Who Is Not a Candidate for LASIK? Understanding Eligibility and Alternatives

Over 700,000 LASIK surgeries are performed annually in the U.S. LASIK is a popular refractive surgery that fixes vision problems, such as astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia.

This statistic might lead people to believe LASIK surgery must be open to anyone who wants it. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Certain people may not be ideal candidates for laser eye surgery, and not everyone has access to the latest LASIK technology.

So, who is not a candidate for LASIK? Ensure your ophthalmology practice performs thorough evaluations to determine suitability. This will result in optimal outcomes and minimize risks.

See below who is not a candidate for LASIK.

Factors That May Disqualify a Patient from LASIK Surgery

Many factors determine whether a patient is a LASIK candidate. Here are several.

Age Considerations

Individuals under 18 are typically not LASIK surgery candidates. They’re still undergoing ongoing ocular development.

Unstable Vision

Recent changes in a patient’s prescription can indicate refractive instability. Patients should wait at least a year before reassessing their LASIK candidacy.

Corneal Thickness and Shape

Thin or irregularly shaped corneas can increase surgical risks during LASIK procedures. Corneal scarring, for example, could be a complication.

Eye Health Conditions

Certain diseases may contraindicate LASIK. They include:

• Keratoconus
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye syndrome

Systemic Health Issues

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, uncontrolled diabetes, and other systemic conditions can affect a patient’s ability to heal following LASIK.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact vision stability. Therefore, pregnant women or those nursing newborns are not considered good LASIK candidates.

When Is LASIK Not for Me?

This is a question patients at your ophthalmology practice will ask regularly. Understand how to answer this laser vision correction question.

Risk Aversion

Individuals uncomfortable with potential surgical risks may opt against LASIK. Patients may find themselves at an increased risk for LASIK eye surgery complications if they have:

• Thin corneas
• An eye disease
• An autoimmune disease

Those using certain prescription drugs might also face more significant LASIK risks.

Occupational Considerations

Certain professions might discourage or restrict patients from considering LASIK surgery. For example, some military members and law enforcement officers are not always allowed to undergo the procedure.

Patients in these fields may be forced to treat refractive errors with corrective lenses or contact lenses.

Financial Factors

Many vision insurance plans do not cover elective procedures like LASIK. Patients pay an average of almost $5,000 for laser surgery. A good LASIK candidate must have the necessary financial resources.

Alternative Vision Correction Options

If patients ask, “Who is not a candidate for LASIK?” and find that they fall into this category, prepare to empathize with their disappointment and suggest several alternative vision correction options.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK surgery is a viable alternative for those with thin corneas or other contraindications to LASIK.

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs)

ICLs may be an option for individuals with high refractive errors unsuitable for LASIK.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

RLE is a procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens. It is beneficial for some patients but not all.

The Role of Ophthalmology Practices in Patient Education

“Who is not a good candidate for LASIK?” is an easy question to answer in some cases. For instance, someone exhibiting dry eye symptoms isn’t a good candidate.

In other cases, it may not be so obvious. A person with unrealistic expectations who expects perfect vision from LASIK is a good example.

Your job as an eye doctor is to provide people with the information they need to determine whether they’re good candidates for LASIK.

Comprehensive Preoperative Evaluations

Eye doctors must conduct thorough assessments to determine LASIK candidacy. Patients must be in good health and have realistic expectations before being approved for LASIK.

Educating Patients on Risks and Alternatives

Practitioners are responsible for informing patients about potential LASIK risks and alternative treatments. Certain procedures could work better for them than LASIK.

Enhancing Patient Communication with Weave’s Solutions

Weave can help your ophthalmology practice provide excellent patient experiences. Let our tools elevate your operation to the next level.

Streamlined Appointment Scheduling

Weave’s online scheduling tools facilitate efficient appointment booking for LASIK candidates and provide evaluation reminders.

Effective Patient Communication

Weave’s communication platforms enable timely appointment follow-ups and address patient inquiries efficiently.

Digital Documentation

Weave’s digital forms maintain accurate health records and share information with patients.

Prioritizing Patient Safety and Satisfaction During the Laser Eye Surgery Process

“Who should not have LASIK surgery?” is a question your ophthalmology practice will face early and often. Knowing who is not a candidate for LASIK will help you educate potential candidates and ensure patient satisfaction.

You should also consider investing in Weave’s tools to make patient satisfaction an even greater priority in your practice. Book a demo to explore Weave’s comprehensive solutions for enhancing patient communication and practice efficiency.