Who Can Get LASIK? A Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility and Alternatives
Article7 min read
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, better known as LASIK, has only been used by ophthalmologists for about 30 years. Yet, it has already helped millions of patients correct refractive errors and dramatically improve their eyesight. So, what is LASIK surgery, who can get LASIK, and how can you tell whether a patient is a good...
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, better known as LASIK, has only been used by ophthalmologists for about 30 years. Yet, it has already helped millions of patients correct refractive errors and dramatically improve their eyesight.
So, what is LASIK surgery, who can get LASIK, and how can you tell whether a patient is a good candidate for LASIK? If you run an ophthalmology practice specializing in helping those who wear glasses or contact lenses overcome vision problems, ensure you know how to answer these key questions.
Discover who should get LASIK — and who shouldn’t — below.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
Dr. Gholam A. Peyman invented LASIK surgery in the late 1980s. The first LASIK eye surgery was performed in the early 1990s, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this refractive surgery in 1999.
Since then, this surgical procedure has helped many patients. Between 700,000 and 80,000 Americans undergo LASIK surgery annually.
LASIK eye surgery permanently alters the shape of a person’s cornea. Reshaping the cornea helps focus light and creates clearer images on a person’s retina, correcting blurry vision.
Experienced eye doctors often complete LASIK procedures in about 30 minutes. This is what happens when eye surgeons perform LASIK:
- A LASIK surgeon uses an excimer laser to create a small flap in a patient’s cornea.
- The eye surgeon pulls back this corneal flap to expose the tissue underneath.
- The surgeon uses the laser to reshape the exposed corneal tissue.
- The surgeon puts the flap back down and secures it.
From there, the healing process starts. Many LASIK patients heal from this surgical procedure within a few months, but it might take up to six months to fully recover. Either way, most people who undergo LASIK surgery no longer have to worry about wearing eyeglasses or refilling a contact lens prescription.
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, but those diagnosed with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may benefit.
Who Can Get LASIK?
LASIK eye surgery could help many people struggling with blurry vision and other issues caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, not everyone is eligible for LASIK.
Who can get LASIK? Several factors will determine whether a patient is a good LASIK candidate.
Age Requirements
To undergo LASIK eye surgery, a person must be at least 18, but ideally, they will be 21 or older. Young people’s eyes are still developing and won’t be ready for LASIK yet.
The optimal age range for those considering LASIK is 25 to 40. Those in this range often have stable prescriptions for wearing eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.
Stable Vision
Potential LASIK patients must have stable vision. Most LASIK surgeons require patients to have the same prescriptions for a year before scheduling procedures.
General Eye Health
When patients are considering LASIK eye surgery, their eyes should be generally healthy.
Those with certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts, won’t respond well to LASIK surgery. They won’t reach their vision goals by taking advantage of this elective procedure since it doesn’t target the issues causing them.
Those considering LASIK must also have corneal thicknesses that fall into the treatable range. An ideal corneal thickness is between 500 and 600 microns. Thin corneas could result in surgical complications, such as corneal ectasia.
General Health Considerations
Eye health isn’t the only factor to consider when scheduling LASIK eye surgeries. Patients must also analyze their general health.
Some health conditions might prevent patients from exploring the benefits of LASIK. These include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.)
- HIV and other diseases that compromise the immune system
Women who are pregnant or nursing should also abstain from considering LASIK. The temporary changes to hormone levels accompanying pregnancy and nursing often cause refractive instability.
Additionally, people who take certain medications might have to avoid undergoing LASIK. The answer to the question, “Are you a LASIK candidate?” will be “no” for those taking:
- Acne medications
- Antidepressants
- Blood thinners
- Hormonal medications
- Steroids
Even those who participate in contact sports like boxing and MMA might not meet the strict qualifications for LASIK.
Who Should Avoid LASIK?
Knowing who can get LASIK is important for those with ophthalmology practices. You can stage more successful initial consultations for potential LASIK patients.
Understanding who should avoid LASIK is just as essential. You might save valuable time and energy by ruling out those with certain eye health issues or other health conditions.
Age-Related Considerations
You shouldn’t consider performing LASIK on anyone under 18. Encourage younger patients to wait until they’re at least 18 to consider LASIK, and emphasize how those between 25 and 40 typically respond best.
Eye Conditions
Those with certain eye diseases, such as keratoconus, aren’t eligible for LASIK. This eye condition causes people to suffer from thin corneas, and they won’t have enough tissue for eye surgeons to perform successful procedures.
People with severe dry eye also shouldn’t consider LASIK. The procedure could exacerbate this condition and cause LASIK dry eyes.
People with large pupils might also be unable to undergo LASIK. The surgery could cause blurred vision and side effects like glare, halos, and starbursts.
Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases might take a significant toll on those who have LASIK performed. If someone with an autoimmune disease undergoes LASIK, it may result in:
- Corneal damage
- Severe dry eye
- Surgical complications like episcleritis
Autoimmune diseases and health conditions like diabetes might also slow down the healing process following LASIK.
Professions
Those who work in specific fields might not be ideal LASIK candidates. For example, truck drivers who spend their fair share of time driving at night might not benefit from LASIK since it may result in increased light sensitivity.
Alternative Vision Correction Procedures
If a patient visits your ophthalmology practice and doesn’t like your answer when they ask, “Who can get LASIK?” lift their spirits by informing them about other worthwhile vision correction procedures.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Like LASIK, PRK involves using a laser to reshape a person’s cornea. It was the first FDA-approved laser eye surgery procedure, but it didn’t become as popular as LASIK because it requires a longer healing process.
PRK is often perfect for patients with thin corneas who don’t have the desired amount of corneal tissue.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
SMILE is another laser eye surgery that may help those suffering from specific refractive errors, including nearsightedness and astigmatism. It involves utilizing a femtosecond laser to make a small incision in the cornea, remove a disc-shaped piece of tissue, and deliver vision correction.
SMILE is for patients looking to avoid flap-related LASIK complications.
How To Determine Candidacy for Vision Correction Surgery
There isn’t always a cut-and-dried answer to the question, “Who can get LASIK?” The most effective way to answer this question is to schedule LASIK consultations with patients who show an interest in the procedure.
Consultation With an Eye Care Professional
A LASIK consultation allows you to examine a patient’s eye health conditions and review their general health history.
During a consultation, you should also set realistic expectations for LASIK. You might even suggest other treatments, such as cataract surgery, to those who might benefit from them.
Offering LASIK consultations to patients will enable you to discuss the cost of this procedure and calculate how much of this cost insurance plans will cover.
Let Your Patients Know Who Would Be a Good Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery
Figuring out who can get LASIK will allow you to have more productive conversations with your ophthalmology practice’s patients. You can give them the proper guidance as they decide whether to schedule LASIK eye surgery.
Prepare to discuss LASIK aftercare with your patients, too. This will help them better decide whether LASIK is the right choice.
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