Are you thinking about getting rid of your glasses or contact lenses with refractive surgery? Let’s find out if you’re eligible.
There are multiple types of refractive surgeries available today such as LASIK, PRK, SMILE, SILK, etc. Lets look at the general eligibility criteria for these refractive surgeries
Who is eligible?
1. Age and stable vision
Person undergoing refractive surgery needs to be at least 18 years. They need to have stable vision i.e. no change of refraction (glasses power) for at least a year. This is very important as stable refraction is paramount to a successful refractive surgery. Your doctor will advise according to wait for undergoing refractive surgery.
2. People with common refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
Refractive surgeries can correct the following refractive errors:
- Myopia or near sightedness: Most common refractive disorder prevalant currently. A study shows that by 2050, half the world will be myopic! Don’t worry, it is very easy to treat this using refractive surgery
- Hyperopia: THis is far sightedness or Plus (+) numbers
- Astigmatism: This is cylindrical number.
3. No specific ocular conditions
Certain eye conditions can make refractive surgery more risky and complex. It is important that person is tested for specific eye conditions such as
- Keratoconus: Most common risk for refractive surgery. Refractive surgery can signifciantly exacerbate this condition
- Dry eyes: If you significant dry eyes, refractive surgery can worsen this condition
- Ocular trauma: Existing eye trauma can provide a significant challenge to the surgery
4. Corneal thickness
Most importantly, your doctor will ask you to undergo certain tests (corneal topography such as Pentacam). This investigations will help the doctor determine your corneal thickness. Refractive surgery involves partial removal of certain layers of the cornea. Hence it is essential to possess a certain minimum cornea thickness. Without this thickness, refractive surgery can lead to significantly high complications. This is where it is critical to consult a doctor who understands corneal topography very well. We would strongly advise to always choose an ophthalmologist who is specialized in refractive surgery. Always look at credentials of your ophthalmologist and choose the one with a fellowship/superspecialisation in refractive surgery
Who is not eligible??
There is a saying in medicine which we surgeons live by
“An average surgeon knows how to operate
A good surgeon knows when to operate
A great surgeon knows when NOT to operate”
It is very important to identify people who are not eligible for refractive surgeries. Lets understand the common contra indications for refractive surgeries
1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Hormonal changes can lead to changes in the refractive power of the eyes. Hence it is important for a pregnant/breast feeding women to wait before undergoing refractive surgery
2. Persons with unstable refractive errors
Persons with refractive errors which are frequently changing can be an issue with refractive surgeries. This will impact long term success of the surgery, as it leads to frequent regressions of refractive surgery
3. Ocular and systemic conditions
Certain ocular conditions such as keratoconus, dry eye as mentioned earlier can be exacerbated by refractive surgery. Systemic conditions such as controlled DM etc. also make the person ineligible for refractive surgery
Remember, eligibility for refractive surgery varies from person to person. To add to the dilemma, there are multiple surgeries such as LASIK, SMILE, SILK, PRK, etc. A detailed eye evaluation is crucial to determine if it’s the right option for you. At Arham Eye Care, we ensure you make the best decision for your eyes.
Thank you!
What if you are not eligible for refractive surgeries (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) – do you have to live your glasses/contact lenses forever – Maybe not!! More on this later….
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