Is LASIK Surgery Right For You?
If you need glasses or contacts to see correctly, there is a procedure available that can correct your refractive error without the need or eyeglasses or contacts. It is called LASIK. It is a laser eye surgery that corrects the refractive error. If you are tired of relying on glasses or contacts, Lickteig Family Eyecare can give you a consultation to see if LASIK is right for you. Certain factors would determine if you are a good candidate.
Your Eyeglass Prescription
Lasik can correct your refractive error, but only so much. If you are nearsighted, Lasik will be effective if your prescription is up to -11.00. If you are farsighted, your prescription cannot be any higher than +5.00. If you have astigmatism, Lasik can correct a prescription of up to 5.00.
Eye Maturity
Your eyes will need to reach maturity before you can have the procedure. This occurs when you are 18-years-old. If you are over the age of 40, LASIK can correct your distance vision, but you might still need reading glasses to see up close.
The Health of Your Eyes
To be a good candidate for LASIK surgery, your eyes need to be healthy. If your prescription has been in fluctuation, you would be a poor candidate. Because LASIK can exasperate the symptoms of dry eye, having this condition makes you a poor candidate. Finally, if you have cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, LASIK won’t be successful.
Your Overall Health
For this procedure to be successful, you need to be healthy. If you are pregnant or nursing, your eye surgeon will suggest that you wait to have the procedure. Certain diseases would disqualify you as a LASIK candidate such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and uncontrolled autoimmune disease.
Finally, immunosuppressants can interfere with the healing process after Lasik; therefore, if you are taking these types of medications, you would be a poor candidate for the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are thinking about getting Lasik in Boston, our eye doctor at Lickteig Family Eyecare can perform a consultation. If you live in Medford, Natick, or the surrounding area, give us a call at 617-988-8136 for Boston, 508-653-0919 for Natick, 781-329-0067 for Dedham, or 781-350-7008 for Medford to schedule an appointment today!