What Reasons Would Someone Not Qualify for LASIK?

While glasses are a great way to improve your vision, they’re not always convenient for active men and women or professional athletes. Not only that, but glasses easily fog up when transitioning from cold to warm climates. If you’re interested in seeing clearly without visual aids, the board-certified ophthalmologists at Kirk Eye Center may recommend refractive surgery like LASIK in Chicago.

So, what is LASIK, and are you qualified for a LASIK procedure? Eligibility depends on several factors, including your age and personal health. When you come in for a vision assessment in River Forest or Gurnee, IL, our specialists will perform an exam and ask a short series of questions to see how we can help. Read below to learn what factors may disqualify you from LASIK surgery.

You are younger than 18

Your eyes continue to develop throughout childhood and even in your early 20s, which is why there’s an age limit for any vision correction procedure. So, if you get LASIK too young and your prescription changes, your results are only temporary. Trained ophthalmologists in Chicago recommend that patients are over the age of 18 and have had stable vision for at least one year.

You are pregnant or nursing

Did you know that hormone fluctuations can cause problems like dry eyes or changes in vision? For this reason, pregnant or breastfeeding women aren’t good LASIK candidates. Dry eyes, for example, can increase your risk of complications and delay recovery. However, we do encourage you to visit Kirk Eye Center in River Forest or Gurnee, IL for a LASIK assessment 3 – 6 months after nursing is over.

You have dry eye syndrome

As we mentioned, dry eyes can make your refractive surgery high-risk. Chronic dry eyes are known as dry eye syndrome, and patients need to have this condition treated by a professional before moving forward with LASIK. Once your dry eyes are under control, using prescription or over-the-counter medication, we can re-evaluate whether LASIK is beneficial for your vision.

You have thin corneas

Refractive surgery works by reshaping the cornea to correct vision issues, like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Because LASIK procedures are so precise, it’s important to have sufficient corneal tissue. Unfortunately, some patients have naturally thin corneas that disqualify them from surgery. However, you may still be qualified for an alternative procedure to treat your vision.

You have unrealistic expectations

LASIK candidates enjoy clearer vision and reduce their reliance on glasses in everyday situations. However, your vision may not be perfect after surgery. Every patient heals differently after their procedure, so there’s always a possibility that you’ll still need reading glasses or corrective lenses for some activities. Our ophthalmologists can let you know what to expect during your consultation.

Are you a LASIK candidate?

Refractive surgery really is a game-changer for individuals who want to reduce their dependency on glasses. Now you can work with the board-certified ophthalmologists at Kirk Eye Center to see if a LASIK procedure is appropriate for your situation. Learn the benefits and risks of LASIK in River Forest or Gurnee, IL by scheduling an appointment today. Even if you’re not right for LASIK, our Chicago-area doctors can suggest alternatives to correct your vision.