LASIK: Is It Right for You? Who Should Avoid It
Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, has transformed the lives of millions by offering a permanent solution to vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The effectiveness of this procedure extends to numerous patients but it remains unsuitable for all potential applicants. Safety and the best results after laser eye surgery depend on properly identifying the patients who need to stay away from this treatment.
In this blog, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you determine whether laser eye surgery is right for you.
Eligibility Table for Laser Eye Surgery
| Criteria | Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18-40 years | Under 18 or over 40 with presbyopia |
| Pregnancy/Breastfeeding | Not pregnant or breastfeeding | Pregnant or breastfeeding (hormonal changes) |
| Medical Conditions | No major autoimmune diseases | Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis |
| Diabetes | Well-controlled | Uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic retinopathy |
| Eye Conditions | No severe eye diseases | Glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eyes |
| Corneal Thickness | Adequate corneal thickness | Thin corneas |
| Vision Stability | Stable for at least 12 months | Unstable prescription changes |
| Medications | No interfering medications | Steroids, Accutane, immunosuppressants |
| Sports Activities | No high-contact sports | Boxing, wrestling, martial arts |
| Expectations | Realistic vision improvement expectations | Expecting perfect 20/20 vision |
Who Might Not Be a Good Candidate?
People who want to receive laser eye surgery treatment typically find good results but several medical characteristics can affect their eligibility status or produce surgery risks. The following list includes the main criteria that prevent you from being a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
1. Age Restrictions
- Under 18 Years Old: Your eyes are still developing if you are younger than 18. Changes in your prescription make laser surgery an ineffective choice for long-term treatment.
- Over 40 Years Old: Patients above age forty can choose laser surgery though their age-related farsightedness might need reading glasses to resolve the condition.
2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Hormonal Changes: The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding result in short-term modifications to vision quality. Varying vision possible after corneal reshaping surgery through laser, procedures might produce unsatisfactory outcomes since these changes are permanent.
- Medication Concerns: Pregnant women together with breastfeeding mothers frequently need medications that may interfere with surgical healing or raise surgical dangers.
3. Medical Conditions That May Cause Complications
Some health problems generate problems with surgical healing along with greater susceptibility to post-treatment complications in laser eye procedures.
Autoimmune Diseases
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
Autoimmune diseases impair the body’s ability to heal, increasing the likelihood of post-surgery complications.
Diabetes (Uncontrolled)
- Unstable Blood Sugar Levels: The regular fluctuations from high to low blood sugar levels brought about by diabetes end up damaging the healing process while simultaneously raising the chance for infections.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: The presence of diabetic retinopathy becomes a significant risk factor that prevents laser surgery both from being risky and ineffective.
Eye Conditions
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma induces harmful effects on healing and surgical success because it increases eye pressure.
- Cataracts: Patients with cataracts must opt for cataract surgery instead of receiving laser eye correction due to the clouded condition of their eye lens.
- Severe Dry Eyes: The surgical procedure intensifies dry eye symptoms which results in persistent eye discomfort together with vision disturbances.
Read Also: LASIK & Medicaid: Does It Pay for Vision?
4. Thin Corneas
The procedure utilizes lasers to take away a portion of the cornea to set the right vision problems. The surgical success rate decreases when your cornea is too thin because there will be insufficient material for shape-changing procedures which in turn can lead to ectasia development.
5. Unstable Vision
Significant vision prescription changes during the last year indicate that laser eye surgery may not deliver suitable results. You should maintain eye stability throughout a period of 12 months to achieve successful long-term outcomes from the surgery.
6. Certain Medications
Some medications can affect healing and increase surgical risks. You should consult with your doctor if you take:
- Steroids: The medication steroids delay healing time while producing more inflammation in the body.
- Accutane (Isotretinoin): The use of Accutane also known as Isotretinoin leads to intense dry eye symptoms that create recovery complications.
- Immunosuppressants: The use of immunosuppressant drugs elevates the chance for postoperative infections to develop.
7. Active Participation in Contact Sports
People who take part in boxing wrestling or martial arts should avoid laser surgery as a treatment option. A direct blow to the eye might result in corneal flap dislodgment when LASIK is performed.
8. Unrealistic Expectations
The improved vision from laser surgery falls short of achieving perfect 20/20 vision quality. People who undergo laser correction may require glasses for reading material and driving at night.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery in Canada?
The Canadian medical guidelines implement further requirements on top of standard worldwide eligibility criteria for laser eye surgery.
Key factors include:
- Vision Stability: Requirements in Canadian clinics extend to a minimum requirement of two stable years of vision for consideration.
- Corneal Thickness: The minimum required thickness stands as a needed condition for corneal qualification for surgery.
- Health Conditions: Canadian regulations may be stricter about patients with pre-existing eye conditions or diabetes.
The evaluation process for eligibility should always be conducted with a Canadian ophthalmologist.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery Based on Cost Considerations?
Laser eye surgery stands as an elective procedure which fails to receive coverage from insurance providers. The surgical cost depends on the procedure the medical clinic and the operating surgeon. Factors affecting price include:
- Type of Surgery:
- LASIK: $1,500 – $3,000 per eye
- PRK: $1,200 – $2,500 per eye
- SMILE: $2,500 – $4,000 per eye
- Location: Surgery costs vary by country and city.
- Technology Used: Advanced technology may increase costs but improve outcomes.
- Follow-Up Care: Some clinics include post-surgery visits, while others charge separately.
High-quality treatment of a reputable clinic remains essential but you should verify that you can financially support such treatment.
Read Also: Pain-Free Laser Eye Surgery? What to Expect
Final Words
The potential benefits of laser eye surgery exist for many people yet some patients must avoid this medical procedure due to unsuitable candidacy. Seek professional eye specialist evaluation to determine other vision correction possibilities like contact lenses or implantable lenses when experiencing one of the mentioned conditions.
