Laser Vision Correction - Are You a Candidate?

Many people are interested in laser vision correction so that they can do away with their glasses or contact lenses. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratotomy) are two of the most common techniques used for this type of vision correction. During these procedures, the cornea is reshaped to improve the eye's focusing power. Although the majority of patients are pleased with their results and may achieve 20/20 vision, no one can promise that you will be able to "throw away your glasses" after surgery.


Understanding the limitations of refractive surgery and having a realistic expectation is an important factor for a successful outcome. Your suitability for the procedures can be determined following a comprehensive eye examination. At that time, special measurements of the eyes will be performed. If you wear contact lenses, you should discontinue them for at least 2 weeks (soft contacts) or 4 weeks (gas permeable or hard lenses) before the examination, since contact lenses can interfere with obtaining accurate measurements.


The amount of correction that has been approved for treatment is between -1.0 and -10.0 D for nearsightedness (myopia), between 0.75 and 4.0 D for astigmatism, and between + 1.0 and 4.0 D for farsightedness (hyperopia). Presbyopia, the natural aging process of the eye, which causes the need for reading glasses after the age of 40 cannot be corrected by these procedures. You may be a candidate for LASIK or PRK if you have the correct measurements and you are at least 21 years old, have healthy eyes, are free of any medical or eye disorders that may interfere with healing, and have had a stable prescription for a minimum of one year. You should not be pregnant and you should not be breast feeding at or near the time of the procedure.


The technology is extremely precise with each pulse of the laser removing microscopic amounts of tissue (0.25 micron) under computerized control. The unpredictability in laser vision correction occurs because every person and every eye heals differently.

Reference: Dr. Neil Friedman