LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a type of refractive eye surgery. It helps patients achieve 20/20 vision or even better, so they can perform their activities without hindrance. However, the results of your surgery depend on the extent of your refractive error.

 

What Does LASIK Involve?

Most people know and prefer LASIK to other variations of laser eye surgery. It is mainly because, in other laser eye surgeries, there is exposure of the stroma. The stroma is the middle layer of the cornea.

 

In LASIK, the surgeon cuts a flap in the stroma then later folds back on the cornea after correcting the refractive error. The procedure helps you heal faster, with fewer complications. There is no need for stitches or bandages. Patients report correction of vision even a day after surgery.

 

Good Candidates for Surgery

Those who have mild nearsightedness have the best results. People with astigmatism or farsightedness have unpredictable results. This is so even if LASIK tends to be quite effective. So what makes one a good candidate for LASIK?

 

Must Be Over 18 Years Old

LASIK is an invasive surgical treatment. Therefore, it is not suitable for children. Children’s eyes are still developing, making it easier and better to treat their refractive errors with non-invasive techniques rather than invasive ones.

 

Good Eye Health

Your eye prescription must fall within the set limits for LASIK surgery. But with modern LASIK technology, there is an accommodation for a wider range of prescriptions. Certain eye diseases and conditions will still cut you off as a candidate for LASIK. These include keratoconus, severe cataracts, and optic nerve diseases.

 

Surgery will also not be an option if you have an eye infection. Conditions like pink eye or conjunctivitis and dry eye make it hard to have the surgery and heal effectively. The surgeon will thus give you time to deal with the condition or infection first.

 

Corneal Thickness

Corneal thickness is a physiological trait that may hinder you from getting LASIK. You may not see how thick your cornea is, but an eye care professional can take accurate measurements. It can happen during your consultation or before. In case you have a thin cornea, it is not the end. There are other treatment options to help correct your refractive error.

 

Overall Good Health

Certain autoimmune diseases must be under control before you receive LASIK eye surgery. The same is the case with conditions like diabetes. If you have a condition that requires medication, you must disclose it to your doctor before surgery. Certain conditions and medications can slow down your healing.

 

You also need to tell your eye doctor if you are pregnant. Hormonal fluctuations can affect visual stability. You will need to reschedule and do your surgery after welcoming your new bundle of joy.

 

Your Budget

Most insurance plans do not cover LASIK. They consider it an elective procedure. Get to know how much the procedure would cost you and if it fits within your budget.


 

For more information on LASIK, contact Sacramento Eye Consultants at our offices in Sacramento and Lincoln, California. You can also call (916) 471-4700 to schedule an appointment today.