Are Your Eyes Healthy?
Before receiving LASIK, you will be required to meet with your eye doctor for a thorough comprehensive examination. Ensuring you have healthy eyes with no history of cataracts, glaucoma, or dry eye syndrome are one of the top requirements for the ideal LASIK candidate. In addition, LASIK patients must be at least 18 years old, have proper corneal thickness, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and not have an autoimmune disease which can make healing difficult during recovery. Healthy eyes are often related to overall body health. Diabetes, chronic pain conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression may prohibit a patient from receiving LASIK.
LASIK works to correct refractive errors and, along with requirements listed above, include many adults in the eligibility necessary for surgery. Your eyes can still be healthy with refractive errors. A refractive error is a common eye condition wherein the shape of the eye does not bend light correctly resulting in a blurred image. Current FDA-approved parameters for LASIK include the following refractive errors: up to -12.00D of myopia (nearsightedness), up to +6.00D of hyperopia (farsightedness), and up to 6 diopters of astigmatism. Along with healthy eyes that are free from active infections or recent eye injury, your prescription must be within these ranges and stable for at least one year prior to LASIK surgery.
Chances are if you are considering LASIK, you have had a recent eye examination to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. An ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon can confirm that if LASIK will be the right solution for you. The Eye Clinic Surgicenter offers exams that are an important part of caring for your eyes, vision, and health. Our doctors will thoroughly evaluate your medical and family history that will include any changes to vision, medications you are currently taking, and any work-related or environmental conditions that may be affecting your vision. Tests will include visual acuity, keratometry or topography, refraction, dilation to widen the pupils to detect any eye conditions or diseases as well as depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and the response to light, supplemental testing if needed such as retinal imaging, and eye health examination.
Determining if your eyes are healthy is just one step in helping you achieve clear vision. Contact The Eye Clinic Surgicenter for your next exam by calling 406-252-6608. For more information on LASIK, visit our website for more detailed information.
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