Are you a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery has revolutionized the field of vision correction, offering patients the opportunity to achieve clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Among the most popular procedures are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). But how do you determine are you a candidate for refractive surgery? At Tyson Eye, we’re here to help you understand the criteria and guide you through the decision-making process.

Understanding Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery aims to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Laser refractive surgery methods like LASIK and PRK are two of the most effective techniques used to reshape the cornea, thereby improving vision and reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses.

• LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and using an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, which helps the cornea heal rapidly.
• PRK, on the other hand, does not involve creating a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to expose the corneal tissue, which is then reshaped with an excimer laser. The epithelium regenerates over a few days with the help of a protective contact lens.

Are You a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Determining if you are a good candidate for refractive surgery involves several key factors:

1. Stable Vision Prescription: To be a candidate for LASIK or PRK, your vision prescription should be stable for at least one year. Significant fluctuations in vision can affect the outcome of the surgery.
2. Age Requirements: Candidates are typically over the age of 21. This is because vision prescription tends to stabilize around this age. However, age alone is not a determining factor; overall eye health and stability of vision are crucial.
3. Eye Health: Good candidates must have healthy eyes, free from conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye. Any underlying eye diseases can impact the success of the surgery.
4. Corneal Thickness: The thickness of your cornea is an important consideration. LASIK requires a certain corneal thickness to safely create the flap. PRK may be a better option for individuals with thinner corneas, as it doesn’t involve creating a flap.
5. Refractive Error: LASIK and PRK are effective for treating common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. However, there are limits to the degree of refractive error that can be corrected, and extremely high prescriptions may not be suitable for these procedures.
6. General Health: Overall health can impact healing and recovery. Conditions such as autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes may affect your suitability for refractive surgery.

“About 9 out of 10 people (90%) who have LASIK end up with vision between 20/20 and 20/40—without glasses or contact lenses” (American Academy of Ophthalmology)

Current Patient Focus at Tyson Eye

At Tyson Eye, we are currently focusing on myopic (nearsighted) patients. Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This is due to the light entering the eye being focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. LASIK and PRK can effectively treat myopia by reshaping the cornea to correct this focal point.

If you are myopic and considering laser refractive surgery, our specialized team at Tyson Eye can evaluate your condition to determine if LASIK or PRK is the right choice for you. Our approach ensures that we tailor the treatment to meet the specific needs of myopic patients, aiming to deliver optimal outcomes.

Consultation and Evaluation

The first step in determining if you are a good candidate for refractive surgery is a comprehensive eye exam. During your consultation at Tyson Eye, Dr. Stephens, our experienced cornea specialist, will conduct a detailed evaluation, which includes:

• Measuring your eye’s refractive error: To assess the degree of myopia and other visual impairments.
• Evaluating corneal thickness and shape: Using advanced imaging technologies to ensure your corneas are suitable for the procedure.
• Reviewing your medical history: To identify any potential health issues that could impact the surgery.

The Next Steps

If you are found to be a good candidate for LASIK or PRK, Dr. Stephens will discuss your options in detail, including the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each procedure. Our goal at Tyson Eye is to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision about your eye care.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re myopic and interested in exploring refractive surgery options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephens at Tyson Eye. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve clearer vision. With our specialized focus on myopic patients, you can trust that you’re receiving expert care tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding whether you are a good candidate for LASIK or PRK involves assessing various factors related to your vision and overall eye health. At Tyson Eye, we are committed to helping you achieve your best vision with expert care and advanced technology. Contact us today to take the first step toward clearer vision.

Come See Us at Tyson Eye

At Tyson Eye, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for all your eye health needs. Whether you’re seeking routine eye exams, specialized treatments, or advanced surgical options, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

With six convenient locations across the region—Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples—Tyson Eye is committed to making high-quality eye care easily accessible to you.

Don’t wait to prioritize your eye health. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive the expert care you deserve. Call us at 239-542-2020 to schedule your consultation.