Is LASIK Vision Correction for me?
Although LASIK vision correction surgery can improve vision problems in some people, this type of surgery is not for everyone. Some people will not qualify for this surgery due to health conditions or other factors in their lives.
In order for this surgery to be a good option for you,
you need to meet certain criteria.
First, you must be an adult, as this surgery is not approved for children. If you participate in contact sports regularly that involve the potential for injuries to your face, LASIK surgery may not be right for you, and certain employers or careers do not allow you to have this type of surgery. Check with your employer to make sure having this surgery won't be detrimental to your career.
LASIK surgery can also be expensive, and most insurance companies do not cover this type of elective surgery. The cost may be prohibitive for some people, especially since LASIK will not necessary correct vision enough so that you can go without glasses or contacts afterwards. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to schedule the surgery.
In order to qualify for LASIK, your eyes need to be healthy. You can't have dry eyes, thin corneas, conjunctivitis, an eye injury, cataracts, keratoconus, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, previous eye surgeries, blepharitis or large pupils. If you have severe myopia, you may need to explore other surgical options, as LASIK might require removing too much of your cornea. You also need to have had the same prescription for at least a year, otherwise you will need to wait until your prescription is more stable.
Pregnant women will need to postpone surgery until after the baby is born, as pregnancy can change the shape of your corneas. Other health conditions that may preclude LASIK surgery include autoimmune diseases, conditions or medications that delay healing and diabetes.
If you do not like risk, you may want to think carefully about LASIK since there is a risk for serious complications, although serious complications are rare. Potential complications include severe dry eyes, vision loss, results that diminish over time, halos, double vision or trouble seeing at night. However, taking the time to find the right doctor and not basing your decision solely on cost can minimize the risks for adverse effects, although it can't eliminate the risks entirely. Choose a doctor with a lot of experience performing the procedure, and stay away from any that guarantee 20/20 vision.
