LASIK Candidacy
For the right candidate, LASIK can be an incredibly effective way to address refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. However, if you are not a good candidate, LASIK risks are much higher when you undergo this procedure.
To be considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery in Rapid City, you should meet the following requirements:
- LASIK eye surgery candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Your vision and prescription should be stable (not worsened) for at least one year.
- Your eyes should have a healthy retina, eye pressure and the cornea must have sufficient thickness.
- Your prescription for distance vision needs to match a certain minimal strength, and that prescription strength (glasses or contacts) must meet FDA approved guidelines for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- Your pupils should not be larger than 8.5mm in the dark due to increased risk of vision glare and halos at night and decreased night vision.
- You should have no major eye diseases, no evidence of vascular or autoimmune diseases, no recent history of eye infection or inflammation, excessive corneal disease/scarring or severely dry eyes.
- You should not be pregnant or nursing.
- You should not have uncontrolled (unmanaged) diabetes or certain rheumatologic conditions (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s Disease).