COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT LASIK
Do you think you are too old for LASIK surgery? Have you been told that you have astigmatism, but you do not think that laser vision correction surgery (e.g., LASIK) can help correct it? At King LASIK, we hear various beliefs about LASIK surgery, many of which are not correct. Here we would like to clear up some of the common misconceptions.
Misconception #1: I’m Too Young or Too Old for LASIK
Candidacy for LASIK surgery is not necessarily based on a person’s age. Rather, one of the most important factors that ophthalmologists take into consideration when determining LASIK candidacy is whether the patient has a stable vision prescription.
Often, individuals’ vision does not stabilize until they reach their mid- to late 20s. If someone in their late teens or early 20s undergoes LASIK, but his or her vision has not stabilized, that person will need to undergo the procedure again. For this reason, reputable eye surgeons will not perform LASIK for a person whose visual prescription has not been stable for at least a year or two. That being said, if a 21-year-old has had stable vision for two years, that person might be a suitable candidate for LASIK.
Likewise, there is no upper age limit for LASIK surgery either. The patient simply needs to be in good enough health to undergo the quick surgical procedure.
Misconception #2: LASIK Does not Correct Astigmatism
Simply put, common corneal astigmatism is the result of having a cornea that is irregularly shaped and more closely resembles the shape of a football rather than a baseball, which is the shape of a normal cornea. Although LASIK surgery cannot correct every type of astigmatism, such as lenticular astigmatism, which is the result of having an irregularly shaped eye lens, it is often an effective treatment option for corneal astigmatism.
Misconception #3: I’am not a Suitable Candidate for LASIK
The laser technology used in LASIK surgery has improved dramatically over the years. Many people who were not suitable candidates for LASIK surgery several years ago may now be able to have the procedure, thanks to the improved laser technology.
The only way to know with certainty whether you are an appropriate candidate for laser vision correction surgery is to visit a highly trained laser eye surgeon for an eye exam. He or she can re-evaluate your eye health and let you know whether you are currently a good candidate for the procedure.
To schedule a complimentary assessment with a knowledgeable ophthalmologist, contact King LASIK by calling (877) 551-2020.