Am I a Candidate for LASIK Laser Vision Correction in Huntsville?
For those seeking clear vision without the hassles of glasses and contact lenses, LASIK laser vision correction can dramatically improve quality of life. To determine if you are a candidate for LASIK laser vision correction, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary. At this appointment Dr. Lee and his team will completely review your personal vision needs and help you determine if LASIK is right for you.
What visual conditions does LASIK treat?
LASIK Laser Vision Correction treats the following visual disorders:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsighedtedness)
- Astigmatism
Myopia
Nearsighted individuals typically have problems seeing well at a distance and are forced to wear glasses or contact lenses. The nearsighted eye is usually longer than a normal eye, and its cornea may also be steeper. Therefore, when light passes through the cornea and lens, it is focused in front of the retina. This will make distant images appear blurred.
Hyperopia
Farsighted individuals typically develop problems reading up close before the age of 40. The farsighted eye is usually slightly shorter than a normal eye and may have a flatter cornea. Thus, the light of distant objects focuses behind the retina unless the natural lens can compensate fully. Near objects require even greater focusing power to be seen clearly and therefore, blur more easily.
Astigmatism
Asymmetric steepening of the cornea or natural lens causes light to be focused unevenly, which is the main optical problem in astigmatism. To individuals with uncorrected astigmatism, images may look blurry or shadowed. Astigmatism can accompany any form of refractive error and is very common.
What if I have been told in the past I am not a candidate for LASIK?
With the advancements in LASIK technology, many people who have been told they were not candidates for LASIK in the past now are! Dr. Lee uses the all laser / blade free iLASIK platform. This advanced technology has expanded the treatment ranges and has allowed far more people to have LASIK – even those with astigmatism.
This however does not mean LASIK is right for everyone, but after your consultation with Dr. Lee alternative treatment options may be selected for you.
What are the general LASIK candidacy requirements?
- Must be over 18
- Have a stable eyeglass prescription for over a year
- Have overall good health
- Cannot be pregnant or nursing*
- Does not have diabetic eye problems
- Does not have Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis
*If you are pregnant or nursing, it is recommended to wait 3 months after you have stopped nursing to consider LASIK. Hormonal fluctuations can effect your vision stability.
