When should you not do LASIK?

Understanding When LASIK Is Not Recommended
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure designed to correct common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. While many people benefit from this surgery, it is not suitable for everyone. Understanding the specific circumstances under which LASIK may not be recommended is crucial for potential candidates.
Key Factors Against LASIK
1. Unstable Vision: One of the primary reasons LASIK may not be advisable is if a patient has unstable vision. This is often seen in individuals whose prescriptions have changed significantly over the past year. Surgeons typically require that a patient’s vision be stable for at least 12 months before considering LASIK. This ensures that the results of the surgery will be lasting and effective.
2. High Prescription Levels: Patients with very high prescriptions may also be unsuitable for LASIK. While advancements in technology have expanded the range of treatable prescriptions, there are still limits. For instance, individuals with severe myopia or hyperopia may not achieve the desired outcomes, and their risks of complications could increase.
3. Age Considerations: Age plays a significant role in LASIK candidacy. Generally, candidates should be at least 18 years old, as younger patients may still experience changes in their vision. Additionally, individuals over 40 may begin to experience presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision, which LASIK does not correct.
4. Eye Health Issues: Certain eye conditions can disqualify a person from LASIK. These include severe dry eye syndrome, corneal diseases, or other eye health issues such as glaucoma or cataracts. Patients with these conditions may face higher risks of complications during and after the procedure.
5. Medical Conditions: Systemic health issues can also impact LASIK candidacy. Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or any condition that affects healing can complicate recovery and increase the risk of complications. Patients should disclose their full medical history during consultations.
6. Pregnancy and Nursing: Women who are pregnant or nursing are often advised to postpone LASIK. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect vision, and it is essential to have stable vision before undergoing surgery.
Conclusion
While LASIK can offer significant benefits for many individuals seeking to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Potential candidates should carefully consider their specific circumstances, including vision stability, prescription levels, age, eye health, and overall medical conditions. Consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to determine whether LASIK is the right choice for you.

In what situations LASIK may not be a possibility?

You Have Other Eye Conditions
The condition you want LASIK surgery for will be a refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But other eye conditions in conjunction, such as blepharitis or eye dryness, will complicate LASIK too much to risk it.

Who is not a good candidate 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 disqualifies you from LASIK?

Corneal Diseases: Certain corneal conditions, such as keratoconus (a progressive cornea thinning), can disqualify you from LASIK surgery. Eye Diseases or Disorders: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases may prevent you from being a LASIK candidate.

At what point is LASIK not an option?

You have severe nearsightedness or have been diagnosed with a high refractive error. The possible benefits of LASIK surgery may not justify the risks. You have fairly good vision. If you see well enough to need contacts or glasses only part of the time, improvement from the surgery may not be worth the risks.

At what age is LASIK not worth it?

Yes and no. While there is currently no age limit for older adults wanting LASIK surgery, there are some vision conditions affecting adults age 40 and above that can’t be treated with this surgery. These conditions are: Presbyopia or blurry near vision typically occurring around age 40.

What is too bad for LASIK?

These are the FDA limits for LASIK surgery as outlined by the American Refractive Surgery Council: Up to +6.00 diopters of hyperopia (farsightedness) Up to 6 diopters of astigmatism. Up to -12.00 diopters of myopia (nearsightedness)

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.

Why do doctors not recommend LASIK?

Unresolved Vision Problems
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. If this occurs, you may be a better candidate for a procedure like PRK.

Who are not suitable for LASIK?

Three reasons that patients may not be suitable for laser vision correction are:

• Your eye prescription is unstable.
• You have a thin or irregular cornea.
• Your eye prescription is outside the safe range of treatment.

When is LASIK not recommended?

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.