Who is the Best Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery? Learn who makes a good candidate for the procedure and what questions to ask during your consultation.

Who is the Best Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery? It's important to know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Good candidates for LASIK are typically 21 years or older, have good eye and general health, and have had stable prescriptions for at least one year. Determining your eligibility for LASIK surgery is done on an individual basis, taking into account your medical history, prescription, and other health factors. We recommend that you take advantage of the free TLC pre-procedure consultation at one of our laser vision eye surgery centers.

This consultation, or a similar evaluation by a doctor affiliated with TLC, is necessary before undergoing LASIK eye surgery at TLC laser eye centers. The technology for laser eye surgery is constantly being improved, allowing people with higher and more complex prescriptions to become safe candidates for LASIK over time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a list of recommended questions when considering LASIK surgery. We'll tell you why LASIK surgery is or isn't right for you, and about the benefits and risks associated with this type of surgery.

However, LASIK isn't the best option for everyone, and success depends largely on whether it meets the patient's criteria. LASIK is a two-step process that involves creating a flap in the cornea with a laser and then remodeling the surface of the cornea to correct refractive error or errors that cause myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. If your eye doctor isn't trained in laser vision correction, your local TLC center can also refer you to a LASIK doctor with experience in your community. The main purpose of your LASIK consultation is to determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery and, if so, which procedure is best for you.

Keep in mind that scheduling a laser eye surgery consultation to discuss LASIK in NO WAY requires you to schedule an appointment for the eye procedure. The shape of the cornea can also change (especially if you retain water), which is problematic for LASIK surgery, as surgeons use measurements from this part of the eye to determine where corneal tissue should be removed to improve vision. The main purpose of an in-office LASIK eye surgery consultation is always to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery and, if you are found to be a good candidate, which laser eye surgery procedure is best for you.