The preoperative consultation provides a basic explanation of LASIK, its benefits, alternatives, and complications. Specialized testing determines your suitability for surgery.
LASIK is appropriate for patients with myopia, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism who wish to have less dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and are willing to assume the risks associated with the procedure. Minimum age is 21 years. There should be no significant change in glasses or contact lens prescription for the previous 12 months. Patients pay for the laser surgery, as it is usually not covered by insurance.
Some of the reasons not to do LASIK are eye inflammation or infection, severely dry eyes, excessive corneal scarring, certain degenerations of the cornea, and uncontrolled diabetes. Other contraindications include: the use of drugs, which may interfere with the healing response;pregnancy, which may also slow the healing process; and other eye related problems which may interfere with an optimal result.
Patients with or approaching presbyopia (the need for reading glasses, prevalent over 45 years of age) should understand that laser surgery will not affect this age related process.
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