The great majority of all nearsighted Americans are potential candidates for the laser treatment. Patients must be at least 18 years of age, have mild to moderate near sightedness with a stable prescription, and have no ocular or health issues. The best candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their glasses or contact lenses and are motivated to make a change, whether it's due to occupational or lifestyle reasons.
Although a patient's prescription may make him or her a suitable candidate for laser vision correction procedure, it is very important that the patient have the appropriate level of expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. Although uncorrected post-op vision (after healing) is usually excellent, no one can promise you 20/20 vision.
A person is a good candidate for Laser vision correction if he or she expresses the following sentiments in discussing whether or not to undergo the procedure: - I dislike being dependent on glasses for clear vision.
- I was never a good contact lens candidate/wearer.
- Wearing corrective lenses restricts my participation in sports and other activities.
- My overall appearance is improved without glasses.
- I worry about losing my corrective lenses (or breaking my glasses). Without them I fear that I would be totally disabled.
- Having good vision without corrective lenses is more important than having great vision with corrective lenses.
- I would be happy if my vision was greatly improved, even if I still had to wear corrective lenses some of the time.
- I usually adjust well to change.
- I am a fairly easy-going person.
- Not wearing corrective lenses would open new career opportunities for me.
- I have often wished I did not have to wear corrective lenses.
A person is probably not a good candidate for Laser vision correction if he or she expresses the following sentiments in discussing whether or not to undergo the procedure:
- I like wearing glasses and would feel uncomfortable without them.
- I don't mind wearing contact lenses.
- They give me excellent vision for all activities.
- I don't accept changes easily.
- I get upset or stressed out easily when things don't seem to happen in just the way I had planned or expected.
- I am a perfectionist and little irregularities bother me.
- I would be very upset if I did not end up with perfect vision after my procedure and would probably consider the entire experience a failure.
- If I needed more correction after my procedure, I would be devastated.
A patient is also not a good candidate for Laser vision correction, if any of the following conditions are present:
- Less than 18 years of age
- Progressive myopia/unstable refractive error (>0.25-0.50/yr)
- History of keloid formation (there may be a relationship with significant post-operative haze in the cornea although no association has been proven)Â
- Keratoconus - an abnormal progressive weakening of the cornea that your doctor can detect with a sophisticated computerized machine called a corneal topographer as well as other tests
- Pupil size greater than 7 mm in diameter (in dim illumination) are only candidates for LADAR
- Cataracts - removal of the cataract with insertion of the appropriate implant lens will greatly reduce one's dependence on glasses
- Unwilling to commit to post-procedure and follow-up care instructions
- Pregnancy
- Ocular herpes
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Uncontrolled inflammatory diseases
