Many people will consider having LASIK but unfortunately, the majority will not take the plunge and actually get the surgery. While most people would like to ditch their glasses or contacts, a large percentage of people just won’t do anything about it.
If you have been considering LASIK surgery, there are several steps you can take. The first is simply to find out whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK. Here are four signs that you may be a good candidate for LASIK:
- Adults over the age of 18
In order to be eligible for LASIK, you must be over the age of 18. This is because a child’s eyes will continue to grow and change so by waiting until the age of 18, the treatment is more likely to be effective.
- Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients who are pregnant or nursing are not good candidates for LASIK because hormonal changes can affect your visual acuity. You should wait at least a few months until after you quit nursing to pursue LASIK.
- Individuals in good overall health
If you suffer from some sort of eye disease, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. Even suffering from chronically dry eyes can rule you out as a candidate for LASIK. And uncontrolled diabetes and certain autoimmune diseases will likely disqualify you from having LASIK.
- Patients with stable vision
Your vision should remain stable for a minimum of a year before having LASIK surgery. If your vision is still changing, then you should hold off on having LASIK. You will know your vision has remained stable when your prescription hasn’t changed for over a year.
Of course, this is just a guideline and the best way to find out whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK is to schedule a consultation with your doctor. If you have questions about LASIK, we would be happy to walk you through the process. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ellis today.
