Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery?
One of the most common questions I receive from patients interested in laser vision correction surgery is, "Should I get LASIK?" While laser eye surgery can be an excellent option for some people, it is not suitable for everyone. In this blog post, I will discuss who should not have laser eye surgery and why.
Who is not suitable for laser eye surgery?
People with unstable or changing prescriptions: LASIK is designed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, if your prescription is still changing, LASIK may not be a suitable option. This is because the surgery corrects your vision based on your current prescription, and if your prescription continues to change after the surgery, your vision may become blurry again.
People with thin corneas: LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea and reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser. If your cornea is too thin, the surgery may not be safe or effective. In some cases, a different type of laser eye surgery, such as PRK or LASIK, may be a better option.
People with certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and pregnancy, can affect the healing process after LASIK surgery. People with these conditions may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
People with large pupils: LASIK can cause problems with night vision if you have large pupils. This is because the surgery can make your pupils smaller, and if your pupils are already large, it can cause glare and halos around lights at night.
People with certain eye conditions: LASIK may not be suitable for people with certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or keratoconus. In some cases, these conditions may need to be treated before LASIK can be considered.
People with unrealistic expectations: While LASIK can significantly improve your vision, it is not a guarantee of perfect vision. People with unrealistic expectations may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
Should I get LASIK Eye Surgery?
If you are considering LASIK, it is essential to talk to an ophthalmologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes and medical history to determine if LASIK is a safe and effective option for you.
During your consultation, your ophthalmologist will also discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK and answer any questions you may have. It is important to have realistic expectations about what LASIK can and cannot do for your vision.
If your ophthalmologist determines that LASIK is not a suitable option for you, they may recommend a different type of laser eye surgery or another vision correction option, such as glasses or contact lenses.
While LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for many people, it is not suitable for everyone. People with unstable prescriptions, thin corneas, certain medical conditions, large pupils, certain eye conditions, or unrealistic expectations may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
Schedule an eye exam today with Colorado Eye Surgeons.
