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Lasik Eye Surgery Candidates
You are probably NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery if:
- You are not a risk taker. Certain complications are unavoidable
in a percentage of patients, and there are no long-term data available
for current procedures.
- It will jeopardize your career. Some jobs prohibit certain refractive
procedures. Be sure to check with your employer/professional society/military
service before undergoing any procedure.
- Cost is an issue. Most medical insurance will not pay for refractive
surgery. Although the cost is coming down, it is still significant.
- You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription
in the past year. This is called refractive instability.
Patients who are:
- In their early 20s or younger,
- Whose hormones are fluctuating due to disease such as diabetes,
- Who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or
- Who are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision,
are more likely to have refractive instability and should discuss
the possible additional risks with their doctor.
You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound
healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g.,
lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV)
and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids)
may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively
participate in contact sports. You participate in boxing, wrestling,
martial arts or other activities in which blows to the face and
eyes are a normal occurrence.
You are not an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK
on persons under the age of 18.
Additional Lasik Surgery Research:
Lasik Candidates |
Lasik Risks | Choosing
a Lasik Surgeon | Monovision
with Lasik | Bilateral
Simultaneous Lasik Treatment | Lasik
Surgery Before & After | Lasik
Surgery Prices & Costs | Lasik
Glossary
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