When is Lasik Not for Me?

(Credit: Nathaniel)

If you’re thinking of going in for LASIK, then read ahead to find out if it’s really for you or not.

It’s important to bear in mind that certain complications do arise in some people and if you’re not a risk taker then it’s better to be happy with contact lenses.  Some professions prohibit their employees to get refractive surgery. So, check with your organization or it might jeopardize your career.

Cost can be an issue, as most medical insurance will not pay for LASIK. Some patients may have refractive instability – people in early 20s or younger; suffering from diabetes; are pregnant and breast-feeding; are on medication that causes fluctuation in vision; or, suffer from a disease that slows down healing. If you fall in any of these categories, then it’s advisable to talk to the doctor.

LASIK is not advisable for sportsmen who participate in boxing, wrestling, martial arts or any other sport in which blows to the face and eyes are inevitable. And this is certainly not for persons below 18 years of age.

You should ask your doctor to screen you for are Blepharitis, large pupils, thin corneas and dry eyes. Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids with crusting of the eyelashes and this can increase the risk of infection after LASIK. Large pupils can cause symptoms like glare, halos, starbursts and double vision after surgery. If you have thin corneas, then LASIK can result in blinding complications and if you suffer from dry eyes, then this surgery will aggravate your condition.