We continue with our ongoing series of our most commonly asked questions and this week it’s all about LASIK!
Why is LASIK Done and Who Is A Candidate?
LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Candidacy requires healthy eye structures (verified by a complete dilated eye exam), good corneal shape, and adequate corneal thickness. Typically we offer LASIK to patients between 18 to 55 with a stable refraction within the appropriate power ranges (noted above) who want to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
When can LASIK not be done and who is not a candidate?
Keratoconus, severe corneal scarring, recent use of Retin-A, current pregnancy, and poor healing are contraindications to LASIK. Women can have LASIK prior to pregnancy or at least 4 months after delivery; vision can change during pregnancy but reverts to baseline a few months
Which LASIK procedure is best?
Like any technology, LASIK has evolved over the last 30 years. Computerized tracking and alignment, compensation for rotation of the eye, switching from broad-beam pulses to flying spot technology, switching from blade flap creation to femtosecond laser flaps, and wavefront and topography guidance have been important innovations that have moved LASIK forward and made it into the advanced procedure it is today. All the modern laser platforms offer or combine most of these elements. At PCVI, we use the Zeiss Visumax and MEL lasers, which offer the patient a fast and seamless experience in addition to terrific outcomes and recovery.
Ready To See If LASIK Is Right For You?
