Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIK is a surgical procedure that alters the cornea of an eye to improve vision. The cornea of an eye focuses light to create an image on the retina. This bending and focusing of the light is called refraction. Often the curve and shape of the cornea are imperfect, so as refraction happens to have vision in the eyes the appearance is blurred or not focused. Contact lenses and glasses correct the imperfect images caused by refractive errors.

LASIK is a laser treatment used to reshape the cornea. This reshaping reduces the need for corrective eye aides like contact lenses or glasses. LASIK uses an Excimer Laser, a type of ultraviolet laser, to remove corneal tissue in order to perfect and correct the shape of the cornea to improve vision. LASIK is most often performed on people who have nearsightedness, also called myopia. This means that they can only see objects close-up, but vision is blurry far away.

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. There are also several types of laser treatments to correct vision. Before undergoing LASIK eye surgery, a complete eye exam must be done to determine if the eyes are healthy. A doctor should also determine first if you are a good candidate for the surgery. The Food and Drug Administration in association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology has developed a set of guidelines for medical professionals to determine good candidates for LASIK surgery.

The guidelines recommend that LASIK candidates are at least 18 years of age. Some lasers require candidates to be 21 years of age. Vision tends to change with age before the age of 18. Candidates for LASIK should also not be pregnant or nursing, or taking certain prescription drugs. Good candidates should also have a stable prescription. If you experience myopia, this condition of nearsightedness does not tend to stabilize until a person is in his/her mid 20s. LASIK surgery should be avoided until the myopia settles. LASIK candidates should also be in general good health, and is not recommended for persons with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and glaucoma or other diseases in the eye. The guidelines also suggest that those considering LASIK eye surgery weigh the pros and cons and risks and benefits. Ask yourself - are you happy wearing contacts or glasses? Are they a big enough disruption to your life to undergo surgery? Be sure to have realistic expectations of LASIK eye surgery.

Also, it is important to know what makes a person a poor candidate for LASIK eye surgery. A person considering LASIK should weigh any financial concerns - can you afford LASIK surgery? There are some less expensive places that offer LASIK surgery - but the cost of the surgery depends on your eye refraction. It is critical that a potential LASIK candidate gets all of the cost information from their provider. Also, do you have unusual pupil size or corneal thinness? These are also red flags for a LASIK candidate. If you have had past eye diseases or problems, aside from having to wear glasses or contacts, LASIK is probably not the best decision for you. In addition, if you cannot stare at a fixed object for more than 60 seconds, completing the procedure will be difficult for the surgeon. This would also not make you the best candidate for LASIK, and your doctor would most likely advise you against it.

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