Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

The benefits of corrective eye surgery cannot be denied. However, refractive or laser eye surgery is not right for everyone. Anyone who wishes to undergo LASIK laser eye surgery must first qualify by meeting some minimum requirements. Qualified candidates run a lower risk of complications and are more likely to undergo a safer procedure. In addition to reading below about the requirements for candidacy, it is also crucial to consult experienced, dependable LASIK surgeons like those at the Laser Center of Silicon Valley, to discuss your specific visual needs.

For safe laser eye surgery, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old. This ensures that your eye has developed properly and matured
• Your vision must be stable for at least one year prior to surgery
• You must not have suffered an eye infection or injury within the past year
• You must not be affected by an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren's Syndrome or Lupus
• No scarring may be present on your cornea
• You must understand the risks of LASIK surgery and have realistic expectations regarding the results that can be accomplished
• You may not be nursing or pregnant on the date of surgery
• If you suffer from dry eye syndrome you are not a good LASIK candidate
• You must have no history of herpes infections in the eye, since LASIK may bring on a recurrence of the infection
• If your pupils dilate beyond seven millimeters in the dark, you are not a good candidate for LASIK
• Despite improved vision, you are OK with the idea of possibly having to wear glasses under certain situations, such as driving at night
• You do not have any significant medical or eye problems such as previous corneal ulcers, keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea) diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration or glaucoma

You must also first undergo an eye examination with an ophthalmologist. If it is determined that you meet the requirements of LASIK and are a good candidate for this effective and safe procedure, laser eye surgery preparation will begin. Your eyes will be examined, and factors including the amount of refractive error and corneal thickness, will be measured.

Dr. Gary Kawesch and his team of experienced optometrists and friendly staff serve the residents of San Francisco, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Oakland and San Jose. If you are interested in correcting your vision once and for all, please contact our office today.

1.800.725.0740