LASIK Candidate |
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LASIK eye surgery has become one of the
most popular vision correction surgeries. Many people have
problems with their vision, and LASIK can often be a solution to
correct conditions like near-sightedness, far-sightedness,
astigmatism and, in some cases, presbyopia. LASIK eye surgery
can be a good way to reduce your dependency on glasses or
contact lenses.
When people research refractive
surgeries, they find that LASIK and PRK are the top choices when
considering vision correction surgery. Dr. Tracy is a
Board-certified ophthalmologist in Carlsbad, who has performed
thousands of LASIK and PRK surgeries to correct vision problems.
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While commonly performed, LASIK is not the best option for everyone.
To be a LASIK candidate, patients must meet certain criteria, such as
age (at least 22), be free of eye injuries and other conditions, and
other criteria. To read a more comprehensive list of factors that help
determine eligibility, please see below. |
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Are you a LASIK Candidate?
LASIK eye surgery is highly safe and effective. PRK (surface
ablation) predates LASIK. Both surgeries are very similar and can be
good alternatives to each other depending on your eyes or on your
lifestyle. Sometimes, patients who are not good candidates for LASIK can
undergo PRK eye surgery. Even though LASIK is a very popular procedure,
it may not be the best choice for everyone.
The
following are some requirements for LASIK eye surgery:
• The best
candidates for LASIK should be at least 22 years old with stable vision.
Your prescription must have remained stable for at least one year.
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You need to be free of eye injuries, infections, and diseases. Eye
diseases can include corneal diseases, herpes, or retinal diseases.
Before your surgery, you should always address any medical conditions
you have, as they can affect your candidacy for LASIK.
• You cannot
have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or
multiple sclerosis. These disorders can prevent healing after LASIK.
•
Consult with the doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
Certain steroids and immunosuppressants can create delays during healing
after LASIK eye surgery, and others can cause dry eyes.
• You must not
have corneal scarring or abnormalities. Due to the nature of LASIK, they
can affect how your cornea is reshaped.
• You must not be pregnant or
nursing. Pregnancy or nursing can affect the stability of your
prescription.
• Pupils need to be a certain size. When patients have
larger pupils they can experience a halo effect or a glow, so they may
be better candidates for PRK eye surgery.
• You need to have enough
corneal thickness. When patients have thinner corneas, they may be
better suited for PRK.
• You cannot have refractive errors that are too
high. LASIK cannot correct all refractive errors.
Due to the
nature of LASIK eye surgery, certain individuals like athletes who play
contact sports may not be good candidates for LASIK. They run the risk
of experiencing flap displacement, since LASIK involves creating a
corneal flap during surgery. People who are involved in high impact
activities or who have occupations that are more susceptible to eye
injuries are generally not good candidates for LASIK. For these
individuals, PRK may be a better option. Contact San Diego LASIK
Expert Dr. Tracy
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How Much Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost?
LASIK eye surgery cost can vary based on the technology and
equipment used, surgeon experience, and geographic area. It can
typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye. Be careful of some of
the lower fees advertised, as they may be bait-and-switch techniques,
involving unreasonable conditions and restrictions, or the laser center
may be using older, outdated technologies such as the
microkeratome blade.
San Diego Ophthalmologist Dr. Tracy utilizes
the most advanced technologies and equipment, performing blade-free,
all-laser surgery. We charge one flat fee for your procedure, which
includes all pre-operative evaluations, surgery, and post-operative
care. At Carlsbad Eye Care, Dr. Tracy performs all pre- and post-op care
himself, including the initial evaluation. We offer no-interest Credit
Care financing and payment plans to help make the cost of your procedure
affordable. This will allow you to make small monthly payments over a
period of time in accordance with your budget. |
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Call
Carlsbad Eye Care Today!
To schedule your free
consultation with a LASIK expert in Carlsbad, please call us at (760)
603-9910.
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