LASIK is a quick, effective procedure that has already helped millions of people worldwide to enjoy a glasses-free lifestyle. It is still a surgery, however, and should never be undertaken lightly. This particular form of refractive surgery has a good track record with a low complication rate overall, but the key to a successful LASIK experience is ensuring that you are a good candidate. If you’re wondering when to get LASIK, be aware that certain conditions or circumstances make the surgery less advisable. If any of the following apply to you, think twice before you rush to have it done.
1. You Have Refractive Instability
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you may not be a good candidate for LASIK if your prescription hasn’t been stable for at least a year. Different things can cause refractive instability, including high blood pressure, age, and hormones. If you are under 25 years of age, pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal, your eye surgeon may recommend that you wait until your vision stabilizes before having LASIK. Otherwise, you may need to have an additional surgery—or enhancement—later if the degree of correction you require changes.
2. You Actively Participate in Contact Sports
If you engage in activities in which you may repeatedly receive blows to the head (e.g. boxing, wrestling, martial arts), there is a risk that you may experience trauma to the eye area. Such a blow could dislocate the corneal flap that is created during LASIK. This kind of postoperative trauma to the eye is rare, but it may still be better to postpone the surgery until you no longer participate in these types of contact sports.
3. Your Immune System Is Compromised
The FDA also notes that if you have an autoimmune disease or are currently on medication that affects wound healing, it may impede or disrupt the healing of the corneal flap. Some of the conditions that may interfere with healing include lupus, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, ocular herpes, and conditions requiring the use of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may be advisable to postpone the surgery until you are off the medication or your condition has improved.
4. You Feel Rushed to Take Advantage of a Discount or Limited-time Offer
Don’t let online coupons or special-pricing offers determine when to get LASIK. Wait until you’ve confirmed that the surgery is right for you before committing to any particular eye center or procedure, no matter how enticing the offer appears to be.
5. You’re Uncomfortable with Any Degree of Risk
LASIK is a well-established procedure that has been approved in the U.S. for over 16 years. As with any surgery, potential complications or side effects should be taken into consideration. It’s important to set realistic expectations and to be comfortable with the possibility of requiring an enhancement at a later date. Discuss any concerns with your eye care provider and explore all available options.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
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