• Laser Vision Correction Center
  • The SEC Difference
  • Vision Problems Corrected by LASIK
  • All-Laser LASIK
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  • Monovision
  • Clear Lens Exchange
  • Am I a Candidate?
  • LASIK Self Evaluation Test
  • Schedule a Free LASIK Evaluation
  • Allegretto Wave
• Cataract Center
  • About Cataracts
  • Restoring your Vision
  • Monofocal vs. Multifocal IOLs
  • ReSTOR
  • Astigmatism Correcting Implants
  • Cataract Surgery FAQs
  • IOL Self Evaluation Test
• Vision Disorders
  • Common Vision Problems
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    • Dry Eye Syndrome
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• Other Services
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    • Dry Eye Questionnaire
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Am I a Candidate?

Generally, LASIK is performed if you are nearsighted, farsighted or have an astigmatism. You need to have a stable vision prescription that isn’t rapidly changing and in good overall eye health.

You should be between the ages of 21-60. For patients in their 60’s, cataract formation may be beginning and Clear Lens Exchange surgery may be an option for you.

Medical conditions can impact your success with surgical treatments, too. For example, people with diabetes may develop cataracts an an earlier age, have unstable prescriptions from unstable glucose levels, or have retinal problems which make it more difficult to obtain a good result with surgical or glasses correction.

Be sure to inform Dr. Shapiro of any medications you may be taking as they may cause changes or fluctuation in your vision.

Our eye care team will evaluate these complex factors when you are seen for a thorough examination.

Women who are pregnant should typically wait for a few months after delivery or nursing before undergoing LASIK.

Physical conditions that may also reduce your success or increase your risk with LASIK include:

• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Cataracts or diabetic retinopathy with loss of vision
• Uncontrolled glaucoma
• Keratoconus (thinning and asymmetric steepening of the cornea)
• Amblyopia
• Severely dry eyes
• Keloid scars after surgery
• Current use of Acutane, Cordarone or Imitrex

Because contacts temporarily alter corneal shape, people who are interested in LASIK should remove soft contacts for two weeks, or a month to six weeks if they are wearing toric or gas permeable contacts. If you wear hard contact lenses, your doctor will be able to advise you on how long you will need to be out of them.

If you believe you meet the general requirements to be a candidate for LASIK, you should schedule an Free evaluation. Each set of eyes is unique and the only way to effectively determine your candidacy is to have an evaluation with a board-certified eye doctor.

The LASIK Evaluation

The Free LASIK evaluation involves a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. These are some of the tests that are performed during the evaluation:

• Measurement of corneal thickness
• Corneal imaging
• Complete review of overall eye health
• The measurement of your prescription or refractive errors
• Custom LASIK measurement for higher order aberrations
• Dry eye testing
• Complete dilation to view the back of the eye, the optic nerve and retina
• Measurement of pupil size

If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, Dr. Shapiro may be able to recommend other vision correction procedures that can help improve your eyesight.