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LASIK, is it suitable for me?
The Excimer Laser is approved by the
American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to correct nearsightedness
up to -12.00D with -4.00D of astigmatism, and farsightedness from +1.00
to +6.00 with 1.or without astigmatism. (Diopter, symbol D, is the
measurement of the refractive error. A negative D value indicates
nearsightedness and a positive D value
indicates farsightedness.)
- You should be at least 18 years or
older , since the vision of people younger than 18 usually continues
to change. An exception is the small child with one very nearsighted
and one normal eye. The use of LASIK to correct the very nearsighted
eye may prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).
- You should not be pregnant or
nursing because these conditions might change the measured
refraction of the eye.
- You should not be taking certain
prescription drugs, such as Accutane or oral prednisone.
- Your eyes must be healthy and your
prescription stable. If you're myopic, you should postpone
LASIK until your refraction has
stabilized, because myopia may continue to increase in some patients
until their mid to late 20s.
- You should be in good general
health. LASIK may not be recommended for patients with diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma,
herpes infections of the eye, or cataracts. You should discuss this
with your surgeon.
- Weigh the risks
and benefits. If you're happy wearing contacts or glasses, you
may want to forego the surgery.
- Discuss with Dr Khalil as much as
you might need. Understand your expectations from the surgery. Are
they realistic?
- For patients with presbyopia, LASIK
cannot correct so that one eye can see at BOTH distance and near.
However, LASIK can be used to correct one eye for distance and the
other for near. If you can adjust to this correction, it may
eliminate or reduce your need for reading glasses. In some
instances, surgery on only one eye is required. If your doctor
thinks you're a candidate, ask about the pros and cons.
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