Over a million people have enjoyed corrected vision thanks to LASIK surgery. A high percentage of these former patients also give their seal of approval. LASIK surgery was designed as an alternative eye treatment procedure that would remove the need for visual improvement eyewear, getting the benefit of seeing more clearly without the use of added baggage like eyeglasses.
Unfortunately though, the LASIK procedure chooses its patients. There are guidelines that have to be observed and comprehensive tests to be conducted before a potential candidate may be considered eligible for the surgery. If you are planning on going under the laser, it would be wise to fist have a conversation with your LASIK doctor and give full cooperation. Responding to their inquiries and going through the required examinations will secure both your health and your eyes. Below are some of the important criteria that doctor and patient alike should take in mind.
First off, the likelihood of your eligibility would go up significantly if your eye problem is within the lower-aberration category like hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. This is, however, only a temporary ceiling. In the future, there will definitely be progress in laser eye surgery technology that would expand these limitations.
Another requirement involves the age of the patient. Under normal circumstances, only patients over 18 years of age are even considered to be of LASIK age. Additionally, they should be wearing prescribed corrective eyewear for two years or more. In some cases, people whose age is below 20 years old are still denied the opportunity because they still have unbalanced vision. The patient should also currently not be suffering from any diseases that affect the eyes, like glaucoma, cataracts, ocular herpes simples and diabetes.
There are also a number of conditions that will have an impact on your chances. For women, it is an automatic no-no if they are pregnant, no matter how many months along the pregnancy is. People with oscillating hormones are also considered poor candidates. Generally, your body’s ability to recover from wounds will also come into play. So if you have certain ailments that have a negative effect on wound healing, like HIV, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, you will not likely be qualified. Taking medications like steroids, which has an effect in the natural healing process, will also lower your probability.
Finally, your knowledge of the procedure and how you handle that information will be an important criterion in the selection. You should be aware of the possible LASIK side effects and risks, aside from the obvious benefits. The price is also something that you should think about carefully. See if you and your health insurance (if you’re lucky) can afford the cost (usually around 1,500 to 2,000 dollars for basic LASIK).
It is no doubt that the wonders associated with LASIK surgery are highly desirable. But with any surgical procedure come the risks and the factors that need to be reflected upon. You cannot afford to be reckless in making your decision, especially when your eyes are on the line.
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