The most essential part of laser eye surgery is ensuring that you are a good candidate.
Many people with poor vision choose to pursue laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK or refractive eye surgery, to improve their vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. If you’re considering this life-changing procedure, be sure to keep a few specific criteria in mind.
So how do you know you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
The answer will depend on various factors, including your general eye health and relevant medical history. An experienced eye surgeon (Ophthlamologist) can walk you through the necessary steps and determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.
Dr Cameron McLintock provides comprehensive, patient-focused care to those seeking laser eye surgery in Brisbane. If you’re considering undergoing LASIK, Dr McLintock will speak with you about your vision and review the following checklist to ensure your suitability for the procedure.
You Must Be 18 Years of Age
Firstly, you must be 18 or older to undergo laser eye surgery. Your eyes grow and develop through adolescence as the rest of your organs do, and they need to mature fully before enduring a procedure like LASIK. Performing laser eye surgery before the eyes have reached their full maturity can create unnecessary risk and cause complications, so many surgeons won’t accept patients under 18.
Is there an upper age limit?
If you are younger than 50 years of age, you are likely to be a good candidate for laser eye surgery. People who are older than 50 years of age can still have surgery to reduce their dependence on glasses though this is usually with lens replacement surgery.
You Must Have Stable Vision
In general, if your glasses or contact lens prescription has been stable for the last 12 months, you are a good candidate. Younger patients’ vision may change as they age, meaning they might require new prescriptions for their glasses or contact lenses relatively often.
You Must Be In Good Health
In addition to age and having a stable lens prescription, and you have no other diagnosed conditions of your eyes (such as prior eye infections, keratoconus or a lazy eye) your eligibility will also depend on your overall health. Patients with degenerative or autoimmune conditions that interfere with the healing process may not be eligible for LASIK.
Different surgeons will have varying ideas about what they consider a reasonable amount of risk, so you’ll need to discuss your condition with your eye doctor.
Likewise, most surgeons won’t perform laser eye surgery on pregnant or breastfeeding patients, as pregnancy can cause hormonal and temporary vision changes. It’s best to wait until after these changes have returned to normal to discuss laser eye surgery.
Contact Dr Cameron McLintock in Brisbane Today
Are you a good candidate for laser eye surgery? Dr Cameron McLintock will help you evaluate your treatment options and determine if LASIK is right for you. Contact Dr McLintock today to schedule an appointment today.