Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

There are lots of different types of laser vision correction, so when faced with so many options, how do you know what laser vision correction surgery is the best for you?

Good candidates for laser vision correction surgery usually need to meet a number of general health criteria, before more specific information is taken in order to determine which type of laser vision correction surgery is right for you.

General Criteria for a Successful Candidate for Laser Vision Correction

The general criteria for someone to be a good candidate for laser vision correction includes someone who:

  • Is at least 18 years of age
  • Has had a stable prescription for their glasses or contact lenses for at least 12 months
  • Is not pregnant or nursing
  • Has no history of corneal disease
  • Has no current significant eye issues, such as diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes), glaucoma (caused by increased pressure inside the eye), macular degeneration (the natural deterioration of cells in the part of the eye called the macula), or keratoconus (the progressive thinning of the cornea)

Which Laser Vision Surgery is Right for You?

There is a range of different laser vision correction techniques, and the differences between them mean that while you may not be a good candidate for one, you may be an excellent candidate for another.

LASIK may be the best-known form of laser vision correction and can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but it doesn’t mean it is right for everyone. Corneal thickness is one of the deciding factors for whether someone is a good candidate for this technique. This is because the technique involves using the laser to create a flap in the outer layer of the cornea so that the exposed area beneath can be reshaped. If the cornea is too thin, you can’t safely have LASIK and will need to consider a different technique.

PRK is the main alternative to LASIK and rather than cutting a flap into the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, the epithelial layer is gently scraped off so that the area beneath can be reshaped. This eliminates the risk of flap-related complications, which are common, but means that it normally takes longer to heal. PRK is generally recommended for patients with a thin/steep cornea where LASIK is not suitable.

SMILE LASIK is an innovative new technique for laser vision correction that uses cutting-edge laser technology to create a removable lenticule in the cornea which is removed in order to reshape it. It is considered the safest form of laser eye surgery, causes the least discomfort, and has the shortest surgery time. It is also particularly suitable for patients with higher prescriptions and thinner corneas, for who LASIK is unsuitable.

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery and would like more information about the different techniques available, or to find out which type of laser eye surgery you are a good candidate for, our dedicated team in Edison, NJ would be happy to help! Please contact us to schedule a FREE Virtual consultation.

Find out if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction surgery, contact Manhattan LASIK Center in Edison, NJ at (201) 843-3861.