Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Imagine waking up and seeing clearly — without glasses or contacts. LASIK makes this a possibility for many people. But how do you know if laser refractive eye surgery is the right choice for you? 

At Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, Dr. Sophia Barnes and our expert team are here to guide you through the process and help you understand what makes someone a good candidate for LASIK. Here’s what you need to know to take the first step toward clearer vision.  

What makes a good LASIK candidate?

Not everyone is eligible for LASIK surgery. We consider several factors before declaring you a strong candidate. 

1. Healthy eyes 

Your eyes should be generally healthy without conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or significant dry eye syndrome. These issues could impact healing or the success of the procedure. If you’re experiencing persistent dryness, inflammation, or infection, Dr. Barnes may treat these conditions before recommending LASIK. 

2. Stable vision for at least a year 

Your prescription should remain stable for at least 12 months. Big changes in your eyeglasses or contacts prescription within a year suggest your vision isn’t yet consistent. 

3. Sufficient corneal thickness 

LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. If your cornea is too thin or irregularly shaped, it may be unsafe to proceed with the surgery. However, other procedures, like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), might be viable alternatives.

4. A prescription within LASIK limits 

LASIK is most effective for correcting mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If your prescription is extremely high, LASIK might not be your best bet. 

5. The ability to lie still during surgery 

During LASIK, you need to remain still and lie flat for the procedure, which typically lasts a few minutes per eye. Conditions that make this difficult may require another approach.

6. Appropriate pupil size

If you naturally have very large pupils, especially in dim lighting, you may face a higher risk of side effects such as glare, halos, and starbursts. Dr. Barnes evaluates this to mitigate potential visual disturbances after surgery.

7. Over age 18 

Patients under 18 aren’t eligible for LASIK because their eyes are still changing. While there’s no strict upper age limit, Dr. Barnes assesses age-related changes like presbyopia or other factors that may affect your candidacy.

8. General good health 

Your overall health matters, too. Certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or chronic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes can complicate healing. It’s important to share your complete medical history with Dr. Barnes. 

9. Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily alter the shape of your eyes, making LASIK unsuitable. We typically recommend waiting until your hormones stabilize. 

10. Realistic expectations 

LASIK can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts, but it doesn’t guarantee perfect vision. Certain side effects like glare or needing to wear reading glasses as you age are still possible. 

Why these criteria matter 

LASIK reshapes your cornea, a delicate and crucial part of your eye. Meeting these criteria minimizes risks like infection, undercorrection, or overcorrection while increasing the likelihood of successful results. 

At Vision Corner, Dr. Barnes assesses every detail of your eye health and ensures that LASIK is the right choice. If it turns out that LASIK isn’t a suitable option, she helps you explore other alternatives for vision correction. 

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Barnes today. Call Vision Corner or book an appointment online today.