Fast facts

Lasik

What it is: Lasik is a type of laser eye surgery for correcting near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.  The procedure is performed in three steps: the doctor creates a flap of corneal tissue, uses a laser to remodel the cornea and then repositions the flap. 

What it addresses:  Problems related to vision including:

- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism

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Question

Should I consider Lasik surgery?

I am tired of wearing glasses and contacts, but my vision is very bad, and I don't know if surgery will work for me.  How do I know if I'm a good candidate for this procedure?

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Asked by: Anonymous

Answers (2)

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1
February 21, 2008

Why wait for Lasik?

Sandy Feldman, M.D., M.S.
Sandy Feldman, M.D., M.S.

LASIK surgery is the most common elective surgery performed and helps one reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. With visual results showing 98% of people achieving 20/20 or better vision after the procedure (for individuals with mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism) this is a procedure which one should consider.

Why wait? The procedure has never been safer and more effective than it is now!

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2
July 30, 2007
Dr. Robert K. Maloney
Dr. Robert K. Maloney

You are probably a good Lasik">Lasik candidate if:

  1. You depend on glasses or contacts for good vision
  2. Your eyes are healthy
  3. Glasses or contacts are frustrating, inconvenient, uncomfortable, or impair your recreational and career interests.

Put another way, nowadays with our variety of advanced procedures, including LASIK, PRK, implantable contact lenses, and refractive lens exchange, almost everyone is a candidate.

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Comments (1)
MarkJohnJackson
MarkJohnJackson
11/12/08

Research this thoroughly for yourself, and don't trust the lasik center -- they might tell you you're a good canditate when you're really not, just to get your business. This happened to me and fortunately I had educated myself before going in.

I have a thin cornea and large pupils (larger than the treatment zone), which is the worst combination, yet the Lasik MD center in Toronto said I'm a good candidate. When I questioned the doctor on the results of my consultation she actually commented "wow, you know a lot more than most of our patients".

If I'd relied on her initial assessment I'd be complaining about halos right now... instead I'm waiting to see if the technology improves one day, and also considering ortho keratography.

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