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How to Determine If I am a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

One of the first considerations for laser eye surgery is the health of your eyes. Your ophthalmologist will need to assess if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery. You’ll also want to determine how much you value your vision and what your budget is.

Choosing to undergo laser eye surgery is a big decision. You’ll need to consider your personal and financial circumstances, the risks involved, and what you hope to get out of the procedure. If you’ve been considering laser eye surgery for a while and want to know if you’re a candidate, here are some things your opthalmologist in Tampa will consider.

Your Age

Laser eye surgery is currently approved for adults over the age of 18.

Stability of Your Glasses Prescription

One of the things your eye doctor will look at when determining if you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery is how stable your glasses prescription is. Your eyeglasses prescription may fluctuate in and out, but for the most part it should be stable for at least 2 years prior to surgery. If your prescription changes frequently, you’ll want to wait until after your next exam before making any decisions about laser eye surgery.

Your Overall Health

While laser eye surgery may be a great option for some people, it may be too risky for others. Your ophthalmologist will need to assess your overall health to determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery in Tampa.
If you have any of the following conditions, laser eye surgery may not be advised:

  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataract surgery within six months of the procedure
  • A history of serious corneal disorders including infections and scars anywhere on your cornea or in your eye’s interior
  • Other conditions that may impair healing

You Have an Acceptable Prescription

Another factor your eye doctor will check on is the prescription of your glasses. If you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery, you’ll have a prescription that falls within the range of what the procedure can correct. Sometimes a patient has a prescription that isn’t compatible with laser eye surgery.

Your Cornea Thickness

The cornea is the clear, protective layer on the front of your eye. Your ophthalmologist will examine your cornea thickness to make sure it has enough tissue to safely withstand the laser treatment. If your cornea is too thin, you may not be able to complete laser eye surgery.
Now that you know the main factors to consider, you can start to determine if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery. If you are not sure whether or not you are a candidate, reach out to an eye doctor. They will be able to give you a more detailed assessment of your candidacy and can recommend the best course of action for your treatment.

To schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist in Tampa at the Florida Eye Center, please call us at (813) 602-7336 or fill out the request form here to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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