware of the risks of the surgery.
You need to accept that while it may reduce your dependence on glasses, there is a chance you may still need them after LASIK.
What Happens During a LASIK Screening?
LASIK candidacy screenings last much longer than the surgery itself. This is to allow your doctor to cover all the ground that is necessary.
You will be questioned on your medical history and examined to ensure you are a good LASIK candidate. You will also have the benefits and risks of LASIK explained to you in detail.
You should ask questions throughout the consultation, so be sure to bring some with you! It’s important to feel comfortable with the procedure if you are a good candidate.
A foundation of trust is key to having a good experience during LASIK.
Think LASIK could be the answer to your visual problems? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA to find out if LASIK is right for you!
Tags: Georgia Eye Associates, LASIK Atlanta, LASIK Buckhead, LASIK Eye Surgery Atlanta, LASIK Eye Surgery Buckhead
