The LASIK eye surgery has become pretty common today. Thousands of people in Atlanta are ditching their glasses and contact lenses for laser refractive surgery. While LASIK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) is safe, popular, and highly successful, the procedure is not a one-size-fits-all solution and definitely not suitable for everyone. Here is more information on what makes you a good candidate for LASIK.
Whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery depends on a few important factors. These include:
The FDA approves the LASIK eye surgery for people over 18, but some facilities prefer candidates to be at least 21. Some other surgeons suggest waiting until you are in your mid- or late-20s. This is the age range when your vision and prescription might stabilize, and the surgeon can achieve the desired results. Younger eyes might still be growing, and older patients (ideally in their 40s, 50s, or 60s) could be nearing a natural vision loss. Age is not just a number; it is an important consideration to find the sweet spot when undergoing a procedure like LASIK.
The procedure can generally work for -11 diopters of nearsightedness, +5 diopters of farsightedness, and 5 diopters of astigmatism. You might want to look into alternative options if you have a stronger prescription. If your prescription has not changed significantly in the last 12 months, you may be a good candidate for LASIK.
Many Atlanta LASIK specialists require you to have around 12-18 months of stable vision to ensure the long-term success of the procedure. Your eyes are still in flux if the prescription changes more than once a year. Therefore, it is important to go for a comprehensive vision evaluation before LASIK in Atlanta to understand the waiting time in your unique circumstances.
Whether or not your prescription is stable and you are in the right age range, having healthy eyes is the real differentiator. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts, or chronic eye infections can disqualify you for LASIK eye surgery. Your eyes’ corneal thickness must also be sufficient for the procedure to succeed. The treatment is also suitable for mild to moderate refractive errors.
Fortunately, today’s advanced diagnostics allow early identification of these issues. They can be addressed before worsening and then you will be able to get your LASIK procedure to correct your vision. Even if you are not a good candidate for LASIK now, your eye surgeon can suggest a suitable plan of action to preserve your vision in the future.
Atlanta has a very unique landscape when it comes to LASIK. You will not find many details in a magazine, brochure, website, or through an inexperienced surgeon. For instance, Atlanta has a very pollen-heavy environment, and seasonal allergies are very common. Being sensitive to such situations can impact your pre- and post-operative LASIK care, so you need to be open about these details.
Many experienced eye surgeons include custom allergy screenings as part of the LASIK journey. If you reside in a less allergy-prone area, this won’t be a common practice, but you can always ask your surgeon to test for allergies and be double sure. In addition, despite Atlanta being a high-humidity area, many residents suffer from dry eyes. It’s especially prevalent in people who work in air-conditioned spaces or have screen-intensive jobs. Pre-treating dryness can help your eyes heal better after the procedure.
Many LASIK centers in Atlanta also offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible. It can provide a no-interest payment plan or discounted pricing, making the procedure a little more manageable. Indeed, LASIK costs in Atlanta might seem too substantial upfront, but they are certainly less than the combined cost of glasses and/or lenses over the lifetime. The convenience and improved quality of life make the cost a worthwhile investment in the long run. It is important to consult a qualified eye surgeon to determine the potential risks, benefits, and other details of the procedure.
You can explore other popular options if you are not a good fit for LASIK eye surgery. Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) is a non-surgical alternative to LASIK in Atlanta and uses lenses that work to reshape the corneas overnight. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is suitable for people with thin corneas. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive treatment that can help active individuals with their vision correction requirements. There is also ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses), a permanent contact lens placed inside the eye, which makes it an ideal option for higher prescriptions. Again, it’s important to speak with a reputable and reliable eye care professional to discuss these options and find the perfect solution for your needs.
LASIK can be a life-changing procedure, but only if you are eligible. Your eye surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye exam and have an honest conversation with you to set realistic expectations. If you are in Atlanta, you can speak with the award-winning doctors at Milan Eye Center for better assistance. They are one of the most experienced professionals in the city, with a state-of-the-art facility and best-in-class equipment, offering the most advanced LASIK technologies. Call 678-967-0042 now to schedule a no-pressure consultation. Dr. Milan Patel, a board-certified ophthalmologist, and the team will answer all your queries and concerns so that you can make informed decisions about your eye health.
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