What If I’m Not A Good Lasik Candidate?

Lasik is one of the most common types of laser vision correction carried out in the US and around the world. However, it can’t be carried out on everyone—and many people have been disappointed in the past to be told that the procedure isn’t suitable for them.There are multiple reasons why this might be the case for you. But never fear, because Lasik has advanced considerably over the past few years. This means that many people who were previously deemed unsuitable might well be good candidates today.Even if Lasik isn’t advisable, there are other options that a laser vision correction specialist ophthalmologist may be able to carry out instead.

Lasik Surgery, Suitability, and Alternatives

• An overview of Lasik surgery and who’s a good candidate
• When isn’t Lasik surgery appropriate?
• Alternatives to Lasik surgery

An overview of Lasik surgery and who’s a good candidate

Lasik is a form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to allow light to travel through the eye and focus correctly on the retina at the back. It stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is commonly used to treat myopia (short-sightedness). In some cases, it can also be used to treat hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism.To be considered a good candidate you must generally fit into the following criteria:

• Be over 18 years of age (in some states you might be required to be over 21).
• You have healthy eyes.
• You have stable vision. In other words, your prescription must have remained the same for at least 12 months.
• You have a sufficiently thick cornea. This is because the procedure involves reshaping this part of the eye with a laser.
• Your pupils are not overly large.
• Your prescription is within certain limits (in other words, not be too high).
• You’re not pregnant or nursing.
• You must be in generally good health.

When isn’t Lasik surgery appropriate?

There are many reasons that an eye surgeon might not advise Lasik vision correction. The following are some of them:

• Certain types of prescription medication, including steroids and acne drugs, mean Lasik is contraindicated.
• Autoimmune conditions are another reason it might not be recommended.
• Pregnant and nursing mothers should wait until hormonal changes and fluctuations have settled post-pregnancy.
• You’ve had eye trauma or an eye infection within the last 12 months.

Happily, the procedure has evolved dramatically over the past few years. This means that many who’ve been previously told that they’re not a good candidate might now find that they are suitable for Lasik.

Alternatives to Lasik surgery

Even if you’re not a candidate for Lasik, there are plenty of alternatives that your ophthalmologist has in their arsenal. The following are a selection of them:

• SMILE: This stands for small incision lenticule extraction and is used to correct myopia. It involves a slightly greater corneal tissue removal from deeper into the organ.
• PRK: Photorefractive keratectomy is a surface removal laser treatment that’s often used for moderate myopia. In some cases, it can be used for hyperopia and astigmatism.
• TransPRK: Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy is very similar to the other laser treatments but has the advantage that no instruments come into contact with the cornea.

Don’t Think You’re Suitable for Lasik? Brent Bellotte MD. is a World Leading Laser Vision Correction Surgeon

Laser vision correction isn’t only about Lasik. Dr. Brent Bellotte is one of the premier practitioners in the world who carries out the latest in cutting-edge laser vision improvement procedures. If you think, or have been told in the past, that you can’t have Lasik, then there’s no better person to reassess your condition and advise you on the way forward. Why would you live with imperfect vision if you don’t have to? Visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com now to find out more and call the friendly team to book your initial consultation.