Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Who is a LASIK Candidate?

A LASIK candidate is someone with myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, or hyperopia (farsightedness). Manhattan LASIK Center candidates must be at least 18 years old and in generally good health. Candidates must also have good eye health, which means they cannot have conditions like glaucoma, corneal impairments, and problems with the retina. People who have recurring eye infections may not be suitable for Lasik surgery.

Corneal Thickness

The thickness of the cornea is an important consideration when pursuing LASIK eye surgery. Patients who have thin corneas might benefit more from a procedure called Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK. This procedure requires the removal of the outermost layer of the cornea called the epithelium. The underlying tissue is then reshaped to provide clearer vision.

Other Conditions That Can Affect Lasik

* Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or Dry eye disease

* Amblyopia

* Strabismus (crossed eyes)

* Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure

* Immune disorders

* Vascular illness

Who Cannot Have Lasik Surgery?
 

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers cannot have LASIK surgery. Women must wait until at least three months after they stop breastfeeding before undergoing the LASIK treatment. People who have a form of herpes and anyone whom the surgeon believes might suffer more risks than benefits from having a Lasik eye procedure are not suitable candidates for LASIK.

How Long Does Lasik Take?
 

Surgery at Manhattan LASIK Center takes about ten minutes to perform with very little of that time using the actual laser. The office visit and preoperative preparation for the surgery will take about an hour and a half or two hours. You can expect to see some improvement in vision within 24 hours, but the full effects of surgery will not be evident for several months.

What Should You Do Before A Lasik Procedure? 
 

As an ideal LASIK candidate, you should arrange transportation home after the surgery. You should not have LASIK eye surgery if you have had an eye injury or significant eye infection in the past year. Manhattan LASIK Center patients must agree to follow all of the surgeons’ postoperative instructions including using eye drops several times a day.

Benefits of Lasik

* Improved vision

* Better peripheral vision

* Clearer night vision

* Less allergic symptoms for some people

* Decreased headaches in certain situations

* Little to no need for eyeglasses or contacts

* Fewer eye infections compared to contact lens use

* Less frequent dry eye episodes for those suffering from contact lens irritation

Experts recommend that people who are considering LASIK should schedule an appointment with a trusted, local eye surgeon who has a reputation for honesty and integrity. They also recommend that people should choose an expert who has experience performing numerous procedures with advanced equipment and techniques. 20/20 vision is not guaranteed, but it is frequently a possibility.