Laser eye surgery is an outpatient procedure in which a laser is used to correct certain vision problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of surgery is also called "refractive surgery," and its goal is to change the shape of the cornea, the lens-like structure in the outer part of the eye. Laser eye surgery is a serious procedure that comes with certain risks; thus, there are certain requirements that must be met to be a candidate for this type of procedure.
No Preexisting Conditions
The American Academy of Opthalmology reports that to be a good candidate for laser eye surgery, a patient should be free of preexisting conditions. Certain preexisting conditions may increase the risk of complications resulting from the surgery. These conditions include: large pupil size, which may increase the risk of vision disturbances, such as a glare or a halo following surgery; keratoconus, which is a degenerative corneal condition; thin corneas; being pregnant or nursing, and other conditions affecting general health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS or diabetes may have a difficult time healing after surgery. The American Academy of Opthalmology advises consulting an eye doctor and/or surgeon to determine candidacy for laser eye surgery.
Refractive Stability
The term "refractive stability" means that the contact lens or glasses prescription has not changed in the past year. Some people have refractive instability, meaning their prescription is constantly changing, requiring a higher degree of refractive correction. According to the FDA, to be a good candidate for laser eye surgery a patient must have refractive stability, which will help ensure that the corrected vision will last for a long time. The FDA reports that people who are more prone to refractive instability tend to be 20 years old or younger, have fluctuating hormones, are pregnant or breastfeeding or are taking certain medications. The FDA advises discussing the additional risks of refractive instability with a doctor.
Willing to Take Risks
Certain risks associated with laser eye surgery that a person must be comfortable with in order to undergo this procedure. The FDA reports that these risks include: loss of vision, visual disturbances, too little or too much vision correction and dry eye syndrome (the inability to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist). Furthermore, the FDA notes that the candidate must accept that he may still have to wear corrective lenses, and that the good results of surgery may diminish with age.
