5 Signs You're the Perfect Candidate for Laser Vision Correction

Are you tired of relying on glasses? Considering laser vision correction? At InVision Eye Care in Lakewood, New Jersey, Dr. Edward Hedaya and our team help patients see more clearly.

However, there is no simple checklist that guarantees perfect candidacy. Eligibility depends on a complex range of individual anatomical and clinical factors. We determine your fit during a professional consultation.

Here are five key signs we evaluate to see if you are a strong candidate for this procedure.

1. You are at least 18 years old

Age is the very first baseline requirement. The American Refractive Surgery Council guidelines state that candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Why? Before this age, your eyes are still growing. Reshaping the cornea too early can lead to unpredictable visual changes later in life.

2. Your vision prescription has been stable for two years

Your eyes must stop changing before we can safely perform surgery. We generally recommend a stable prescription for at least two consecutive years before considering laser correction.

If your prescription is still shifting, laser surgery will not provide lasting results. We will review your vision history to confirm your eyes have settled.

3. Your eyes and body support healthy healing

Laser surgery permanently reshapes your corneal tissue. To do this safely, you must have sufficient natural corneal thickness. At our Lakewood, NJ office, we perform detailed mapping to measure your corneal depth.

You must also be free of autoimmune diseases. These conditions can impair your body's natural inflammatory healing response.  

4. You have realistic expectations about your visual results

Understanding the potential side effects of surgery is crucial. For instance, a study by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that 43% of Navy personnel and 46% of civilians reported glare or halos after the procedure. Notably, however, overall patient satisfaction remained highly positive.

Additionally, laser correction does not prevent age-related vision loss, such as presbyopia. This condition typically begins around age 50 and makes it harder to focus on close objects. Most adults use reading glasses to address presbyopia.

5. You are ready to temporarily swap contacts for glasses

Before your evaluation, you must take a "contact lens holiday" since contact lenses temporarily warp the natural shape of your cornea.

This warping can lead to inaccurate eye measurements. The American Refractive Surgery Council warns that stable corneal measurements are impossible without this break. Thus, you must wear glasses for several days or weeks before your visit.

Ready to find out if laser vision correction is right for you? Our experienced team at InVision Eye Care is here to guide you through every step of the process. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Lakewood, NJ office.