Refractive Surgery - Are You a LASIK Candidate?

LASIK is an excellent vision correction option for most generally healthy adults who have maintained a stable prescription for at least a year. At the Dishler Laser Institute, we perform extensive testing to determine your eligibility for laser vision correction and choose the right procedure for your needs. If you are a suitable LASIK candidate, there is no better destination in the vicinity of Denver, Englewood, and Aurora, Colorado than the practice of Dr. Jon Dishler for refractive surgery.

Good Candidates for LASIK

If you are a healthy adult who is bothered by reliance on glasses or contacts to see, you may be a good candidate for refractive surgery. The best LASIK candidate is over the age of 21 with a stable prescription (within 0.5 diopters) for at least 12 months prior to surgery and realistic expectations for the procedure. Patients must also be within the range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism that can be corrected with refractive surgery. Every LASIK candidate must also understand the risks associated with LASIK.

Conditions that Make LASIK Unsafe

Though LASIK is safe for most healthy adults, not everyone is a good candidate. Certain health conditions make refractive surgery unsafe. In particular, individuals who have AIDS or HIV, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Crohn's disease, uncontrolled diabetes or vascular disease, or viral eye infections cannot undergo LASIK. Severe refractive errors and eye diseases such as keratoconus, glaucoma, and cataracts make it unsafe to perform refractive surgery. Certain corneal and pupillary conditions also make LASIK impossible, though other procedures may be safe.

In some cases, but not all, previous eye surgeries make it impossible to safely perform LASIK. Any candidate with a history of eye injuries or surgery must be evaluated in detail. Additionally, people in certain professions may be unable to undergo LASIK. Dr. Dishler and our experienced staff evaluate every potential patient thoroughly to ensure that the procedure will be safe and effective.

Refractive Surgery Alternatives

Even for patients who are cannot undergo LASIK, there are many refractive surgery alternatives available at our practice in the Denver area, near Englewood and Aurora, Colorado. In some cases, a poor LASIK candidate can benefit from PRK, a similar procedure that avoids some of the corneal problems associated with LASIK. Another good option is the implantable contact lens. This lens is permanently implanted in the eye, correcting the vision without reshaping the eye at all. Dr. Dishler discusses these and other options with each patient who comes through our doors, carefully choosing the right procedure for their needs.

Schedule a Refractive Surgery Consultation - LASIK Candidate - Aurora, Englewood, and Denver, Colorado

If you think you might be a good LASIK candidate, contact the Dishler Laser Institute. Serving Denver, Aurora, Englewood, and all of Colorado, we offer free refractive surgery consultations and access to some of the best laser vision correction technology anywhere. Our staff will be pleased to help you schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.