Laser eye surgery - is it available for you?

Published on 4th October 2010

Most people who require vision correction are interested in getting laser eye surgery so that they don't have to use visual aids like glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, not everybody is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery so it helps to do a little bit of research and possibly consult with a professional to see if it is something that is available for you.

Laser treatment can't be done on under 18 year olds

One of the first things that will eliminate certain candidates is their age. Laser vision correction is not done on anybody who has not reached the age of 18. The eye must be fully developed in order to proceed. The age requirement means that some will just have to wait a while longer before proceeding.

Some health problems may stop treatment

There are certain underlying health conditions that will prevent you from being able to get laser eye treatment. It is important that there has not been any kind of eye injury or infection in the eye within the year prior to having the procedure done. It is also important that a person undergoing the procedure is not pregnant or nursing.

Illnesses that affect the cornea could prevent treatment

There are certain situations that may prevent people from ever being able to get laser eye surgery. If there is scarring of the cornea then this may eliminate laser eye surgery as a possibility. Herpes infections in the eye will also prevent you from being able to get laser eye surgery as they may reoccur following the procedure.

Even dry eye syndrome can be treated before you have laser correction

There are certain cases where you have a problem that simply needs to be corrected before you have a LASIK eye surgery completed. In some cases, people who suffer from dry eye syndrome may be turned down. While they may not be a perfect candidate, it is sometimes possible to have it treated and then return for the surgery at a later time.

Talk to our consultants for more information

Something that is necessary for all potential candidates is that they have a detailed consultation with the surgeon to determine whether or not they have any pre-existing conditions that might prevent it. At that time, they will also be screened to make sure that they fully understand what is involved with the procedure.

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.