Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses assume they wouldn’t be good candidates for LASIK surgery. However, a significant portion of those who seek evaluation actually do qualify for the procedure. Understanding the basic criteria for LASIK candidacy can help you determine whether it might be worth exploring as an option.
Common Signs You May Be a Candidate
Contact Lens Discomfort
If you experience frequent irritation from contact lenses, including dryness, discomfort from extended wear, or difficulty with lens maintenance, you might benefit from exploring alternatives. Contact lens intolerance is one of the most common reasons people initially consider LASIK.
Prescription Eyewear Frustrations
Many glasses wearers face ongoing challenges with their corrective eyewear:
- Sunglasses complications: The need for prescription sunglasses or transition lenses can be both expensive and limiting in terms of style choices
- Frequent replacements: Lost or broken glasses can result in unexpected costs and inconvenience
- Activity limitations: Sports, swimming, and other activities can be restricted by glasses
Allergy Season Difficulties
For people with seasonal allergies, contact lenses can exacerbate symptoms. Pollen and other allergens can accumulate on lenses, creating an uncomfortable cycle of irritation. Some allergy sufferers find that reducing the need to touch their eyes throughout the day helps manage their symptoms.
Medical and Physical Requirements
Prescription Stability
One of the most important factors for LASIK candidacy is having a stable prescription. Your vision prescription should remain unchanged for at least one year before considering the procedure. This stability helps ensure that surgical results will be lasting.
LASIK can typically address:
- Nearsightedness up to -11.00 diopters
- Farsightedness up to +5.00 diopters
- Astigmatism up to 5.00 diopters
These ranges cover the majority of common vision prescriptions.
Age Requirements
LASIK is FDA-approved for patients 18 years and older. However, many surgeons prefer patients to be in their mid-to-late twenties to ensure vision has fully stabilized. While 18 is the minimum age, individual eye development varies, and some people’s vision continues to change into their twenties.
General Health Considerations
Good overall health is important for any surgical procedure. Certain medical conditions may affect healing, and pregnancy or breastfeeding can temporarily disqualify candidates due to hormonal changes that can affect vision.
Financial Considerations
The average person spends approximately $500 annually on glasses, contacts, and related accessories. Over time, these costs can add up significantly. Many LASIK patients find that the procedure pays for itself within a few years through savings on corrective eyewear.
Various financing options are often available, including payment plans and the use of HSA or FSA funds, which can make the upfront cost more manageable.
Setting Realistic Expectations
While LASIK has high success rates, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better, it’s important to understand that results can vary. Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some risks and potential complications, though serious complications are rare.
The procedure isn’t appropriate for everyone, and individual factors like corneal thickness, eye health, and specific vision issues all play a role in determining candidacy.
Next Steps
If several of these factors apply to you, it may be worth scheduling a consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist to discuss your options. A comprehensive eye exam and consultation can provide personalized information about whether LASIK might be suitable for your specific situation.
During a consultation, you can discuss your lifestyle, vision goals, and any concerns you may have. This allows you to make an informed decision based on professional medical advice tailored to your individual needs.
Remember that exploring your options doesn’t commit you to any procedure – it simply provides you with the information needed to make the best choice for your vision and lifestyle.
Are you ready to find out if you’re a LASIK candidate? Take the first step by scheduling your LASIK consultation at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute at one of our locations!
