LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular, simple, and effective surgical interventions out there. It can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in patients that are eligible for the procedure. However, not every individual is a suitable candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Learn about a few of today’s top qualifications.
#1 General Health
Patients must be in good overall health to receive LASIK eye surgery. Disqualifying health problems can include uncontrolled diabetes, collagen vascular disease, and any condition that might compromise the patient’s immune responses. This includes conditions that require medications that suppress or otherwise compromise the immune system.
#2 Eye Health
When it comes to eye health, good candidates are usually suffering only from the issue being treated by the LASIK surgeon. They shouldn’t have problems with chronic dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, any kind of corneal disease, keratoconus, herpes simplex or herpes zoster, or certain kinds of retinal and optic nerve disease. Current infections or eye injuries will also make patients ineligible for surgery. Problems like keloid scarring, amblyopia, and strabismus should all be discussed with experienced LASIK surgeons, like Dr. John Goosey, to determine whether they will preclude eligibility.
#3 Vision Stability
People’s vision often changes over the course of their lives, especially people who are young (under 18) and those who are mature adults (over 40); however, eligible patients must not experience any significant changes in their vision prescription for a minimum of 1-2 years prior to surgery. Ideally, patients between the ages of 20 and 40 have the greatest chance of showing visual stability with their prescriptions. However, for patients under 20 or over 40, Dr. Goosey may, under special circumstances, determine if LASIK eye surgery is right for them.
#4 Corneal Thickness
Corneal thickness will certainly determine if a patient is able to undergo LASIK surgery, PRK laser eye surgery, or no laser eye surgery at all. As an experienced surgeon and cornea specialist, Dr. Goosey will evaluate each case closely to ensure LASIK is safe for the patient. If not, he will consider PRK. Corneal scarring, in most cases, doesn’t cause ineligibility, the big issue with scaring is when the femtosecond laser doesn’t recognize the cornea surface to create the flap. In cases like these, Dr. Goosey may opt for creating a flap with a Moria blade, or perform PRK, since PRK doesn’t require the use of a flap at all. Moreover, when he performs PRK, he’s able to remove scarring tissue during surgery to clear the cornea or recurring erosion.
Consult with a Qualified Surgeon
Only a qualified LASIK surgeon like Dr. Goosey can determine a patient’s eligibility. He has an incredible track record of successfully performing LASIK in Houston. When patients have been properly vetted to ensure that they are good candidates, success and satisfaction rates are often higher. Schedule your FREE LASIK consultation today, or call 713-234-6134.
