Laser Eye Surgery or LASIK is done to improve vision by correcting the refractory error in the eyes. It also reduces the person’s need for contact lenses and glasses which gives a positive impact on the overall looks and personality of a person.
Why LASIK Surgery is Done?
Can I get LASIK with astigmatism? Yes, of course, LASIK is a very effective and well-suited treatment for people with astigmatism. It’s an actual cure for astigmatism and correction of vision with astigmatism.
LASIK or Lasik is referred to as Laser Eye Surgery or laser vision correction. It is a type of refractive surgery of the eye for the correction of your vision. Refractory errors include myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism.
Myopia is known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness where light focuses in front of the cornea instead on the cornea. As a result, distant objects appear fuzzy and blurry while closer objects appear clear and normal.
Hypermetropia or Hyperopia is also known as far-sightedness or long-sightedness. It is a condition where light focuses behind, instead of on the cornea. As a result, distant objects appear normal and clear while closer objects are seen as blurred and hazy.
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that causes rotational asymmetry in the eye’s refractory power. This results in vision problems and, vision becomes blurred at any distance. Eye strain, headaches, and trouble vision at night are the other symptoms of astigmatism. It occurs by birth generally in most cases and can develop or change later in life.
Recommended LASIK Eye Surgery Age
The FDA has approved the age for Laser vision correction surgery or LASIK for those 18 years and older. But many doctors and ophthalmologists suggest patients wait until their mid-20s and it might be best to wait a few more until 25 years for better outcomes.
Before the age of 25 years, there are chances that your prescription may still be changing. By the age of 25 years, contact lenses and eyeglasses prescriptions have most likely stabilized and your glass’s power doesn’t change much.
Most eye surgeons agree on the ideal range of age for LASIK surgery is between 25 years to 40 years of age.
Even if you have a perfect vision for your entire life, it’s more likely that you will find yourself reaching for a pair of reading glasses after you turn 40. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be considered a good candidate for LASIK or Laser Eye Surgery if you are between 40 to 55 years of age.
If you are a nonsmoker with no history of chronic illness or medical problems, you have a good chance of being given a go-ahead on LASIK by your eye surgeon.
A cataract is an eye condition most often affecting senior citizens reaches aged 55 years and above. If you are suffering from cataracts, then you may not be considered an eligible candidate for LASIK. But, if you have clear eyesight even at this age and no cataracts, you might still be considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery?
LASIK surgery is not for everyone and there are some defined selection criteria for LASIK surgery. Before taking a decision or making a mind about LASIK you should know, who should not get Lasik surgery.
Following are the conditions and details about who should not get LASIK eye surgery.
You Are Not in a Good General Health Condition
Patients with autoimmune diseases and some other chronic health disorders are not good LASIK surgery candidates. The most common autoimmune condition of the eye is dry eye syndrome and patients with dry eye syndrome are considered not eligible for LASIK.
A dry eye has a higher risk of post-LASIK surgery infection and may not heal well. Other ailments such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis & other rheumatic disorders, glaucoma, lupus erythematous, and cataracts often affect LASIK surgery outcomes. Cataracts can be cured with cataract surgery called PHACO.
You Are Younger Than 18 Years
Vision can change dramatically before the age of 18 years and during adolescent age. For this reason, the results of Lasik eye surgery may be unpredictable or temporary due to vision changes in a child’s eyes. LASIK is not recommended at all for anyone under the age of 18 years.
You Are Pregnant or Breast Feeding Woman
LASIK is not recommended just before and after the pregnancy. There are frequent hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding which may lead to vision changes. A pregnant woman can be nearsighted or can develop some astigmatism due to fluctuation of hormones and requires corrective prescription during pregnancy.
Hormone changes also can lead to dry eyes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Moreover, the medication used for dilation of the eyes before and after LASIK could be absorbed through the mucous membranes, which could be harmful to the fetus.
You Are Taking Prescription Medications
Some prescription drugs can affect LASIK results. Drugs like steroids suppress immunity, can lead to delay healing, and decreases the best correction vision. Moreover, Acne medications cause dry eye, which may lead to delayed healing and increase the chance of cornea scarring after LASIK.
Your Eyesight or Vision is Not Stable
If your vision is not stable and your glasses or contact lens power fluctuates, then you are not a candidate for LASIK surgery. Prescription or lens power should be stable for a minimum of a year to qualify for LASIK.
Your Pupils Dilate More Than 7 mm in The Dark
This is an important criterion of LASIK surgery that your pupils should only be 6 mm in diameter during Lasik surgery. If your pupil dilates more than 7 mm in the dark normally, you will probably have unwanted glare, halos, or starbursts around lights at nighttime.
If You Have Certain Ophthalmological Conditions
You may not be a LASIK candidate if you have extreme levels of myopia and corneal thinning, or keratoconus. Patients should be thoroughly evaluated and examined by an ophthalmologist to rule out these conditions before making the decision for LASIK eye surgery.
Also Read: Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses
Laser Treatment for Eyes Is Good or Bad
What are laser eye surgery’s side effects? There are many listed Pros and Cons of LASIK surgery but you have to take a decision on whether the risk is worth the cost. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism’s pros and cons are detailed below.
Pros of LASIK Eye Surgery
- LASIK eye surgery is quick and safe
- Results come quickly with clear sight
- Your vision will be greatly improved
- LASIK Patients see differences in hours post-surgery
- You can resume most of your normal activities within 48 hours
- Now you can live without contact lenses or glasses
- No risk of changing glasses or contact lens’s power
Cons of LASIK Eye Surgery
- Not everyone is eligible for LASIK eye surgery
- Age limits and medical conditions do not allow you to get LASIK
- LASIK may cause dry eye for up to 3 months (Artificial tears would be needed)
- Nighttime glares and halos after LASIK
- Flaps created during LASIK can be injured (You should not rub your eyes post-surgery)
- There are chances you will have LASIK again if the prescription changes
- A minor decrease in vision quality over time (Myopic regression)
