LASIK candidates are nearsighted (myopic) or farsighted (hyperopic) and/or have astigmatism. Additionally, a suitable LASIK candidate will have a stable vision prescription for approximately one year and good overall eye health.

There is no maximum age for having LASIK, however, a candidate must be at least 19 years of age (and preferably 21) so that the eyes - and vision - will have matured sufficiently.

Today's Vision doctors offer a complimentary screening to help determine if you are a candidate.

Medical conditions can impact your candidacy, too. Diabetes may present multiple factors that your surgeon will evaluate directly. Women who are pregnant should wait until at least four months post-partum before undergoing LASIK. Be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you may be taking as they may cause short-term vision fluctuations.

Physical conditions that may also prevent LASIK laser vision correction include:

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

Because contacts temporarily alter corneal shape, candidates must remove them from one to two weeks (soft contacts) to a month to six weeks (hard contacts) before a formal pre-operative eye exam. Your doctor is able to evaluate initial LASIK candidacy even if the individual is wearing contacts.

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