Are You a Candidate for LASIK?

Everyone would love to be able to see the alarm clock in the morning without having to reach for a pair of glasses. It is also nice to be able to ski, bike, swim, hike and do almost anything else without having to wear eyeglasses. LASIK has become the "end all" solution for remedying the contacts versus eyeglasses battle since the procedure was initially developed in 1950 by ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer in his Bogata, Columbia clinic. The device that Barraquer developed, which cuts thin flaps in the cornea, allows the corneal shape to be altered. Technological developments in the 1970s and 80s have led to the procedure that most of us know as LASIK today. The instrument developed by Barraquer is now a laser that can quickly prepare the corneal flap so that the shape of the corneal bed can be altered to correct the patient's vision.

Much of the LASIK surgery and the results patients can obtain could be classified as a miracle, but there are certain parameters that determine whether or not one is a candidate to have the procedure performed. The most common list of conditions that would prevent a patient from receiving LASIK are previous refractive surgeries,large pupils, thin corneas, blepharitis and dry eyes. LASIK procedures are only performed on individuals 18 years of age or older. They should be in good overall health, and need to have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year. There cannot be any active eye/health conditions that may affect the ability for the eye to heal. Select a reputable clinic in order to have the evaluation performed prior to surgery. If there are any doubts, get another qualified opinion.