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If you’ve been considering LASIK, you may have heard some information about who is a good candidate for this vision correction procedure. It can be challenging to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the surgery and if it suits your individual needs. At our optometry office in Charlotte, NC, we want to provide our patients with all the facts they need to make an informed decision regarding their eye care and whether LASIK is right for them.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a vision correction procedure that uses laser to reshape the cornea and improve your vision. It has become one of the most common procedures for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK can also reduce or even eliminate your dependence on eyeglasses or contacts.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for LASIK?

In general, most people over 18 who have healthy eyes and good vision are ideal candidates for LASIK. It is critical to consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist before deciding whether LASIK is right for you.

Age

Most LASIK providers will not perform the surgery on anyone under 18. This is because a person’s vision can still change during this time and it is important to wait until the eyes have stabilized before considering LASIK.

Health

Your eyes should be generally healthy to be a good candidate for LASIK. It would help if you do not have active eye infections or conditions that could interfere with the healing process after surgery. Additionally, it is vital to consult an eye doctor before considering LASIK if you suffer from chronic dry eye syndrome or other serious ocular issues.

Visual Acuity

It is also essential to have good visual acuity to be an ideal candidate for LASIK. Most surgeons will not perform the procedure on anyone with an uncorrected vision worse than 20/200, as this indicates that their eyes may not be healthy enough for the surgery. If you suffer from astigmatism or extremely high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, you may need to consider alternative vision correction methods.

If you think you may be a good candidate for LASIK, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our optometrist in Charlotte, NC. We can evaluate your eyes and vision to determine if LASIK is right for you. To learn more about LASIK or to schedule an appointment, contact Spectrum Eye Care today! Call us at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our online form to learn more about our services.