If you have to wear contacts or glasses, you likely have thought about how freeing it could be to see your surroundings without them. You may have heard of LASIK and wondered whether you may be a good candidate for laser vision correction. Because LASIK is considered an elective procedure, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of this type of procedure. At Palmetto LASIK, Dr. Billy Haguewood has years of experience helping patients with all their eye needs. If you’re considering LASIK, it may be a good time to sit down with Dr. Billy Haguewood to determine whether a laser vision correction procedure could be right for you.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Before going down the road towards having laser vision correction, it’s important to understand that not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. In fact, on average between 15-20% of people aren’t able to have a laser vision correction procedure. Below are a few guidelines to determine if you may be a good fit for this type of eye procedure.

FDA Approved Prescription Range

The following prescriptions fall within FDA-approved treatment parameters when it comes to LASIK surgery:

• Up to +6.00 diopters for hyperopia
• Up to -12.00 diopters for those who experience nearsightedness
• Up to 6 diopters for those diagnosed with astigmatism

Ocular Maturity

LASIK is a good option for individuals over age 18 who have reached what is referred to as ocular maturity. This includes having a stable prescription for at least the past two years as well as having eyes which are generally healthy and free of any diseases, infections or injuries. It is important to note that Dr. Billy Haguewood does not recommend LASIK until the age of 21 when your vision is at its true stability.

Corneal Thickness

One of the ways that LASIK works is by actually reshaping the cornea. If your cornea is misshapen or too thin, you may not get the results you’re looking for and in turn may not be a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Your ophthalmologist should measure the thickness of your cornea during your initial consultation to ensure it is thick enough to achieve the desired outcome.

Still Interested in LASIK? Contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center Today

If you’re still trying to determine if LASIK is right for you, complete the LASIK Self Evaluation form. You can also contact our office today at 864.583.6381 to schedule a free initial consultation. Dr. Billy Haguewood will be happy to sit down with you to examine your eyes to determine if LASIK is the right option for you.

Read more about What to Expect For Your Surgery