Have you ever looked into getting laser vision correction only to be told that you’re not a candidate? Here are the main reasons why you might not be a candidate for laser vision correction:
1. You are either too far-sighted or too near-sighted
2. Your cornea is abnormally shaped
3. Your cornea is abnormally thin
4. You have cataracts or other ocular problems limiting vision
5. You have expectations that cannot be met
6. You are unwilling to accept the risks of surgery
During an evaluation for laser vision correction, your degree of near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism will be determined. You might be a candidate for Lasik if you fall within the range of minus 10 to over four diopters with or without astigmatism. If you are outside of this range, then you are more likely a candidate for a different refractive procedure such as a phakic lens implant or a refractive lensectomy.
Your corneal shape and thickness then have to be measured. If your cornea is too thin, reshaping your cornea can potentially weaken it. This can cause the cornea to progressively warp causing poor vision, even with glasses or soft contact lenses.
Some corneas have an abnormal shape caused by a thinning disorder of the cornea called “Keratoconus.” Keratoconus can also lead to a progressive bowing of the cornea causing poor vision even with glasses or soft contact lenses. If you have Keratoconus you are not a candidate for laser vision correction. Some people have good vision with glasses or contact lenses but have a corneal shape that is suggestive of Keratoconus. This is called “forme fruste” Keratoconus, and is considered an early form of Keratoconus. Lasik might weaken these eyes enough to cause a progressive loss of vision.
What are your options if you have an abnormal cornea? Beyond glasses, one may be treated with rigid gas permeable contact lenses which would give clearer vision than soft contact lenses. New types of contact lenses such as the Synergeyes® lens combines the comfort of a soft lens with the sharp vision of a hard lens. Intacs® are clear plastic rings that are inserted into the cornea to improve its shape. Intacs® can improve both the corrected and uncorrected visual acuity. There is also a promising new treatment being studied which strengthens the cornea by cross-linking collagen using ultraviolet light and riboflavin. Cornea transplantation is a good option for cases in which less invasive measures are inadequate. A complete examination with an experienced surgeon is necessary to help you know what your options are. The good news is that there are more options available now than ever before!
For more information please call 661-259-3937.