subject: Are You A Candidate For Lasik? [print this page] Am I a candidate for LASIK? This is a question that more than 12 million Americans who have undergone LASIK surgery to date, according to the FDA, have asked themselves. The answer lies in the screening by your ophthalmologist and eye surgeon.
Dr. Tom Tooma, the Medical Director for TLC Laser Eye Centers in Southern California and renowned eye surgeon who has performed more than 100,000 vision correction procedures, explains that TLC Laser Eye Centers employs a rigorous, industry-leading screening and assessment process for its patients.
About half of our prospective patients are screened twice by licensed, qualified eye doctors; the other half are referred by their own eye doctor which means they receive a third screening, says Dr. Tom Tooma. Anywhere between 15-20% of TLCs potential LASIK vision correction patients are rejected as candidates for LASIK surgery.
You would not be a candidate for LASIK surgery if you:
Are less than 18 years of age.
Are pregnant or nursing.
Have cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, or renal or optic nerve disease.
Have diabetes; other autoimmune or collagen vascular disease.
Have an eye virus such as herpes simplex or herpes zoster.
Have any of the following health issues: diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease.
Have the following eye problems: amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), severe dry eyes, previous eye surgery or injury, or any recurrent residual or active eye conditions which may affect healing.
In summary, only an in-depth examination of your eyes, your eyes, your individual case, your expectations and your lifestyle by an experienced, licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist can determine if you are a candidate.
