Am I a Candidate for LASIK? Olympia Optometrist Discusses LASIK

Published on
February 18, 2023

LASIK eye surgery is a popular solution for people looking to correct their vision and get rid of glasses or contacts. However, not everyone is eligible for the procedure. In this blog, we’ll go over the basics of LASIK and what you need to know to determine if you’re a good candidate.

Is LASIK Right for You? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria

Stable Prescription

To be considered a good candidate for LASIK, you need to meet certain requirements. The first and most important requirement is that you need to be over 18 years old. This is because your eyes are still changing and growing before this age, and it's important to allow enough time for the eye to stabilize. Your eye prescription must also be stable for at least a year before undergoing LASIK surgery. This is important to make sure that your vision remains stable after the procedure.

Sufficient Tissue

One of the biggest factors in determining if you’re a good candidate for LASIK is having enough tissue in your cornea. We will measure your cornea to ensure that you have enough tissue remaining after the procedure to keep your eyes healthy and functioning properly. Having a thicker cornea also reduces the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Healthy Ocular Surface

Another factor to consider when determining if you’re a good candidate for LASIK is the health of your ocular surface. We will examine your eyes to make sure they are free of any diseases or conditions that could affect the outcome of the procedure. For example, if you have dry eye syndrome or other eye diseases, they may recommend waiting until the condition is treated before undergoing LASIK.

Alternatives to LASIK

As an optometrist, it's important to provide our patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their eye health. While LASIK is a popular and effective procedure for many people, it may not be the best option for everyone. That's why it's important to understand the alternatives that are available, and what criteria you need to meet in order to be considered a good candidate.

During an eye exam, we'll go over some of the most common alternative procedures to LASIK, including PRK, SMILE ICL, and others. We'll also explain what sets these procedures apart from LASIK, and what you can expect in terms of outcomes and recovery time. With the right information, you'll be able to make the best decision for your vision and your long-term eye health.

Schedule a consultation for LASIK near you in Olympia 

If you’re interested in LASIK eye surgery and want to learn more, schedule a consultation with our eye doctor today. During the consultation, we will perform a comprehensive examination of your eyes, measure your cornea, and check for any underlying conditions that could affect the outcome of the procedure. We will also discuss your expectations and goals for the procedure, and answer any questions you may have. We will answer any questions you may have and help you determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We will also discuss the different options available to you, and if you have decided on surgery we can provide referrals to experienced LASIK surgeons in Olympia. We are here to help you make an informed decision about the best solution for your vision.

Testimonials


Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.


Anna P.

I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.


June S.

Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.


Christine R.

Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.


Lars Wulff

Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.


Justin E.

The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.


Amy Fagerness
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