Vision correction surgery can help many people, but it's not for every person. Only your eye doctor can tell you if refractive surgery is right for you.
To start, you'll need a baseline eye exam. Be sure to tell your eye doctor about any past and present health issues and any medicines you take. After this exam, your doctor can suggest the best type of surgery — if any — for you. They can also explain the pros and cons of each technique.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for refractive surgery?
You might be a good candidate for refractive surgery if you want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contacts.
Other factors include if you:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Aren't pregnant or nursing.
- Are healthy.
- Have had stable vision for the past year.
- Don't have a cataract that affects your vision.
- Don't have major eye problems (corneal ulcers, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma).
- Don't have uncontrolled diabetes.
- Know what to expect in terms of results. You may still need to wear a thin pair of glasses, such as when you read or drive at night.
- Know that any surgery carries risks and can have side effects.