Am I Eligible for LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a highly effective way to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, we provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss all available options to determine if the procedure is right for you. For eligible candidates, our experienced team utilizes advanced technology and personalized care to ensure a quick recovery and long-lasting results, making LASIK an excellent choice for improved vision and quality of life.

Correcting Different Vision Problems

LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea to address different refractive errors, ensuring light focuses properly on the retina for clearer sight. It helps correct several issues, including:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): LASIK reshapes the cornea by flattening its central part, reducing the eye’s focusing power. This adjustment moves the focus of light from in front of the retina to directly on it, improving distant vision.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): LASIK steepens the cornea by removing tissue from its periphery. This increases the cornea’s focusing power, allowing light to focus directly on the retina for clearer near and distant vision.
• Astigmatism: LASIK addresses the uneven curvature of the cornea by selectively reshaping its surface. This creates a more symmetrical cornea, enabling light to focus evenly on the retina reducing blurriness and distortion at all distances.

Determining Your Eligibility

Good candidates for LASIK surgery generally meet the following criteria:

• Stable Prescription: They have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year, ensuring their vision won’t change significantly after surgery.
• Age and Health: They are at least 18 years old and in good general health, with no history of autoimmune disorders that could affect healing.
• Corneal Thickness: Their corneas are thick enough to support the reshaping process, as thin corneas may increase the risk of complications.
• Eye Health: They do not have any active eye infections, injuries, or conditions such as severe dry eyes, keratoconus, or uncontrolled glaucoma.
• Not Pregnant or Nursing: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or nursing can affect eye health, making it advisable to wait until after this period for LASIK.

Making an Informed Decision

In addition to meeting physical criteria, LASIK candidates should clearly understand the potential benefits and risks of LASIK and have realistic expectations about the results.

Benefits:

• Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Quick Recovery: Vision improvement is often noticeable within 24-48 hours, and most people can resume normal activities within a day or two.
• Convenience: Enjoy the freedom from corrective eyewear, making daily activities,

sports, and travel easier.

Potential Risks:

• Temporary or dry eyes can occur as the eyes heal.
• Some patients may experience glare, halos, or double vision, especially at night.
• In rare cases, over or under-correction may require additional surgery to achieve the desired vision.

Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania ensures that every patient is well-informed throughout the LASIK process. Our team provides comprehensive consultations, discussing all potential benefits and risks to help them make confident, educated decisions about their vision correction options.

Taking the First Step

Achieving clearer vision and enhanced quality of life is possible with LASIK surgery. At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, we are committed to guiding you through every step, from initial consultation to post-operative care, to help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you are ready to see the world more clearly and confidently, please call 1-800-762-7132 or request an appointment online.