Do You Think You Can't Have LASIK?

By Mark Whitten, MD

Whitten Laser Eye Associates

. http://www.whittenlasereye.com/

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Do You Think You Can't Have LASIK?

Over the past 20 years, laser technology has continued to improve. This has allowed more and more people to be considered good LASIK candidates. In the U.S., over 17 million people have had LASIK. However, many other people have been told, or believed, they were not good LASIK candidates. Following is why patients think they can't have LASIK

I was told I have too much astigmatism. Years ago this might have been true, given the laser technology at that time. Today, the modern Wavelight Allegretto laser that I use in my office treats large amounts of astigmatism safely and effectively.

My prescription is too bad. I am very nearsighted or farsighted. We are now able to treat high degrees of nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). In fact, Professional Golfer Tiger Woods was considered legally blind (without his glasses or contact lenses) prior to having LASIK with me back in 1999. Today, he has 20/20 vision.

My eyes are dry. By knowing that you have dry eyes before the surgery, we can tune up the eyes and add moisture ahead of the procedure. This will help to reduce the symptoms of dryness. Everyone's eyes become slightly dryer for the first few months following their LASIK procedure. A patient who starts out with dry eyes will feel more of this dryness during the first few months, but will return to their previous level.

My pupils are too big, and I'll see glare and halo at night after the surgery. People will large pupils tend to have more glare and halo at night before the surgery. The modern LASIK procedure does not add glare and halo to nighttime vision, and the treatment covers the entire size of the pupil. Prior to your procedure, it is important to become aware of your nighttime vision, and determine your present level of glare and halo. Generally, that level is maintained after LASIK surgery.

I can't afford LASIK. LASIK prices today are much lower than years ago. In my office, we offer no interest financing and everyone is approved. In addition, we have special savings for military, firemen, EMS, police and all first responders. You will also find that using your medical savings account could save you as much as 30% off of your LASIK by using pre-tax dollars. Ask around and compare prices, but never sacrifice experience and quality.

I was already told I was not a good candidate. As both hardware and software technology have advanced, the criteria for being a good candidate has expanded. Today, it is unusual not to be a good candidate, if over 18 years old and in generally good health.

I have glaucoma. Patients who have controlled glaucoma can be good candidates for LASIK, but a full consultation is necessary to determine eligibility.

I have small cataracts. LASIK may be an option for patients who have small cataracts. The vision should be stable for many years and cataracts don't seem to be advancing.

I have bad allergies. Medications are available to treat allergies before the LASIK surgery. In addition, those medications used temporarily after LASIK also help with allergy symptoms. Allergy sufferers generally find relief from their allergies during the LASIK process and this does not interfere with their surgical outcomes.

If you've ever been interested in the LASIK procedure, a consultation is the place to start. Ask questions. Choose an experienced surgeon with the latest technology available. Today, LASIK is better than ever. Maybe you can have LASIK.