Laser Surgery â?? Am I a Suitable Candidate?

Although the success rate of these types of surgery have increased in recent years (and indeed are increasing all the time) there are still some candidates who are more ideally suited to the surgery than others.

Treatment Options

A candidate’s suitability is dependent on the type of laser surgery necessary. Lasik surgery is the most popular option and can treat conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Because it alters the refractive properties of the cornea, Lasik surgery improves eyesight. Lasek surgery is very similar to Lasik surgery, the difference lies in the area from where the surgeon cuts the corneal flap. Lasek surgery is useful for patients who have exceptionally thin or flat corneas and can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. PRK (or photo-refractive keratectomy) is a process whereby the outer layer cells of the surface of the cornea are removed and grow back as a part of the helasek process. PRK is used in patients where Lasik or Lasek surgeries are impractical. It can treat a full range of conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
laser eye surgerying Conditions

Suitability for laser eye surgery is decided on an individual basis. Although the London Vision Clinic does consider patients with all prescriptions, there are still candidates who may be unsuitable for the treatment, for a variety of reasons. Conditions that disqualify candidates include uncontrolled Diabetes, uncontrolled Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or a Herpes infection in the eye within 12 months of the procedure. Kerotoconus makes laser surgery inadvisable because of the corneal thinning nature of both the surgery and the condition, and Iritus (a condition that causes the inflammation of the iris) flare-ups within 12 hours preceding the surgery also disqualifies candidates.

Although there is no upper limit on the age at which a candidate is considered suitable, older patients do occasionally experience a longer healing period than younger candidates, while connective tissue disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis) may complicate the healing process and increase the likelihood of post operative complications. The ideal candidate for laser surgery should not be pregnant or breastfeeding for four weeks preceding the laser surgery. This is because increased hormonal activity can affect vision, making assessment difficult, while the drugs used in consultation may pass to the baby.

Although the absence of these conditions does not automatically qualify candidates for laser surgery, it does increase the likelihood that candidates will be eligible. The London Vision Clinic screens every patient for suitability and based on a process of consultation and testing will recommend the best alternatives for patients to improve their vision and rid themselves of the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses.

About the Author

The London Vision Clinic prides itself on improving the quality of life of individuals with poor vision, even when other ophthalmic surgeons have left them without hope. Exceptional skill and the most advanced laser technology afford the London Vision Clinic the opportunity to prove its commitment to this cause, while rigorous patient screening and preparation ensure that the clinic offers the ultimate lasiktient care.

VisuMax Laser for Refractive Lasik Surgery