Are You a LASIK Candidate? If not, What’s Next?

November 24th, 2020
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So, you’re excited about the idea of getting LASIK surgery and setting aside glasses and contacts. You want to simplify your life and increase your options for all types of activities and experiences. Like any surgery, there is a screening process to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. What will your ICON eye doctor consider in advising you? And, since you’re already excited about the options that LASIK opens up in your life, if for some reason you’re not a fit for LASIK, are there other ways to reach the same outcome? The top eye doctors in Colorado have your answers.

Basic considerations for traditional LASIK surgery

1. Good Eye and Overall Physical Health

No eye infections, injuries, cornea problems past or present, or other specific issues. Physical health issues such as Type 1 Diabetes, active HIV and Rheumatoid Arthritis are concerns as they can affect healing.

2. Age and Vision Development

There is a minimum age for LASIK surgery, generally 18 or 21. In addition, it is important that the patient’s vision has stabilized, as visual parameters can change throughout childhood.

3. Cornea Thickness and Regularity

There needs to be enough cornea material to successfully perform the LASIK surgery. Some people’s corneas may be too thin. Also, conditions like keratoconus present inconsistent cornea surfaces that may be an issue.

4. Pupil Size

A naturally large pupil size can increase the risk of “halo” effects and other artifacts after surgery.

5. High Amounts of Correction Required

A high degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism can make the LASIK correction difficult.

6. Pregnancy

Vision changes due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy related dry eye and other temporary factors require a delay of LASIK surgery.

7. Realistic Expectations

An informed patient experiences the most satisfying outcome, so it’s important to understand the process, recovery and results. If LASIK surgery isn’t the best choice, there are other excellent vision correction surgery options.

8. Other Issues Your Eye Doctor Identifies

Your personalized care is important to us, and your doctor takes a detailed look at your situation to identify any concerns.

If LASIK Surgery Isn’t the Best Choice for You

As top eye doctors in Colorado, we used the most advanced methods and technology for vision correction. For instance, new laser technologies allow us to treat people with thinner corneas. Alternative laser vision correction methods such as PRK are available. There are also surgical methods of artificial lens insertion or replacement such as ICL or refractive lensectomy that may meet your needs.

Colorado’s Top Eye Doctors in Give You The Best Range of Vision Correction Options

For many of our patients, LASIK surgery is a great way to see clearly without glasses or contacts. Our experienced doctors and advanced technologies allow us to offer a variety of options, giving you the best choice of procedures that are right for you. Contact ICON Eyecare for more information at 720-524-1001.

Turn To The Top Eye Doctors In Colorado

Check out one of our locations below for the best eye care near you: