Are There Any Medical Conditions That Might Disqualify Me From LASIK?

LASIK surgery is an appealing option for almost anyone looking to address nearsightedness or farsightedness. This popular procedure comes with fast results and high success rates, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Some medical conditions can impact your candidacy for this form of vision correction in the Chicago area.

In this guide, our experienced providers at Kirk Eye Center describe what happens during a LASIK consultation and what alternatives may be available if you are found to be ineligible. Patients in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, and Gurnee, IL, appreciate our personalized approach to care that considers their unique needs and goals.

The LASIK consultation and screening process

LASIK and similar vision correction procedures work by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. They address common refractive errors that prevent patients from reading, driving, and performing other activities without glasses or contacts. LASIK is designed to be a lifelong solution, but it’s essential to get a comprehensive evaluation first.

During a LASIK consultation, you will undergo various tests to determine your candidacy. This may include checking your overall eye health and determining your level of refractive error. Your doctor at Kirk Eye Center will ask about your medical history, including any current or past medical conditions.

Medical conditions that may disqualify you from LASIK

Most people are good candidates for LASIK. They should be at least 18 years old, have a stable eyeglass prescription for at least one year, and not be pregnant or nursing. However, the procedure can be considered unsafe or ineffective if you have a disease or are on medications that affect wound healing. This is because LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea that needs to heal correctly for the best possible results.

Inform our team if any of the following apply to you:

• Autoimmune disorders like diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Immunodeficiency disorders like HIV
• Medications like retinoic acid and steroids

Other risk factors for LASIK surgery

In addition to medical conditions, there are other risk factors that could disqualify you from LASIK vision correction in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, or Gurnee, IL. These include:

• Thin corneas: As mentioned earlier, LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea. If your cornea is too thin, it may not be able to withstand the procedure.
• Unstable vision: LASIK is only recommended for people with stable eyeglass prescriptions, which means that their vision has not changed significantly in the past year.
• Dry eye syndrome: LASIK can worsen dry eye symptoms, so if you have this condition, your doctor may recommend an alternative procedure or treatment.

Is there an alternative to LASIK at Kirk Eye Center?

If you are found to be ineligible for LASIK surgery in Chicago due to a medical condition or other risk factors, alternative options are still available. These may include PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), ICL (implantable contact lens), and RLE (refractive lens exchange). The good news is that our experienced staff at Kirk Eye Center will work hard to find the best way to move forward.

Get a LASIK evaluation

Refractive errors have a big impact on your quality of life. If you are considering LASIK or another vision correction procedure, schedule an evaluation at Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. We provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts. Contact us today. Our staff is ready to assist you on your journey toward better eyesight.