For many, the benefits of LASIK are hard to resist. It’s an advanced procedure that has helped millions of people eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.
However, while satisfaction rates are high, LASIK isn’t appropriate for everyone. That’s why our team at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, carefully evaluates your current eye health and medical history before recommending LASIK.
Here are key factors our team considers when helping you decide whether LASIK is right for you:
One of the first things we check is whether your vision prescription has been stable for at least 12 months. LASIK works best when nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is no longer changing.
If your prescription is still shifting, surgery may be postponed to avoid under- or overcorrection later. We also confirm whether your prescription falls within safe treatment ranges established through clinical research and outcomes.
LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. To do this safely, your corneas must be thick and strong enough. Advanced imaging and mapping technology allow our eye surgeons to measure corneal thickness and detect irregularities.
If the cornea is too thin or has an abnormal shape, LASIK may not be recommended. However, your Marano Eye Care surgeon may suggest an alternative procedure in this case.
Healthy eyes are essential for successful LASIK outcomes. During your evaluation, surgeons look for conditions such as chronic dry eye, corneal disease, glaucoma, or retinal problems.
Some health issues, such as poorly managed diabetes, may at least temporarily disqualify you. This thorough screening helps protect your long-term vision and reduces the risk of complications.
Pupil size, especially in low-light conditions, plays a role in LASIK candidacy. Larger pupils can increase the risk of post-surgery night vision symptoms, such as halos or glare. Modern laser technology has significantly reduced these risks, but surgeons still evaluate pupil size to personalize treatment and set realistic expectations.
Most surgeons recommend LASIK for adults over 18 whose eyes have fully developed. Age also matters later in life. For instance, people over 40 may develop presbyopia, a natural age-related loss of near vision.
While LASIK can correct distance vision, it doesn’t stop age-related changes. Thus, your surgeon will discuss whether you may still need reading glasses in the future.
Your daily activities matter. Athletes, frequent travelers, and people in physically demanding jobs often benefit significantly from LASIK. Your surgeon also asks about hobbies, screen time, and night driving habits to ensure the procedure aligns with your lifestyle and expectations.
At Marano Eye Care, we also consider whether your expectations are realistic. LASIK aims to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts significantly, but it does not guarantee “perfect” vision for everyone.
Our goal is to provide clear information about LASIK that offers an understanding of the benefits and limitations, and prioritizes safety over speed or convenience. That said, LASIK is often an excellent alternative to glasses or contacts and certainly deserves its reputation for efficacy and high patient satisfaction.
We start with a comprehensive evaluation that ensures the procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to your eyes.
The best next step is to schedule an appointment at our offices in Denville, Livingston, or Newark, New Jersey, today to determine if LASIK — or another vision correction option — is right for you.
