Who Makes a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a science-sent miracle that helps people reduce their dependence on contact lenses and eyeglasses, or stop wearing them once and for all. If you are willing to take the plunge, you must ask yourself one important question – are you a good candidate for laser eye surgery?

Fact is, there are three common types of laser eye surgery with suitability varying from one procedure to another. Let’s take a look at each of these procedures and outline who their suitable candidates are:

laser eye surgery

Good Candidates for LASIK

Many people erroneously think that LASIK and laser eye surgery are synonymous terms. In truth, LASIK wasn’t the pioneer of laser eye surgery. It has, however, become quite popular, and it has become the most preferred option for many with over 600,000 surgeries performed in the United State yearly. Nevertheless, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Here are the aspects that outline a good candidate for LASIK:

  • Should be at least 18 years old.
  • Should have a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
  • Should have healthy eyes, i.e. no significant eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, or corneal ulcers.
  • Should not suffer from serious health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, collagen vascular disease, or any other condition that compromises a patient’s immunity.
  • Should not be a pregnant or breastfeeding mom.

Good Candidates for PRK

PRK is another popular type of laser eye surgery in Dallas Texas, which is mostly preferred by patients who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery. While more patients are considered suitable candidates for this procedure, PRK is still not for everybody. Suitable candidates for this laser eye surgery fit the following profile:

  • Are 18 years old and above.
  • Have had a stable eyeglasses or contacts prescription for at least one year.
  • Aren’t suffering from any eye disease or health condition that could compromise your post surgery healing.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Good Candidates for SMILE Vision Correction

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most recent and innovative type of laser eye surgery. Unlike LASIK, SMILE doesn’t involve cutting a flap in the cornea, which makes it an ideal option for people who lead an active lifestyle. To be a good candidate, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Should be at least 21 years old.
  • Should have a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
  • Should have nearsightedness between -1 and -8 diopters with less severe astigmatism.
  • Should have healthy corneas and overall eye health should be good.

Even though the above information can help you know which laser eye surgery is suitable for you, determining whether you are a perfect candidate will also require thorough examination and assessment by a qualified laser vision surgeon. See if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery in Dallas Texas. It is important for you to inform your ophthalmologist of any eye problems or health conditions that you may be suffering or may have suffered from. Also be sure to inform the doctor of the medications you might be on.

While laser eye surgery has been performed for years and complications are rare, you can only be a good candidate if you know and are willing to accept any complications that may arise after your eye surgery. You must also be willing to follow through with post-eye surgery responsibilities, which include adhering to a medical schedule and follow-up eye exams. Following the surgeon’s post-op instructions is very important part of healing; improving healing and reducing complications.