Evaluating Suitability for Laser Eye Surgery

  Introduction

Laser Eye Surgery is generally a very safe and effective treatment for people with a wide range of eyesight problems. However, it is a surgical procedure performed on a very sensitive and delicate part of the eye and is not suitable for everyone. It is important that people considering laser eye surgery undergo a thorough screening by their optometrist to ensure that they are suitable for a particular procedure and that they are fully aware of the risks and benefits and have realistic expectations as to what to expect from the surgery.

Laser Eye Surgery is a quick and often painless procedure and improves the vision of most patients and reduces their need for glasses or contact lenses. The majority of people can be considered to be good candidates for laser eye surgery but there will be a few that do not meet generally accepted medical criteria.

Whilst these people may not avail themselves of laser eye surgery at the current time, developments in procedures and technology may enable them to benefit from laser eye surgery in the future.

Before embarking on any sort of laser eye surgery, potential patients must undergo a thorough eye examination by a trained ophthalmologist. This will help to determine whether a patient is suitable for laser eye surgery. Based on this examination and a detailed exploration of the patients medical history and circumstances most candidates can be categorised in one of three broad types.

   Ideal Laser Eye Surgery Candidates

Ideal candidate includes those who:

• Over 18 years old and have had stable vision and optical prescription for at least the last two years.

• Suffer from one of the more common types of eyesight problems or refractive errors such as near-sightedness myopia, astigmatism, long-sightedness hyperopia or any combination thereof.

• Do not suffer from any medical condition or disease, vision-related or otherwise, that could reduce the benefit of laser eye surgery or their ability to recover thereafter.

• Are adequately informed about the benefits, risks and expectations of the procedure.

   Less Than Ideal Candidates

Sometimes there exist certain factors that mean candidates are not ideal for laser eye surgery.

In many cases, the surgeon may still be able to perform the procedure safely but the candidate needs to be aware of the added risks. Candidates in this category include those who:

• Have a history of dry eyes or scarring of the cornea.

• Are being treated with medications that can prevent healing.

• Are under age 18 or have unstable vision.

• Are pregnant or nursing.

• Have a history of ocular herpes within one year prior to having the surgery.

• Have refractive errors too severe for treatment with current technology.

   Not Suitable Candidates

Certain conditions and circumstances mean that candidates cannot even consider undergoing laser eye surgery.

These conditions include: advanced glaucoma, corneal diseases, corneal thinning disorders (keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration), or certain other pre-existing eye diseases that affect or threaten vision.

    Checklist of Laser Eye Treatment Eligibility

Whether or not you are suitable for laser eye surgery can only be determined by a detailed eye examination carried out by a trained optometrist followed by an analysis of your medical condition and history.

The majority of people are now considered to be treatable by laser eye surgery although some may be turned down if the outcome of the surgery cannot be accurately predicted or complications are likely that might adversely affect your sight. Your occupation and lifestyle might also be a consideration when determining suitability.

In general, suitability for laser eye surgery depends on the following factors and how they would impact on the carrying out or results of any procedure undertaken.

• The degree of optical error
• The thickness of your cornea
• The existence of any eye disease
• The size of your pupil
• Corneal mapping data
• Wavefront analysis results
• You should ideally be able to answer YES to the following:
• Do you suffer from short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism?
• Are you over 18 years old?
• Is your prescription stable?
• Are your eyes healthy and free from any eye disease?
• Would you rather not wear glasses or contacts on a permanent basis?

The above is only a general guide and there will always be exceptions that will be barred from surgery or accepted notwithstanding the guidelines. Suitability for treatment by using laser eye corrective surgery can only be determined at a consultation with a trained optometrist.