It is critical that a potential laser vision correction candidate has obtained a stable prescription for at least one year. We believe that there are many things you should consider before determining whether laser vision correction is right for you. Laser vision correction is a surgical procedure and should be approached in the same manner as any other surgery you may have; questions should be asked and research should be done before making your decision to pursue this procedure.

Listed below are some of the things that we feel should be considered before making the decision to have laser vision.

Eligibility

Good candidates are at least 18 years of age with a stable prescription (a prescription that has not changed in two years). The patient must also be in good general health with no eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. A screening at our office is the best way to determine if you are a candidate and what your probable outcome may be.

It is important to be aware that this is an elective procedure and there are alternative forms of vision correction that are both surgical and non-surgical including eyeglasses, contact lenses,orthokeratology (ortho-K) and lens implants.

Good candidates should be free of eye diseases including keratoconus, glaucoma,cataracts, and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases. Those with certain health problems like herpes simplex or herpes zoster uncontrolled diabetes autoimmune or collagen vascular disease should not consider refractive surgery. Any medication or condition which diminishes the patient's immune system is also considered a reason to avoid having the surgery.

It is critical that a potential laser vision correction candidate has obtained a stable prescription for at least one year. Since hormones may affect the stability of your prescription pregnant or nursing women are not eligible to pursue laser vision correction until two menstrual cycles after nursing has been discontinued. This is to make sure the best results are achieved with the surgery and to limit fluctuations in prescription that can occur with hormonal shifts.

Also if you'd like to talk with someone who has had laser vision correction we'd be happy to put you in touch with patients who can describe their experience to you firsthand.