Vision issues can make daily life extremely difficult. Things like reading and driving can be a real challenge. While glasses and contacts can help, a long-term solution to your vision issues is much more beneficial. LASIK has transformed the lives of so many people. The procedure is fast, effective, and long-lasting. It reshapes the cornea to correct how the eye focuses light. Several factors make you a good candidate for the procedure. Below, you will find what disqualifies you from LASIK and your alternatives.
What Disqualifies You from LASIK
To move forward with the procedure, several LASIK qualifications make you a good candidate. Below are some factors that may indicate that LASIK is not the best treatment option for you.
Thin Corneas
LASIK involves the removal of microscopic amounts of corneal tissue. This is necessary to reshape the eye. To be a good candidate for the procedure, the cornea needs to be thick. A thick cornea is necessary to ensure there is enough to safely accommodate that removal. A thin cornea can compromise its structural integrity. This increases the risk of serious complications. Your corneal thickness is one of the first measurements the eye surgeon takes during the consultation. LASIK will not be recommended if the measurement is below the safety threshold.
Unstable Vision Prescription
A stable prescription is important before getting LASIK. This is because the procedure corrects the prescription your eyes have at the time of surgery. If that prescription continues to change, the procedure’s results will also change. Candidates need to have a stable vision for at least one year before surgery. Operating on a moving target does not make clinical sense. It is an investment in your vision that should be done at the appropriate time. In fact, surgery before your vision is ready increases the likelihood of needing a second LASIK procedure.
Corneal Irregularities
Because the cornea is an integral part of the LASIK procedure, certain irregularities can lead to complications. In fact, some irregularities completely disqualify patients from the procedure. This is because LASIK could actually worsen these conditions and create even more vision issues. Surgical mapping is performed before surgery can move forward. Even the earliest signs of corneal irregularities can disqualify you from the procedure.
Severe Dry Eye
Severe dry eyes can be a disqualifying factor for LASIK. This is because the procedure affects the corneal nerves that signal tear production. Dry eyes are a common side effect during the recovery process after the procedure. For average patients, the temporary dryness resolves during the healing process. However, for patients with severe dry eyes before surgery, symptoms can worsen. This can make managing your dry eyes much more difficult after surgery. It is important to discuss this with the surgeon at your consultation.
Alternative Treatment Option
Clear Lens Replacement
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, there are other options to correct your vision. Talk with your eye surgeon about your options. One of the most effective alternatives to LASIK is clear lens replacement. Patients who are not candidates for LASIK may qualify for this option. The procedure removes the eye’s natural lens. It then replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. This is designed to correct your vision, so you no longer have to rely on contacts or glasses.
Candidates for Clear Lens Replacement
Clear lens replacement is best suited for patients who do not meet the LASIK candidacy requirements. One of the most common reasons patients choose clear lens replacement over LASIK is thin corneas. Those with extreme farsightedness and presbyopia also benefit from clear lens replacement. A consultation with a skilled eye surgeon is important to determine if you meet the requirements for clear lens replacement. They can create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
What to Expect from Clear Lens Replacement
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. The procedure is fast, taking less than 30 minutes per eye. To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia is used. Once you are anesthetized, the natural lens of the eye is removed. It is then replaced with an intraocular lens. Recovery is smooth and manageable. You may notice mild sensitivity and blurred vision right after. This is normal and should subside within the first few days. Full visual stabilization occurs within a few weeks.
Leading Eye Surgeon
Dealing with vision issues can severely impact your daily life. If you want to correct your vision, contact the team at Advanced Eye Medical today to schedule your appointment!