Can anyone have LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK is a well-known and effective procedure for correcting vision, offering a life-changing alternative to glasses and contact lenses. However, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Understanding who is eligible for LASIK is essential before moving forward.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Le LASIK, ou Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, est une chirurgie au laser qui remodèle la cornée afin de corriger des problèmes de vision tels que la myopie, l’hypermétropie et l’astigmatisme. La procédure est rapide, et la plupart des patients voient une amélioration en moins de 24 heures.

Who Qualifies for LASIK?

While LASIK can be a great option for many people, certain conditions must be met to ensure the best results. Here are the main criteria:

1. Age Requirement

LASIK is typically recommended for people aged 18 and over. This is because vision can continue to change during teenage years. Most clinics prefer candidates to be at least 21, as vision is more stable by then.

2. Stable Vision Prescription

To get the most from LASIK, your prescription should be stable for at least 12 to 24 months. If your vision fluctuates, it may be better to wait until it stabilises before considering LASIK.

3. Healthy Eyes

Healthy eyes are crucial for LASIK to be effective. Conditions like severe dry eyes, infections, or diseases such as keratoconus can affect eligibility. A thorough eye examination will be done to ensure your eyes are in good health.

4. Adequate Corneal Thickness

The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea, so having sufficient corneal thickness is essential. If the cornea is too thin or irregular, LASIK might not be the best choice, and alternative treatments may be recommended.

When Is LASIK Not Recommended?

1. Pregnancy and Nursing

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can affect vision. It’s better to wait until these phases pass to ensure stable results.

2. Severe Vision Issues

If you have an extremely high prescription, LASIK might not be enough to fully correct your vision. Other procedures, like implantable lenses (ICL lens) could be more appropriate.

3. Specific Eye Conditions

Conditions such as cataracts, severe dry eye syndrome, or glaucoma can make LASIK unsuitable. If LASIK isn’t right for you, other treatment options will be discussed.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect healing and may increase the risk of complications, making LASIK less suitable.

What Happens During a LASIK Evaluation?

A detailed eye exam is conducted to determine your suitability. This involves assessing your eye health, corneal thickness, and prescription stability. Your lifestyle, vision needs, and expectations will also be discussed.
The assessment includes:

• Vision Test: To measure your current prescription.
• Corneal Mapping: To analyse the shape and thickness of your cornea.
• Pupil Size Check: Larger pupils may need additional considerations to reduce night-time vision issues.
• General Eye Health Examination: To identify any underlying conditions.

Alternatives to LASIK

If LASIK isn’t right for you, don’t worry. There are other procedures available:

1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is similar to LASIK but doesn’t require creating a corneal flap. It’s a good option for those with thin corneas.

2. Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)
ICL involves inserting a lens inside the eye to correct vision. It’s suitable for individuals with high prescriptions or thinner corneas.

Ready to find out if LASIK is right for you?

The first step is a comprehensive assessment. Our expert team will assess your eye health and discuss the best options for you. Book your free assessment and take a step towards a clearer, hassle-free vision.

LASIK is an effective method for correcting vision, but it is not suitable for everyone. Good eye health and a stable prescription are essential to achieve the best results.

Book your free assessment and take the first step towards clear, hassle-free vision.