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Magruder Laser Vision has been a leading provider of vision correction surgery, such as LASIK, in Central Florida for many years. Our team of professionals is here to make you comfortable and guide you on your journey to a clearer vision.

LASIK Surgery and its Progress Over the Years

Qualifying for LASIK surgery used to be very strict. Doctors, limited by the technology available then, would try to contain the risks involved in the treatment. However, with improved LASIK technology, the procedure can accommodate more interested patients.

For instance, in 1998, it was excellent advice to avoid LASIK if you have astigmatism. Even high amounts of astigmatism can be cured with LASIK better than with contacts or glasses. The improvement in technology in 21 years has been enormous.

A simple example of how we can do things now that we couldn’t back then would be the concerned looks you’d get telling the 1998 LASIK researcher they could find the answer by “using their phone to google it.” However, many doctors—including eye doctors—stick with the guidelines created when LASIK was in its infancy.

LASIK candidacy checklist: are you qualified?

To determine if you’re qualified to undergo LASIK, eye doctors use a checklist of criteria to determine if you fit the standards of a competent patient.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get LASIK

One’s eyesight changes frequently during childhood, and it also reoccurs (although for a different reason) late into adulthood. Because of refractive instability, eye surgeons recommend performing LASIK only on patients who are 18 when the eyes are at ocular maturity (or have completed growing).

Consultation Exam: Eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Your eye doctor will conduct an eye exam during the consultation to determine if your prescription has changed. Remember that the “+” sign refers to the presence of farsightedness, while the “-” sign is for nearsightedness. Your prescription must fall within ideal treatable limits (for what is considered a stable prescription) to qualify for LASIK.

The first number in your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription (i.e., sphere) must be between +2.00 and -10.00. You’re likely not a candidate for LASIK if you’re more severely farsighted or nearsighted.

On the other hand, the second number (i.e., cylinder) measures the extent of your astigmatism. To qualify for LASIK, it should be between 0 and -6.00. The more you have, the more distortion you’ll have pre-operatively. Remember too, that if the cylinder number is at “0” or “sph,” your astigmatism cannot be measured because it is too insignificant to blur your vision.

Eyesight with eyeglasses or contact lenses on

Are you able to see well with your eyeglasses or contact lenses? Doctors consider this criterion since your eyesight must be in good condition while wearing your glasses or contacts.

Corneal thickness and shape

Because LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, the cornea’s thickness needs to be assessed first. If the cornea is too thin, other refractive surgeries such as PRK are more suitable as this would leave more tissue after the procedure.

If you have keratoconus (a condition where corneal thinning and bulging into a cone-like shape occurs), performing LASIK is not recommended as it will lead to further complications.

General Health

Your doctor may discourage you from pursuing LASIK if you have severe eye conditions or health-related problems.

These are just some of the criteria as doctors vary regarding their standards.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK is to come for a consultation. To decide which procedure is best for you, whether it be LASIK or EVO ICL, take our self-test here,

Book your appointment with our Magruder Laser Vision team today to achieve vision freedom.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward clearer vision, contact us today at 407-843-5665 or click here to schedule your consultation.