Want to never spend money on contacts or glasses again? Want to be able to hop out of bed and start your day without the hassle of putting in contacts? Then you’re reading the right blog! LASIK laser eye surgery in Raleigh is an incredible way to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness. While our LASIK surgeons cannot guarantee 20/20 vision, most cases are successful in improving visual acuity (sharpness) permanently. Below are some of the factors you will need in order to be a candidate for LASIK. 
 

GOOD OVERALL HEALTH

LASIK candidates much be in good general health, and should not have any diseases that compromise the immune system. Diseases like uncontrolled diabetes, collagen vascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis often rule out patients as candidates. Certain medications that inhibit the immune system might also bar you from receiving surgery. 
 

GOOD EYE HEALTH

Patients who have retinal and optic nerve diseases are usually not candidates for LASIK. Common diseases that bar candidacy include glaucoma, cataracts, corneal disease, optic herpes simplex, and chronic dry eye. Patients also cannot have any temporary eye issues at the time of surgery, like an eye infection or injury. Finally, certain issues and conditions that may influence healing, like amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or strabismus (muscle imbalance), might be of concern to your Raleigh eye surgeon. If you decide to pursue LASIK, make sure to make your Raleigh eye doctor aware of any eye issues or conditions you may have. Note that candidates’ vision must be stable for at least one year prior to the procedure date.
 

NOT NURSING/PREGNANT

Candidates should not be nursing or pregnant when undergoing the LASIK procedure. Since hormones may affect the stability of your prescription, pregnant or nursing women are not eligible to pursue LASIK surgery until three menstrual cycles after nursing has been discontinued.
 

SUFFICIENT CORNEAL THICKNESS

Corneal thickness plays an important role in determining a patient’s candidacy for LASIK. Since LASIK is essentially surgery on the cornea, candidates must have a minimum corneal thickness of approximately 0.5 mm. 
 

NO OTHER HEALTH ISSUES 

Patients with emotional disorders, such as generalized anxiety, claustrophobia, panic disorder, or post-operative depression are not necessarily barred from having LASIK, but are at higher risk for post-operative recovery issues. Additionally, if you have had problems recovering from other surgeries, like keloid scarring, your optometrist might determine that LASIK is too high-risk for you. Again, be candid with your eye surgeon about any and all health issues. He or she is best positioned to determine whether improved vision is worth the risks. 

Note, too, that if an eye doctor determines you are not a good LASIK candidate today, you may still be a good candidate in the future. The technology for laser eye surgery is constantly being enhanced, enabling people with higher and more difficult prescriptions to gain clearer vision.
 

NEED A LASER EYE SURGEON IN RALEIGH?  

If you live in the Raleigh NC area and are considering laser eye surgery, we highly recommend scheduling a LASIK consultation appointment with our experienced optometrists. Determining whether a patient is a good candidate for LASIK is a highly individualized process, and can only be done in-office by a licensed professional. Stop by and see us soon!