Signs You Should Postpone LASIK

If you’re like me, your goal is to go home at the end of each workday knowing you performed your job to the absolute best of your ability. The most important part of my job is to keep my patients safe; in fact, when I took the Hippocratic Oath after medical school, I solemnly swore to “keep my patients from harm and injustice.”

I will never perform a procedure if I think that it will do you any harm. And while millions of people have benefited from laser vision correction, it is important to understand that the procedure is not suitable for everyone. I have a responsibility to carefully screen every candidate that walks through my door.

When you and I meet for the first time, I will ask you a lot of questions about your eye health and overall health. These questions are designed to help me assess whether the procedure can safely help you achieve your goals, or whether you may be better off delaying LASIK or avoiding it altogether.

There are certain circumstances in which I may recommend that you postpone LASIK to a later date.

Your Vision Prescription Significantly Fluctuates

One of the first things I will look at when evaluating you as a LASIK candidate is whether your vision prescription has changed recently. It is very important that your vision prescription has not changed significantly in the six months prior to surgery. If I perform surgery on your eyes when your vision prescription is fluctuating, you will not get the best results possible.

I will look at your old glasses to determine whether there has been a big change in your prescription. If it has changed by more than 0.5 diopters in six months, I will recommend you postpone LASIK until your prescription has stabilized.

You Are Under 18 Years Old

Your eyes can change throughout your life, and your vision may change dramatically during your childhood and adolescent years. In most people, it tends to level off around the age of 18. If you are under 18, I will recommend you postpone LASIK.

You Are Pregnant or Nursing

The hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy and nursing can temporarily change a woman’s vision prescription. Fluid retention may also affect prescription changes. These hormonal changes can also cause dry eye symptoms, which are a disqualifier for LASIK, as dry eyes increase the risk of post-operative discomfort and can delay the healing process.

Let’s Discuss Your LASIK Candidacy

I strongly believe you will not find another LASIK surgeon in San Diego who cares about your safety, well-being and vision the same way I do. I would love to speak to you about your laser vision correction options and determine whether LASIK is right for you.

To schedule a consultation with me, please call me and my team at (858) 551-4100 or send us an email today.

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