Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. There are several reasons why LASIK may not be a good choice of vision correction for some patients. Below is some information about who should NOT get LASIK:
Those who are younger than 18 years old. LASIK results are permanent. However, a person’s eye can change throughout life. Because vision can change dramatically during the adolescent years, LASIK is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
Those who are pregnant or nursing. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can cause changes to a woman’s vision and corrective prescription. Mothers considering LASIK should wait 3-6 months or longer after weaning to allow their prescription to stabilize.
Those who are taking certain prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs can interfere with LASIK results. For example, some steroids may delay healing and decrease optimal results. Acne medications can cause significant dry eye which can increase the chance of corneal scarring after LASIK.
Those whose vision is not stable. If your prescription is fluctuating, you will not be considered a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Most doctors prefer your prescription to be stable for one to two years. Prescriptions can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Contact lens wear, diabetic blood sugar changes and normal aging changes can cause your prescription to change over time.
Those who are not in good general health. Certain medical conditions can affect the way your body heals after surgery. Patients with autoimmune diseases are not good LASIK candidates. Many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome. A dry eye may not heal well and has a higher risk of post-LASIK infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, or cataracts often affect LASIK results.
Those who have dry eye syndrome. A person with dry eyes has an increased risk for significant post-LASIK discomfort and a possible worsening of dry eye symptoms. Having dry eyes can also delay proper healing. Some people with dry eye symptoms can find relief through various treatments. Sometimes patients are placed on special dry eye medications before LASIK eye surgery. Certain procedures, such as punctal occlusion, may be performed to help the dry eye condition and minimize unwanted symptoms.
Those who have unrealistic expectations. If you expect perfection, LASIK may not be for you. Every patient heals differently after surgery. After undergoing LASIK, there is always a possibility that you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
While LASIK is an excellent vision correction procedure for many people, it is not for everyone. To find out if LASIK is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lipstock in Richmond.