Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? If so, you may have considered LASIK eye surgery, a popular form of refractive surgery that can correct refractive errors and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses. However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. If you are considering LASIK in Santa Clarita or the surrounding area we welcome you to schedule an appointment to discuss your options with our caring eye doctors. We also hope that this blog will be helpful. We will discuss what LASIK is, who is a good candidate for the procedure, and what factors are considered before undergoing the surgery.

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, in order to correct refractive errors. Refractive errors are caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which affects how light enters the eye and can cause blurry vision. LASIK surgery can correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Certain factors must be considered before determining if LASIK is the right choice for you. Some of the key factors include:

Prescription stability: LASIK is only recommended for individuals whose prescription has been stable for at least a year. If your prescription is still changing, LASIK may not be the right choice for you.

Age: Most surgeons will only perform LASIK on individuals who are at least 20 years old. This is because the eyes are still developing in younger individuals, and it is important to wait until they are fully matured.

Corneal thickness: LASIK surgery involves removing a small amount of tissue from the cornea. If your cornea is too thin, LASIK may not be the right choice for you.

Dryness: LASIK can cause temporary dryness in the eyes. If you already suffer from dry eyes, LASIK may not be the best option for you.

Ocular diseases: If you have any ocular diseases, such as keratoconus, you may not be a candidate for LASIK.

Other factors that may affect whether LASIK is a good choice for you include:

Pregnancy: It is not recommended to have LASIK eye surgery while pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormonal changes can affect the stability of your vision.

Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome can affect the healing process after LASIK surgery. Patients with these conditions may not be good candidates for LASIK.

Eye injuries: If you have had a previous eye injury or surgery, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. Scar tissue and other issues from previous eye surgery can make it difficult to accurately measure and correct your vision with LASIK.

Job or hobbies: Depending on your job or hobbies, LASIK may not be the best choice for you. For example, if you work in a profession that requires regular eye exams, such as a pilot, LASIK may not be allowed by your employer. Similarly, if you enjoy contact sports or activities that could potentially result in eye injury, LASIK may not be the safest option for you.

What happens during LASIK surgery?

During LASIK eye surgery, the eye surgeon will use a special laser to reshape the cornea. With each pulse of the laser a miniscule piece of corneal tissue is removed. The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, patients may experience some dryness, discomfort, or blurry vision, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days.

In some cases longer term symptoms may present, speak with our eye doctor to learn more about LASIK and find out if you are a candidate.