Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK? What Your Eye Doctor Will Check

LASIK eye surgery has helped millions achieve clear vision without relying on glasses or contacts. However, not everyone is a perfect candidate for the procedure. Before moving forward, your optometrist will perform a thorough LASIK evaluation to determine if your eyes are healthy enough and if the treatment is likely to give you lasting results.
 

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is a popular vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. During LASIK, a precise laser reshapes the cornea - the clear front surface of your eye - to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By improving how light focuses on the retina, LASIK allows for clearer, sharper vision. The procedure is quick, typically painless, and offers a fast recovery, with many patients noticing improved vision within 24 hours.
 

What Happens During a LASIK Evaluation

A LASIK evaluation is more than a simple vision test - it’s an in-depth look at your eye health, corneal structure, and visual stability. Your eye doctor will assess several key factors to determine your eligibility:

• Stable Vision Prescription: Your prescription should be stable for at least a year. Significant changes in your prescription could mean your vision is still shifting, which might affect the outcome of LASIK.

• Corneal Thickness and Shape: LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, so having enough corneal tissue is crucial. Your optometrist will use advanced imaging technology to measure corneal thickness and detect any irregularities.

• Overall Eye Health: Conditions such as dry eye disease, keratoconus, or corneal scarring can interfere with healing and results. Your optometrist will evaluate the surface and interior of your eyes to ensure they’re in good condition before recommending LASIK.

• Pupil Size: Large pupils can increase the risk of glare or halos at night after LASIK. Measuring pupil size helps your doctor determine if laser correction is appropriate.

• Age and Medical History: Generally, candidates should be over 18 and in good overall health. Certain medications or autoimmune disorders can affect healing, so a detailed health history is an important part of your evaluation.
 

Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate

You may not be a good LASIK candidate if:

• You’re pregnant or nursing (hormones can affect vision stability)

• You have uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease

• You have severe dry eye or thin corneas

• Your vision prescription is still changing

Fortunately, even if LASIK isn’t right for you, other vision correction options may still provide results.
 

Schedule Your LASIK Evaluation Today

Determining your candidacy for LASIK starts with a professional LASIK evaluation in Covington, Louisiana. Our Covington optometrist uses the latest diagnostic tools to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you’re a good fit for the procedure.

If you’re ready to explore life with clearer vision, contact Eyewear Society to schedule your LASIK consultation today. Visit our office in Covington, Louisiana, or call (985) 893-2722 to book your appointment.