The decision to have laser vision correction depends on the results of a thorough preoperative evaluation. Just as you are a unique individual, each eye requires unique and careful examination with the best technology. At Cool Springs Surgical Associates, an extension evaluation will determine whether or not you are a safe candidate for laser vision correction. Although not everyone is a candidate for laser vision correction, some basic requirements include:

• A stable eyeglass prescription for at least two years.
• Best corrected vision of at least 20/40.
• Healthy cornea.
• No active eye disease.
• Over 18 years old.

Although there’s no real “maximum age” for laser vision correction, we would first need to determine that the overall health of your eyes is good, and that your vision difficulties are not being caused by cataracts or some other eye disease. Before the decision is made to proceed with laser vision correction, your vision needs to be stable. Depending on your age, you may need reading glasses after treatment. Nearly everyone needs reading glasses by their mid-40s. This is known as presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural change in the lens inside of the eye and is not influenced by refractive surgery. If you are wearing bifocals or readings glasses now, you will still need reading glasses after LASIK.

The FDA has approved LASIK as a safe and effective procedure. It is important, however, to remember that LASIK is not the right choice for everybody. Some people are not appropriate candidates, and if treated could have less than optimal results. It is important that you receive a thorough pre-operative evaluation to determine if LASIK is right for you.

The actual procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye. Depending on your prescription, and the amount of correction needed, the laser itself only takes 20-50 seconds to correct your vision. However, you should plan on being in the office for approximately an hour-and-a-half on your day of surgery.