Am I A Lasik Candidate?
Serving the Berkley, Detroit, Birmingham and Southfield, Michigan areas.
Lasik Candidate Quiz Answers
1) I am (may choose more than one): Lasik can correct almost all degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. People with very strong prescriptions may not be ideal candidates. These patients can be helped with implantable contact lenses, which will be available in the near future.
2) I currently wear: (may choose more than one) Lasik is an ideal procedure to decrease your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. People who wear contact lenses will need to temporarily discontinue wearing their contact lenses prior to their evaluation and Lasik surgery.
3) I have been diagnosed with: In general you should have healthy eyes to have Lasik. Patients with stable glaucoma or retinal detachment may still qualify. Keratoconus (cone shaped cornea) should not be treated with Lasik.
Systemic arthritis and autoimmune diseases like lupus make you a poor candidate for Lasik. A well-controlled diabetic without any eye disease, may qualify.
4) My hobbies are: Lasik has been a miracle for outdoor enthusiasts who have been limited by contact lenses and glasses. Imagine being able to see in the swimming pool, playing golf in the rain, no glasses slipping or fogging. Lasik patients don't have fluctuating vision with pressure changes experienced in scuba or high altitudes. After your Lasik you will need to wear eye protection during contact sports.
5) Do you have dry eyes? If you have had difficulty wearing contact lenses in the past, you may have dry eyes. Dry eye symptoms include redness, irritation, itching and burning. Dry eye patients may have Lasik, providing there is no systemic disease causing the problem. Following Lasik, dry eye symptoms may worsen temporarily, but can be treated with lubricant drops or punctual occlusion.
6) Do you have large pupils? Lasik patients with large pupils may experience increased glare and halos, especially with night driving when the pupils dilate to let in more light. Your pupil size in dim illumination should be measured prior to Lasik surgery, and you should be counseled about possible side effects.
7) Are you pregnant or nursing? Lasik surgery should not be performed during pregnancy or during nursing. The procedure can be performed before or after pregnancy. Many new moms love the convenience of Lasik surgery. Imagine being able to check on the baby in the middle of the night without having to fumble for your glasses.
8) Do you want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses? Lasik is an excellent option for people wanting clear unaided vision. The results and safety of Lasik are excellent; however glasses and contact lenses remain as good alternatives for vision correction. If you are happy with your glasses or contact lenses you may not want to have Lasik.
9) Do you tend to be a "perfectionist" who may not be happy with less than "perfect" vision? While most Lasik patients achieve excellent unaided vision with minimal side effects, you will need to tolerate fluctuating vision, blurriness and dryness for a short period following Lasik surgery. People who are more "easygoing" tend to adapt to this better.
"As a lifelong runner, I would run and bike without my glasses, but I was never sure what was ahead. After Lasik, I saw a whole new side of athletics. The results are amazing. The procedure only took a few minutes and was not painful at all. I recommend this procedure for an athlete or anyone who wants to see their world in a whole new way." - Laurie
