LASIK can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses, but it isn’t the right vision-correction option for everyone. The best way to determine whether LASIK is appropriate for you is through a comprehensive evaluation with an experienced ophthalmologist.
At SoCal Eye, our ophthalmologists evaluate your eyes, prescription, corneal health, and visual goals to determine whether LASIK is a suitable option—and, if it isn’t, discuss other alternatives that may better meet your needs.
What Makes Someone a Good LASIK Candidate?
1. You Are at Least 18 Years Old
LASIK is generally performed on adults age 18 and older. Because vision can continue to change during the late teenage years and early adulthood, having a stable prescription is also important.
2. Your Prescription Is Stable
A stable prescription is one of the most important considerations for LASIK. Ideally, your glasses or contact lens prescription should not have changed significantly for at least a year before treatment.
If your prescription is continuing to change, your ophthalmologist may recommend waiting until your vision becomes stable.
3. You Have Healthy Eyes
Healthy eyes are essential for successful laser vision correction. Conditions such as active eye infections, uncontrolled glaucoma, cataracts, or certain corneal disorders may make LASIK inappropriate or require treatment before considering surgery.
Your evaluation will include a detailed examination of your eye health.
4. Your Corneas Are Suitable for LASIK
LASIK works by precisely reshaping the cornea. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate the thickness, shape, curvature, and overall health of your corneas to determine whether there is enough healthy tissue for the procedure.
Advanced corneal mapping and other diagnostic testing can provide important information when determining candidacy.
5. Your Eyes Are Sufficiently Healthy for Surgery
Certain medical conditions can affect healing or visual outcomes after LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will consider your overall health, medications, and any conditions that could affect your eyes or ability to heal.
Conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders may require additional evaluation before laser vision correction is considered.
6. You Have Realistic Expectations
LASIK can provide excellent visual results, but it cannot guarantee perfect vision or eliminate every need for glasses.
Your ophthalmologist will discuss the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and expected results based on your individual eyes and prescription. Understanding what LASIK can—and cannot—do is an important part of deciding whether the procedure is right for you.
7. You Are Willing to Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
Following your ophthalmologist’s instructions after LASIK is an important part of recovery. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing your eyes, protecting your eyes during sleep, and attending recommended follow-up appointments.
Your SoCal Eye team will provide detailed instructions to help support your recovery.
What If You Aren’t a Candidate for LASIK?
Not being a LASIK candidate doesn’t mean you have to rely on glasses or contact lenses indefinitely. Depending on your age, prescription, eye health, and visual goals, other vision-correction options may be available.
These may include PRK, EVO ICL, or other refractive procedures. A comprehensive evaluation allows your ophthalmologist to determine which options may be appropriate for your eyes.
How Do You Know If LASIK Is Right for You?
The only way to know whether you are a good LASIK candidate is to have a comprehensive eye evaluation.
All treatment begins with a Consultation with a SoCal Eye LASIK Specialist or LASIK Surgeon in Long Beach. For LASIK Treatment in Long Beach, Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
