LASIK Suitability
Is it for me?
Is it suitable for me?
The Excimer Laser is approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to correct nearsightedness up to -12.00D with -4.00D of astigmatism, and farsightedness from +1.00 to +6.00 with or without astigmatism. (Diopter, symbol D, is the measurement of the refractive error. A negative D value indicates nearsightedness and a positive D value indicates farsightedness.). With the advent of more sophisticated procedures for higher degrees, Dr Khalil generally reserves the LASIK to degrees lower than -7.00D and +6.00D. These are not absolute figures, as occasionally there can be better options for these intermediate degrees. Below Dr Khalil outlines his exact suitability criteria for operating LASIK.
You should be at least 18 years or older
since the vision of people younger than 18 usually continues to change. An exception is the small child with one very nearsighted and one normal eye. The use of LASIK to correct the very nearsighted eye may prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).
Your eyes must be healthy and your prescription stable.
If you're myopic, you should postpone LASIK until your refraction has stabilized, because myopia may continue to increase in some patients until their mid 20s.
You should be in good general health.
LASIK may not be recommended for patients with some patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye, or cataracts. You should discuss this with Dr Khalil.
It is better to wait if you are pregnant or nursing
because these conditions might change the measured refraction of the eye.
Weigh the risks and benefits.
If you're happy wearing contacts or glasses, you may want to forego the surgery.
Discuss with Dr Khalil as much as you might need.
Understand your expectations from the surgery. Are they realistic?
For patients with presbyopia,
LASIK cannot correct so that one eye can see at BOTH distance and near. However, LASIK can be used to correct one eye for distance and the other for near. If you can adjust to this correction, it may eliminate or reduce your need for reading glasses.
The success rates are astoundingly high. Patients are encouraged to have a detailed consultation with Dr Khalil prior to the day of surgery.
