Eyesight issues can also develop at a younger age, with up to 1.3 billion worldwide living with a form of refractive error like myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia.
Such problems would have people look for an affordable eye exam from places like Dr. Tavel to have it corrected through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or LASIK. But is LASIK surgery for you? Here are the things to consider.
Do You Have Healthy Eyes?
LASIK surgery is best suited for those over 18 years old with a moderate degree of refractive error and who suffer from no unusual vision problems. Furthermore, the patient should not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or on steroid drugs, as these would cause temporary vision fluctuations.
Your eye doctor will ask detailed questions regarding your eye health, evaluating your eyes to ensure you have no conditions that may cause a poor outcome or complications after surgery.
You may not be eligible for LASIK surgery if you have any of these conditions:
- An eye disease resulting in a progressive deterioration of vision and cornea thinning, like keratoconus. If this condition runs in the family, you need to be cautious about elective surgery.
- Inflammation or infections that affect the eye, such as keratitis, uveitis, or herpes simplex.
- Eye injuries or eyelid disorders
- Dry eyes, which may worsen after LASIK
- Large pupils. If you have large pupils, especially under dim light, the surgery can cause debilitating symptoms like glare, halos, ghost images, or starbursts.
- Glaucoma or cataracts
The doctor may also advise against LASIK surgery if you:
- Have severe nearsightedness or were diagnosed with high refractive eyes
- Have good vision overall and can see well enough without using contacts or eyeglasses part of the time
- Actively participate in contact sports like boxing or martial arts, as you may regularly receive blows to your eyes and face
- Have age-related eye changes causing poor vision, like presbyopia
Are You Healthy?
Your eye surgeon will ask detailed questions about your overall health, such as your family history, any past and current issues, among other things. This is because certain medical conditions, even when unrelated to the eyes, can increase any risks associated with LASIK surgery, making the result less predictable. Such conditions include:
- Diseases or conditions affecting your immune system, impairing your ability to heal, or making you more prone to infections. These conditions can be lupus, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.
- Taking immunosuppressive medication for whatever reason.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which can put you at risk of various complications like diabetic retinopathy.
Is It Within Budget?
Many insurance plans consider LASIK as an elective procedure and won’t cover the cost. They can cost $2,000 to $3,000 per eye! Given the high price, it’s best to contact a reputable eye doctor in Avon to learn the exact price.
Wrapping It Up
If you are interested in LASIK surgery and believe you are a good candidate based on the information above, have your eye doctor check if you are eligible for the procedure.
