Lasik Laser Eye Surgery - Am I a Candidate?

You may have considered laser corrective surgery for any of the following reasons:

My dependency on glasses and contacts makes me feel handicapped.
Glasses and contacts affect my everyday living.
I do not look good in glasses, and contacts have always bothered my eyes.
Glasses and contacts keep me from pursuing many activities.
I want to participate in more sports but feel that my glasses and contacts have always held me back.
The career path I would like to choose requires good natural vision.
I am worried about being rendered incapable should I lose my glasses or contacts. How would I survive in an emergency without them?

Not everyone is a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. Factors including the degree of refractive error, the thickness of the cornea and your age must all be taken into consideration before any prediction can be made about the success of the investigational LASIK procedure.

But am I a good candidate for LASIK laser surgery?

You are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism;

You are at least 18 (Canada) or 19 (USA) (over 60, you may be a candidate if you are free from cataracts);

Your vision has been stable for 1 year;

You have no eye problems, ie. glaucoma or cataracts -- no recurring inflammation that causes itching;

You have no health issues affecting your eyes. ie: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis

You must be informed of LASIK risks and benefits as compared to other available treatments for nearsightedness (myopia).

We will examine your eyes to ensure that you are a good candidate for LASIK laser surgery..

What are the contradictions for LASIK laser surgery?

You should NOT have refractive surgery if:

You have collagen vascular, autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases (for example,lupus, AIDS).
You are pregnant or nursing.
You show signs of keratoconus (corneal disease).
You are taking one or more of the following medications:
- Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Cordarone (amiodarone hydrochloride)

What are the warnings for LASIK laser surgery?

Discuss with your doctor if:

Your nearsightedness is changing.
You are diabetic or have severe allergies.
You have had Herpes simplex or Herpes zoster.

What are the precautions for LASIK laser surgery?

The safety and effectiveness of the Excimer Laser System has NOT been established in:

Eyes with disease or corneal abnormality (for example, scar, infection, etc.).

Eyes with previous surgery or injury to the center of the cornea where LASIK will be performed.

Eyes with abnormal blood vessels within 1.0 mm of the center of the cornea area where LASIK will be performed.

Patients under 18 years of age.