What disqualifies you from getting LASIK?

Understanding LASIK Disqualifications
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure designed to correct refractive vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this transformative surgery. Various factors can disqualify individuals from undergoing LASIK, primarily revolving around eye health, stability of vision, and overall medical conditions.
Eye Health Considerations
One of the primary disqualifiers for LASIK is the presence of certain eye conditions. For instance, individuals suffering from glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or severe dry eye syndrome may find themselves ineligible for the procedure. These conditions can compromise the health of the eye and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, other eye diseases, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), can complicate the LASIK process, making it too risky.
Stability of Vision
Another critical factor is the stability of your vision. Candidates are typically required to have a stable prescription for at least 12 months prior to the surgery. This means that any significant changes in vision during this period could disqualify a person from being a candidate. The rationale behind this requirement is to ensure that the laser treatment is applied to a consistent refractive error, which enhances the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Age and Developmental Factors
Age can also play a role in LASIK eligibility. Most surgeons prefer candidates to be at least 18 years old, as younger individuals may still experience changes in their vision as their eyes continue to develop. Furthermore, those over the age of 40 may begin to experience presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision, which could complicate the results of LASIK.
Medical Conditions
Beyond eye health, certain systemic medical conditions can disqualify individuals from LASIK. For example, those with autoimmune disorders that lead to dry eyes or other complications may not be ideal candidates. Additionally, conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or certain types of arthritis, can also pose risks during the recovery process.
Conclusion
In summary, while LASIK offers a promising solution for many seeking to improve their vision, it is not suitable for everyone. Factors such as existing eye conditions, the stability of vision, age, and overall health must be carefully evaluated during a comprehensive consultation with an eye care professional. Understanding these disqualifiers can help potential candidates make informed decisions about their vision correction options.

What prescriptions are too high for LASIK?

For nearsightedness, LASIK can typically correct prescriptions up to -12.00 diopters (D). For farsightedness, the limit generally falls around +4.00 to +6.00 D, while astigmatism corrections can reach up to 6.00 D.

Who Cannot go for LASIK?

When is LASIK not for me?

• You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability.
• You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing.
• You actively participate in contact sports.
• You are not an adult.

What is the cut-off for laser eye surgery?

Age Limits for Eye Surgery
The FDA has approved LASIK for anyone above the age of 18. This is the only actual rule when it comes to the age factor. Adult vision is typically at its most healthy between the ages of 19 and 40. Anyone within this age bracket is a good candidate for refractive eye surgery.

What makes someone not eligible for LASIK?

A patient may not be a good candidate for LASIK if they have thin corneas, an irregular shaped cornea, corneal scarring, or other unusual findings. In those cases, your eye doctor may recommend photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery.

What would prevent me from getting LASIK?

Scarring from a previous eye injury or surgery can impede the surgeon’s ability to perform the operation safely. Other eye diseases that affect the cornea or infections must be resolved before you can get LASIK. In some cases, you may find that because of eye diseases or another procedure, you cannot get LASIK.

Who isn’t a good candidate for LASIK?

If you’re in poor health or have difficulty healing, you should avoid unnecessary surgery — including LASIK. Autoimmune conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV are just three examples of conditions that might make eye surgery unsafe.

Why can’t you cry after LASIK?

One thing that is potentially harmful about crying after LASIK is the increased chance that you will rub your eyes. With today’s LASIK technology, rubbing your eyes after the procedure is much less of a threat than it used to be. But we advise avoidance of rubbing for about two weeks.

At what point can you not get LASIK?

These include: Eye health: your overall eye health must be good, with no traces of disease or infection. Vision stability: you need stable vision (i.e., no prescription changes) for at least a year. Overall health: you can’t have an autoimmune disease, as it may hinder proper healing.

What prescription disqualifies you from LASIK?

Get Clear Vision
So what prescription is too high for LASIK? Many eye doctors will set their limits to +6 for farsightedness, -12 for nearsightedness, and 6 diopters for astigmatism. But there are other factors that can make some patients good for LASIK while others are disqualified from the procedure.

Who shouldn’t get LASIK surgery?

Certain medical conditions, unrelated to your eyes, can increase the risks associated with LASIK surgery or make the outcome less predictable. These include: Any disease or condition that affects your immune system and impairs your ability to heal or makes you more prone to infections.