Are You a Good Candidate for Lasik Surgery?

Sick of feeling dependent on glasses and contact lenses?

Then it’s likely you’ve considered LASIK surgery.  This innovative laser procedure corrects the misshapen cornea so you can achieve 20/20 vision.  The procedure can be used on both nearsighted and farsighted patients with or without astigmatism, as all of these conditions are caused by corneal issues.  After a few days of recovery, patients can enjoy clear vision and accurate eyesight without having to reach for their glasses or contact lenses.

Unfortunately, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure.  There are a few questions you need to ask yourself to determine if LASIK surgery is right for you:

• How bad is your eyesight? The worse your eyesight, the more likely it is that you’re not an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery.  The procedure works by shaving away misshapen parts of the cornea; so the weaker your vision, the more cornea needs to be removed to produce the spherical corneal surface that’s necessary for 20/20 vision.  If your eyesight is very bad, you may not have enough corneal thickness to support this outcome.
• Do you understand the risks associated with surgery? One of the most common misconceptions about LASIK eye surgery is that it leads to permanent 20/20 vision near and far. This assumption is incorrect for two main reasons: 1) Not everyone achieves 20/20 vision immediately after the procedure, and 2) Eyesight will change over time due to normal aging, meaning you might lose your 20/20 vision for near and far distances.  Some LASIK centers do offer maintenance procedures, so be sure to ask about these policies before undergoing LASIK eye surgery and be sure to read the fine print.
• Did your vision recently change? If your vision has changed within the past two years or you’re over the age of 60, it might not be the best time to get LASIK eye surgery.  Most ophthalmologists recommend waiting until your vision has stabilized for a few years before getting the surgery.  Otherwise, you’ll likely end up needing glasses or contact lenses again!  If you’re over 60 you should be screened for cataracts before pursuing LASIK.  Cataracts tend to be age-related and start to affect vision in adults over 60 years of age.

Want more information on if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery? Schedule a consultation with ophthalmologist Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA today.

NewView Eye Center serves the greater Washington, DC metro area.