If you’ve been wearing glasses or contact lenses for years, you may have considered LASIK surgery as a way to improve your vision. However, before deciding if LASIK is right for you, it’s crucial to undergo a thorough evaluation. This exam will help your eye doctor assess if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure, ensuring the best possible outcome for your vision. Let’s walk through why having a LASIK evaluation is so important.
Understanding LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea of your eye to improve vision, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses. But while LASIK has a high success rate, not everyone is a candidate for the surgery. The evaluation plays a key role in determining your eligibility and ensures your eyes are in the best condition for the procedure. Without this step, the surgery may not deliver the results you expect.
The Evaluation Process
During a LASIK evaluation, your eye doctor will conduct a series of tests. These tests assess the health of your eyes, the thickness of your cornea, and the overall stability of your vision. All of these factors contribute to determining whether LASIK is an appropriate option for you.
Your Medical History Matters
The first part of the evaluation will often involve discussing your medical and vision history. Certain conditions, such as dry eyes or autoimmune disorders, may affect your candidacy for LASIK. Additionally, your doctor will inquire about any medications you’re currently taking, as some drugs can interfere with the healing process post-surgery.
By reviewing your health background, your doctor can assess whether LASIK is the right solution. Skipping this conversation might lead to unexpected complications during or after the procedure.
Measuring Your Corneal Thickness
One of the most important aspects of the LASIK evaluation is measuring the thickness of your cornea. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, so having enough corneal tissue is essential. If your cornea is too thin, LASIK may not be the best choice for you, and other corrective procedures could be considered.
Your eye doctor will use specialized equipment to measure your cornea’s thickness and ensure it is sufficient for LASIK surgery.
Eye Health Assessment
Beyond corneal thickness, your eye health in general is also important. The evaluation will involve tests to check for any underlying eye conditions that could affect the success of LASIK. If your eyes show signs of disease or other complications, these may need to be addressed before you proceed with LASIK. Conditions like cataracts, for example, may require a different treatment approach.
Stability of Your Vision
Your vision needs to be stable before undergoing LASIK. If your prescription has changed frequently over the last few years, LASIK may not be recommended. Vision instability can affect the surgery’s long-term success. By monitoring your prescription, your doctor can ensure that LASIK will offer lasting benefits for your eyesight.
Are You Over 18?
Age is also a factor in LASIK candidacy. In general, doctors recommend LASIK for patients over 18 years old. By this age, your vision is more likely to have stabilized, making the surgery more reliable. For younger patients, vision is still changing, and this could affect the outcome of LASIK surgery.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
A LASIK evaluation typically takes about an hour. You’ll begin with a few vision tests, followed by a thorough eye examination. Your eye doctor may also dilate your eyes, which allows for a deeper examination of the inner structures of the eye.
The tests are painless, but you might experience sensitivity to light after dilation. Be sure to bring sunglasses for your trip home, and consider having someone drive you after the evaluation.
Discussing Your Lifestyle and Goals
During your evaluation, you’ll also have the chance to talk with your doctor about your vision goals. LASIK can improve distance vision, but it may not eliminate the need for reading glasses later in life. Your doctor can help set realistic expectations and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of LASIK based on your personal vision needs.
This conversation is important because LASIK is a significant decision that can impact your daily life. You’ll want to ensure that it aligns with your long-term vision goals.
The Next Steps After Your Evaluation
Once your evaluation is complete, your doctor will discuss whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK. If you are, you can begin discussing the surgery and the recovery process. If not, your doctor may suggest alternative treatments or corrective surgeries that are better suited for your eyes.
If LASIK is recommended, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence, knowing that the evaluation confirmed your eyes are ready for the procedure. The thorough testing ensures that the procedure is safe for your specific eye health needs.
Ready for a LASIK Evaluation?
If you’re considering LASIK, scheduling an evaluation is the first step. It’s the only way to determine if LASIK is right for you and ensure you receive the best care for your eyes. To schedule your LASIK evaluation with SuraVision, call 713-730-2020 today and take the next step toward clearer vision.