Start the New Year with Clear Vision: 5 Signs You're a Great Candidate for LASIK

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery is the world’s most popular laser refractive surgical approach, and for good reason: Many people can see properly without glasses or contact lenses after LASIK surgery.

At Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, Illinois, we have extensive experience with LASIK surgery, helping numerous members of our community achieve improved vision with this safe and effective approach. 

Let’s take a closer look at how LASIK works and whether you might be a good candidate.

What’s the purpose of LASIK eye surgery?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue that sits at the front of your eye. When light enters your eye, the cornea bends that light before it hits the retina at the rear of the eye. 

When the cornea doesn’t bend light correctly, you can develop nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, affecting near and far vision. Blurred vision is also possible. 

LASIK eye surgery alters the shape of your cornea to help it bend light properly. It can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts so you can see clearly without corrective devices. 

LASIK isn’t for everyone

LASIK surgery is a wonderful option for many people. However, certain conditions could make you a poor candidate for this treatment. 

The first thing to consider is your career. Some jobs don’t allow certain refractive treatments. If you think your career might not allow for LASIK, check with your employer, military leadership, or union before booking the procedure.

It’s also important to share the full details of your personal health history with the team at Wicker Park Eye Center. Some health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and lupus, might make you a poor candidate.

Certain medications can cause issues with this type of surgery, including steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. 

Also, LASIK isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as any significant shift in hormonal balance can affect vision. 

Five signs that LASIK might be a great option

Signs that you could be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery include:

You already wear glasses or contact lenses

Most people who undergo LASIK already use some form of corrective lens to enhance their vision. If you’re already wearing glasses or contacts, your vision has been assessed, and you’ve been diagnosed with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. 

You’re in good overall health

LASIK is surgery, and your body recovers from surgery more easily if you’re in good health. People free of chronic disease are the best candidates for LASIK, but if you have a health issue that’s properly managed, you could still qualify for LASIK. 

Your lifestyle can accommodate the recovery process

In the hours after your procedure, it’s normal to experience itchy, watery, burning, or gritty eyes. Your vision returns quickly, but it takes time to see the full results of your surgery. 

After a few days, your vision improves significantly, but it won’t be fully stable for 2-3 months. If your job or hobbies require good vision, you need to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate LASIK. 

You’re aware of the risks

All surgery carries risks. While LASIK has improved the vision of millions of people, there’s always the chance of complications. These include:

• Dry eyes
• Double vision, halos, and glare
• Astigmatism
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Regression (return to previous vision)
• Loss of vision (rare)

Some of these complications can improve over time. Others are irreversible or might require another surgery to correct. 

You’re excited about improving your vision

The best candidates for LASIK are those who are excited about the opportunities that LASIK offers. Coming into the process with reasonable expectations and a great attitude makes your LASIK experience more rewarding. 

Still thinking it over?

If you’re still not sure that LASIK is right for you, we invite you in for a one-on-one consultation. We can assess your vision and discuss whether you’re a good candidate. Contact Wicker Park Eye Center by phone or online today to schedule your visit.