Preparing for LASIK Eye Surgery

Are you ready to have good vision without the use of corrective lenses? Glasses and contacts can be inconvenient to wear, so it is easy to see why so many people are interested in the benefits of LASIK eye surgery. This choice could change your life, giving you the freedom to see clearly without assistance.

Before you decide if LASIK is right for you, there are several things that you need to consider. Ask these questions and then talk with an experienced eye doctor about your individual situation:

Am I a Qualified Candidate for LASIK?

Most people can have LASIK, but there are a few eye conditions that could disqualify you as a candidate for this eye surgery. These are a few qualification factors that will be considered when you are talking with your eye doctor:

– Age: You need to be over the age of 18.
– Eye Health: Certain diseases increase the risk of LASIK. So, patients with these diseases shouldn’t have this eye surgery: glaucoma, cataracts, corneal disease, keratoconus, optic nerve and retinal diseases.
– Pregnancy and Nursing: When LASIK is completed, women should not be pregnant or nursing. Since hormones can impact your vision, it is best to wait for a few months after.
– Vision Stability: If your vision is changing, then it is possible that your vision will change again after the surgery is complete. Patients should have stable vision for a year before having LASIK eye surgery.
– Overall Health: General health and wellness is necessary to be sure that you are a good candidate. Certain health problems can lead to complications, such as autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes.
– Use of Medications: If you are taking any prescription or over-the- counter medications, it is important that you talk with your eye doctor about these drugs.
– Corneal Thickness: During the exam before LASIK surgery, the doctor will measure the thickness of your cornea. It is important that the cornea is at least 0.5 mm thick or more.

Each situation is unique, which is why it is important that you talk with a professional to determine if LASIK eye surgery is right for you.

Can I Wear Contact Lenses before LASIK?

Do you usually wear contact lenses? It is important that you discontinue the use of contact lenses for a certain period before the eye surgery. Your eye doctor will give you a specific timeframe, based on your eyes and the types of contact lenses that you have been wearing.

Discontinuing the use of contact lenses ensures that the cornea is stable, which is essential to ensure an accurate prescription assessment. This measurement has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the surgery.

Paying for LASIK Eye Surgery

Most vision insurance plans do not cover the cost of LASIK surgery. But, just because you don’t have insurance coverage, doesn’t mean that you can’t afford LASIK. Many people use Flexible Spending Accounts to pay the costs, or they use financing designed for medical services.

Are you ready to learn more about the benefits of LASIK eye surgery? Contact us to schedule a consultation with an optometrist in Chicago. Village Eyecare is one of the leading vision providers in the area!