5 Medical Conditions That May Make You A Bad LASIK Candidate

Right now, you rely on glasses, contacts, or both, to be able to see clearly. These can be cumbersome and limit your active lifestyle. Although LASIK has helped millions of people reduce and even eliminate dependence on glasses, it is important to not assume that LASIK is the best option for you. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to be evaluated by your doctor.
Factors that determine candidacy for LASIK surgery include prescription stability for your contact lenses and/or eyeglasses, age (you must be at least 18), and corneal thickness. Corneal thickness notwithstanding, there are medical conditions you need to be aware of that may make you a bad candidate for the LASIK procedure. Some of these conditions may only temporarily make you ineligible for LASIK, while others may mean LASIK is not the right fit for you.

Read on to learn about 5 medical conditions that may make you a bad LASIK candidate.

Autoimmune Conditions May Be An Issue

LASIK candidates must be in good physical health. Certain conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease may be an issue. LASIK candidates also cannot be on any medications or have any conditions that can compromise the immune system.

Eye Injuries

An eye infection or injury will take you out of the running for LASIK, but don’t fret; once you are healed up and cleared by your doctor, you may very well quality for LASIK surgery.

Nursing/pregnancy

Candidates should not be nursing or pregnant when undergoing LASIK surgery. Your fluctuating hormones may affect the stability of your vision. You will again be eligible to pursue LASIK surgery three menstrual cycles after you have discontinued nursing.

Fluctuating Prescription

Has your eyeglass or contact prescription changed in the last year? If so, you will not be considered as a LASIK candidate until your prescription has been stable for at least one entire year.

General Eye Health

A good LASIK candidate will not have eye diseases such as glaucoma or corneal disease, among others. LASIK candidates also will not suffer from optic nerve and retinal disease, as well as herpes simplex or herpes zoster. Those with good eye health but who have eye problems such as lazy eye, muscle imbalances, or active eye conditions that may influence healing should discuss their conditions with their doctors.

If your LASIK eye doctor deems you not to be a good fit for LASIK surgery, you may still be considered in the future. Laser eye surgery is not for everyone, however, and some patients — such as those with certain diseases involving the cornea and/or retina — will never be candidates. The best way for you to find out is by contacting Berg Feinfield Vision Correction for a thorough, no-obligation LASIK consultation.