"Is LASIK for me?" Eligibility for the LASIK Procedure
Good candidates are at least 18 years of age, in good general health, and with no eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Good candidates should be free of eye diseases including keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases. Candidates should be free of certain eye viruses including herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Good candidates should also be free of certain health problems including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease, and any medication or condition which renders the patient immunocompromised.
It is critical that a potential laser vision correction candidate has obtained a stable prescription for at least one year. Since hormomes may affect the stability of your prescription, pregnant or nursing women are not eligible to pursue laser vision correction intil two menstrual cycles after nursing has been discontinued. This is to ensure that the best results are acheived with the surgery, and to try to limit fluctuations in prescription that can occur with hormonal shifts. Above all else an examination with your eye doctor is the best way to determine if you are a good LASIK candidate and what your probable outcome may be. Patients should make their doctor aware of certain eye problems including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), severe dry eyes, previous eye surgery or injury, or any recurrent, residual or active eye conditions which may affect healing. Other conditions that should be related to the doctor include keloid scarring with previous surgical healing, back problems, claustrophobia or other psychological problems, which may effect the surgery or recovery.