Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

• Karuna Sharma
• 2 years ago
• Categories: Eye Care
• Tags: consultation, eye doctor, eye exam, LASIK, preoperative evaluation

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a type of eye surgery which aims to correct an individual’s refractive error. Ever since it was introduced decades ago, the results of this procedure have continuously improved, becoming one of the go-to solutions for people who’d rather not wear contact lenses or eyeglasses.

But what makes one a good candidate for LASIK? The trusted eye doctor at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic answers this question and more.

General Criteria for LASIK Eligibility

Undergoing an eye exam and consultation with an optometrist helps to determine if you are eligible for LASIK surgery. They’ll also take the following into account during the screening process:

• Your Age. You’re a candidate to undergo LASIK if you are over 18 years of age. Ideally, the best age to have any type of corrective surgery is when you have fully matured eyes.
• Your Prescription. If you have had a stable prescription for at least 12 months, you are eligible for LASIK surgery. Changes to your eyewear prescription within that period means your corneas are changing, which may lead to short-lived results post-surgery.
• Your Overall Health. You’re a candidate for LASIK if you have a clean bill of health. During the consultation, your eye doctor may ask you about any medical conditions you may have or medications you’re currently taking to manage them. Be sure to let them know of such information, as health issues or medication can impact post-surgery recovery.
• Your Eye Health. A comprehensive exam will help determine if your eyes are healthy enough to undergo LASIK. You may be disqualified if you have chronic dry eye symptoms, have an eye infection or injury, or have eye conditions like glaucoma or strabismus.

Expectations About LASIK Surgery

Since LASIK is an elective operation, you may still choose to wear contacts or eyeglasses if the procedure is deemed to be unsuitable. Also, be sure to choose the right clinic who’ll provide the necessary services to prepare you for the surgical procedure and guide you throughout the recovery process. At Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we offer pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care for patients planning to undergo LASIK and other vision correction procedures.

Find out if you are indeed a good candidate for LASIK by scheduling a consultation with our eye doctor today. Call (425) 771-8472 (Lynwood) or (425) 485-0430 (Bothell). You may also fill out our contact form. We serve residents of Kirkland and Redwood, WA.