Signs You’re a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

If you’ve worn eyeglasses for years, you may find it hard to imagine a world where you’re not as dependent on them. But laser eye surgery can make that dream a reality. Laser eye surgery relies on the power of lasers to correct refractive errors and improve your vision.

Although it’s a safe and permanent solution to vision correction, laser eye surgery isn’t for everyone. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a laser eye surgery consultation at Maryland Eye Care Center. 

During your consultation, one of our experts performs a comprehensive eye exam, goes over the types of laser eye surgery we offer, and discusses pre- and post-surgery care. But here are some general guidelines when determining laser eye surgery candidates. 

Signs you're a candidate for laser eye surgery

You might be a candidate for laser eye surgery if:

You have a treatable case

During laser eye surgery, your Maryland Eye Care Center provider uses lasers to reshape your cornea to correct vision problems (refractive errors). This is why laser eye surgery is sometimes called refractive surgery or laser vision correction. 

So the first step is to confirm the presence of a refractive error. 

Refractive errors occur when your cornea isn’t shaped quite right and impacts how light focuses on your retina. The most common symptom is blurry vision. Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia are examples of refractive errors.

You have a stable prescription

We look at your prescription history and how often (or not) your prescription changes. If your prescription hasn’t changed in the past year, you may be a candidate for laser eye surgery. 

You have realistic expectations

While complete freedom from contacts and glasses is ideal, it’s important to have realistic expectations going into laser eye surgery. Some people experience 20/20 vision after surgery; others still need to use glasses. You may find that you rely on your glasses less after surgery. 

You’re 18 or older

The FDA hasn’t approved the use of lasers for eye surgery in people under 18. Even then, you may wish to wait until your 20s after your prescription has stabilized. 

You’re in good overall health

Because laser eye surgery involves reshaping your cornea, your cornea should be sufficiently thick and your eyes in good overall health. You should be in good general health too.

Certain autoimmune conditions can make your recovery more difficult, so it’s important to share any underlying health conditions you have with our team during your consultation.

Your prescription falls within a certain range

Even the most cutting-edge lasers can reshape your cornea only to an extent. If your prescription falls outside a specified range, you may struggle with side effects like halos and poor night vision. 

And even if your prescription falls within a proper range, there may be situations where your Maryland Eye Care Center provider determines that laser eye surgery isn’t right for you.

You might not be a candidate if…

Contraindications for laser eye surgery include being pregnant or nursing, having diabetes or advanced glaucoma, or having thin or scarred corneas. 

In some cases, such as pregnancy, laser eye surgery can be postponed. In other cases, such as having corneas that are too thin, laser surgery likely isn’t right for you.

Scheduling your laser eye surgery consultation

During your laser eye surgery consultation, our team reviews your overall health, performs a thorough eye exam, and discusses your laser surgery options with you. 

Here at Maryland Eye Care Center, we offer a variety of laser eye surgeries, including:

• Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK
• Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK
• Refractive lens exchange (RLE)

To find out if you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery, book your appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Silver Spring and Hyattsville, Maryland.