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LASIK surgery is a popular form of vision correction, and the vast majority of people who undergo the surgery are satisfied with the outcome. However, an important part of having a good experience and being glad with the result is a careful evaluation beforehand.
The experts at Cooper Eye Care have collectively performed thousands of LASIK procedures, and we always provide a thorough consultation to make sure you understand the surgery, explain what you should expect, and make sure that it’s likely to be a successful procedure for you.
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s a refractive surgery that is performed with a laser. There are many variations of refractive surgeries done with lasers, but most people refer to them all as LASIK.
Essentially, when your doctor performs LASIK, they reshape your cornea. Changing the shape of your cornea can correct numerous vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism. But, there are limits to what the surgery can accomplish.
Roughly 15-20% of people who want LASIK are ineligible for the procedure. The following general guidelines help your doctor know if you’re likely to be a good candidate.
Your vision problem needs to lie within certain parameters for LASIK to work well. If you’re too nearsighted, or your astigmatism measurement falls outside a set number, LASIK probably won’t give you the desired result.
Part of your LASIK consultation involves an examination of your specific issue. Another element is the shape and thickness of your cornea. Since LASIK involves reshaping your cornea, your doctor makes sure that it’s not too thin, there’s no scarring, or other problems that would lower your chance of success with the surgery.
You must also be at least 18 years old, and your eyes fully matured. Your prescription must have remained the same for at least two years, and your eyes need to be generally healthy, with no diseases, infection, or injuries.
In addition to having healthy eyes, you need to have good overall physical health in order to have LASIK surgery. Some medications and conditions can make it more difficult for you to heal. Your doctor will discuss your medical history, any medications you currently take, and your general health with you during your consultation.
You are probably not a good candidate for LASIK if you are pregnant or have:
The only way to find out if you’re a good candidate for this life-changing procedure is to talk to a highly qualified expert. The providers at Cooper Eye Center want you to have the most successful outcome possible, and are happy to answer your questions during your consultation.
To book an appointment to learn more about LASIK surgery, you can use our online tools, or call the location that’s most convenient for you.
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