Lasik Eye Surgery is becoming more and more common amongst people with vision problems, whether it be nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatisms. The benefits allow people to have 20/20 vision without needing to wear glasses or contacts. Anyone who has spent their lifetime wearing corrective lenses sees this option as providing freedom that has long been forgotten. However, not everyone is a candidate for Lasik eye surgery. Certain factors play a role in determining your eligibility for Lasik eye surgery.
Your Physical Health
In order to be seen as a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, you must be in overall generally good health. First, and foremost, any immunodeficiency issues will disqualify you from being a candidate, as you will not be able to properly heal from the procedure. Additionally, while being diabetic may not disqualify you from the procedure, you must have your diabetes under control, whether it be controlled by diet or medication. Uncontrolled diabetes is another issue that will cause more harm than good when dealing with Lasik eye surgery, creating issues with healing. Finally, any collagen vascular disease will likely eliminate you from being eligible to receive the procedure.
Of course, the standard health issues also apply when considering Lasik eye surgery. Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until they have gone through three menstrual cycles after giving birth and/or stopped nursing before undergoing this procedure. The issue here is mostly related to the body and all of the hormonal changes it goes through during this wonderful time in a woman’s life. It typically takes three menstrual cycles for hormone levels to return to normal.
Your Eye Health and Lasik Eye Surgery
Since Lasik eye surgery directly affects your eyes, you eye health is of utmost importance when determining if you are a candidate for the procedure. First, if you have chronic dry eye, you are usually not a candidate, unless the condition is corrected for at least a year prior to the procedure. In addition, if you have had a recent eye infection or injury, prepare to reschedule your procedure, as your eyes need to be healthy to heal properly. Your eye doctor should examine your eyes annually and your vision should be stable for at least one full year prior to surgery. If the eye’s vision is continuing to decline more rapidly than once every year or so, you are likely not a candidate for Lasik eye surgery and must continue your standard of eye care with your eye doctor. The good news is that not all eye issues will preclude you from being a candidate from Lasik eye surgery. However, you should always discuss all of your eye issues, such as lazy eye, and other active eye conditions with your eye care provider to ensure you are not going to do more harm than good by undergoing Lasik eye surgery.
If you are in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas and are considering Lasik eye surgery, contact the experts at Rittenhouse Eye Associates to determine if you are a candidate for Lasik eye surgery or other corrective vision procedures.
