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> Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
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Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
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Most people today are candidates for LASIK, thanks to advances in LASIK technology. LASIK can be used to correct
- nearsightedness (myopia)
- farsightedness (hyperopia)
- astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea)
LASIK cannot correct presbyopia, also called "aging eye” that affects everyone at some point after age 40. If you are over 40 and wear reading glasses, ask your doctor if you're a candidate for monovision — correcting one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. 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. Your doctor can discuss your options with you.
LASIK candidates should also:
- be at least 18 years old, with healthy eyes and a stable vision prescription (one that has remained the same for at least a year).
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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.
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have realistic expectations from the surgery.
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not be pregnant or nursing as these conditions might change the measured refraction of the eye.
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not be taking certain prescription drugs, such as Accutane or oral prednisone.
Leaning Towards LASIK?
If you are interested in LASIK but are still skeptical, asking yourself these questions may help you make a decision. If most or all of the following statements are true for you, then you may be a good candidate:
- My dependence on eyeglasses and/or contact lenses has always felt like a handicap.
- I don't tolerate contact lenses very well.
- I am an avid sports person and feel my performance would be enhanced without corrective lenses.
- I sometimes worry that if an emergency arose when I was not wearing my lenses, I would not be able to help myself or others.
- My career opportunities would be improved if I did not have to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses for distance vision.
- I would be happy with the results if my vision were improved significantly, but I still had to wear corrective lenses for some purposes.
- I like the way I look without glasses.
- I adapt well to change.
- If LASIK can reduce the hassles of contact lenses and improves the quality of my life, it is worth the investment.
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