LASIK utilizes a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. Custom LASIK uses wavefront technology to give superior vision results when compared to traditional laser vision correction. If you have discussed custom LASIK with your eye doctor, you may be wondering if you are a candidate. Here, Dr. George G. Khouri of Palm Beach Eye Center discusses who is a candidate for custom LASIK.
Who Is a Candidate for Custom LASIK?
The only way to know if someone is a candidate for custom LASIK is by scheduling a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable ophthalmologist. Most patients with healthy eyes will qualify. To evaluate whether or not a patient has healthy eyes, the ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam. The ophthalmologist will also ask the questions discussed below.
How Old Are You?
Custom LASIK can be a life-changing procedure. However, it is only approved for those 18 years of age and older. That means that you must be 18 or older to qualify for custom LASIK. There is no maximum age limit for custom LASIK.
Do You Have Trouble Seeing Far Away or up Close?
Your vision issues will determine what type of vision correction procedure may be right for you. Aberrations are deviations from normal vision and can be either lower order or higher order. Lower order aberrations include nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Higher order aberrations are irregularities or optical imperfections in the eye. Custom LASIK can treat patients with either lower order aberrations or higher order aberrations.
Do You Wear Contact Lenses or Glasses?
Your prescription will impact your LASIK procedure. Additionally, patients will need to stop wearing contact lenses prior to surgery for a certain period depending on the type of contact lenses they are wearing. This means that if you do not currently wear glasses, you will have to temporarily use glasses in lieu of contacts. The reason for this is that contact lenses cause warpage of the cornea and would affect the accuracy of the measurements prior to the procedure. Your doctor can explain more.
Has Your Prescription Recently Changed?
Custom LASIK generally requires that a patient have a stable prescription for a set period of time before the procedure. Your ophthalmologist can explain what this entails during your consultation.
What Is Your Medical History?
Patients must generally have healthy eyes to qualify for custom LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will review your medical history and the health of your eyes to ensure that you are a good candidate.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you wondering if you are a candidate for custom LASIK? Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Khouri by contacting Palm Beach Eye Center.
