Is LASIK Surgery Right for You?

LASIK surgery is an option for many people who want to no longer be dependent on glasses or contact lenses. However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. At Eye 1^st Vision Center in Sandy Springs, GA, our optometrist will assess your condition to determine whether or not LASIK is right for you.

Your Overall Health

When assessing whether you are a good candidate for LASIK, our optometrist will ask about your medical history and any difficulties you are having with your vision. There are a number of health conditions that negatively impact the outcomes of LASIK, and you need to be screened for these conditions before scheduling surgery. Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes will make LASIK a challenge, as will dry eyes and blepharitis. If you are taking medication to suppress your immune system, this is also linked to poor outcomes after the surgery.

Your Eye Health

You will also need an eye exam to assess whether your eyes are healthy enough for the surgery. There are a number of eye conditions and diseases that can preclude you from getting LASIK surgery. These include keratitis, various eye disorders, large pupils, keratoconus, injuries to the eye, dry eyes, glaucoma and cataracts. LASIK may not be the best for you if you engage in any contact sports or activities where your eyes may be injured.

A Stable Prescription

To qualify for LASIK, you must be at least 18 and have a stable vision prescription. Often, teens don't have stable vision, and some surgeons will only take patients who are 21 and over. Having steady vision allows for a better outcome than if your prescription fluctuates regularly. Many surgeons require the prescription to be stable for a set number of years before they will do the surgery.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Sandy Springs

Call Eye 1^st Vision Center today at (404) 252-1702 for more information on LASIK eye surgery or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist.