LASIK Candidates

Woman smiling

Woman SmilingMany people have benefited from LASIK eye surgery over the years. This refractive surgery has been able to improve people’s vision and eliminate their dependence on corrective lenses. As effective as LASIK surgery is, however, not everyone will be an ideal candidate for the surgical procedure.

We’d like to take a moment right now to look at basic requirements for candidacy regarding LASIK surgery. You will be able to learn more about the basic surgical requirements in greater detail when you visit our Rapid City laser eye surgery center for a consultation.

About LASIK Surgery

Let’s first give you a basic understanding of what Rapid City LASIK is and can achieve. LASIK is a refractive surgery, meaning that it reshapes the cornea to address refractive errors (i.e., myopia/nearsightedness, hyperopia/farsightedness, and astigmatism). Advanced forms of LASIK use precise digital mapping and laser technology in order to correct the most minute imperfections in the corneal surface.

Ideal Candidates for LASIK Surgery

The best candidates for LASIK surgery:

  • Are least 18 years old or older
  • Have had a stable prescription for a year
  • Suffer from no major eye diseases or conditions
  • Have realistic expectations about the surgical procedure and results

People Who Are NOT Ideal Candidates for LASIK Surgery

There are a number of factors that would make a person a poor candidate for LASIK surgery. Some poor candidates for LASIK surgery are:

  • Pregnant women
  • People under the age of 18
  • People whose prescription keeps degrading
  • People with dry eye syndrome
  • People with thin or irregularly shaped corneas

In each of the above cases, patients will have to wait to undergo LASIK surgery at a later time or consider one of the many alternative treatments to LASIK surgery.

A Brief Word About Dry Eye and LASIK Surgery

Dry eye is one of the many potential side effects of LASIK surgery. During the procedure, the flap made in the cornea can affect nerves in the eye, resulting in reduced tear production. Generally dry eye only lasts a few weeks after surgery once the nerves heal.

That said, LASIK surgery can make pre-existing dry eye syndrome much more severe, which is why we will not perform LASIK surgery on people who suffer from dry eye syndrome.

Alternatives to LASIK for Non-candidates

For people who are not good candidates for LASIK there are plenty of options to consider. Alternative refractive surgeries such as PRK and LASEK are both good potential choices. In some cases, the only viable option for the patient will be the use of corrective lenses.

Making the Right Decision for You

During your visit with our Rapid City, SD vision correction and eye care doctors, we will be sure to go over all of your options for effective care. It’s our goal to ensure that you make the best decision for your needs.

Learn More About State-of-the-Art Eye Care Treatments

For more information about LASIK surgery as well as your many other options for advanced vision correction, contact our Rapid City, South Dakota laser eye care center today. Our entire team of vision correction professionals looks forward to discussing all of your options for achieving optimal vision.