While laser eye surgery is touted as being an end-all for vision problems it may not be available to everyone. There some basic qualifications to be eligible for lasik surgery as well as some specific needs. Persons will need to be at least 18 years of age, up to age 70 and have stable vision. Minor fluctuations may not make it impossible but it will be at the surgeon's discretion.
Both eyes will undergo assessment for being able to withstand the procedure, including the thickness of the cornea. Person with corneas that are too thin to undergo the procedure will not be accepted. The vision problem must be correctable, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and women cannot be pregnant or nursing. There may also be restrictions on those that have, or previously suffered eye problems not related to their need for glasses or contacts.
Patients will also be assessed on their willingness and ability to take risks. One of the main risks is the cost of lasik surgery and the potential for complications. Many insurance companies consider lasik surgery to be cosmetic and will not pay for the procedure. Additionally, any complications resulting from the procedure will be the responsibility of the patient. There is also the possibility that the procedure may not be the last one that will be required to correct the vision.
Persons that are suffering a condition called presbyopia, which is they have trouble seeing both distant and close up may undergo what is known as monovision and will probably still need reading glasses following their surgery. Additionally, since lasik surgery is still relatively new, the long-term affects are unknown and persons suffering refractive instability may need follow up surgery in the future.
As with most surgical procedures there are certain risks and with laser eye surgery the potential for permanent eye damage and possible blindness. Anyone considering laser eye surgery can get their hands on a handbook that explains all the benefits and risks of the operation and should be made fully aware of the procedure before going to the laser surgery center for a consultation. When they do decide to seek more information than what is available in the information they can talk to the doctor and the staff to make sure their lifestyle and job requirements can be met through lasik surgery.
Persons under 18 are not considered, no matter if you are dealing with a Miami office or a Denver lasik surgery center, as well as persons whose hormones may be fluctuating due to diabetes or other diseases that may affect their ability to heal properly. Some medications can also cause fluctuations in vision as well as retinoic acid and steroids may prevent proper healing following lasik surgery and persons taking them will not be eligible for the operation.
Even those who have met all requirements for lasik surgery may not be happy with the results as not everyone achieves 20/20 vision with the surgery and may need a follow up operation. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to have the second surgery and will still need corrective lenses to improve their vision to 20/20.
