A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.
LASIK is a quick procedure and normally, and in most of the cases, the surgery improves vision and reduces the need for corrective eyewear.
Who are good Candidates for Lasik?
While many patients are considered good candidates for LASIK, there are some people who do not meet the medical criteria to ensure a successful laser vision procedure. Individuals that are not good candidates today may be able to have the surgery in the future, as new techniques are developed.
If you are considering laser eye surgery you must have a consultation with your ophthalmologist, who performing a thorough examination will determine if the LASIK procedure is right for you.
The Ideal Candidates for Lasik are those people who:
• Are over 18 years old and have had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years.
• Have sufficient corneal thickness. A LASIK patient should have a cornea that is thick enough to allow the surgeon to safely create a clean corneal flap of appropriate depth.
• Are affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive error: myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, or a combination.
• Do not suffer from any disease, vision-related that may reduce the effectiveness of the surgery or the healing conditions.
• Are educated in all the aspects of the surgery, benefits and risks of the procedure, and who have realistic expectations.
Who are not Candidates for Lasik?
· People who suffer refractive instability (required a change in contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year).
· People whose hormones fluctuate due to disease, pregnancy/ breastfeeding, or medication
· People taking medication that may affect vision
· People taking medication that affects the healing process.
· People who practice contact sports.
· People with certain medical conditions such as: diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency states. Who suffer from blepharitis, large pupils, thin Corneas, dry Eyes. Or who has a history of: herpes simplex or herpes zoster in the eye area, glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension, uveitis/iritis (inflammations of the eye), eye injuries or previous eye surgeries, Keratoconus.
