At Tersigni Vision, we understand the importance of clear vision and its role in enhancing your everyday life. While LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) has transformed the lives of many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, don’t lose hope. Our team is dedicated to exploring alternative treatments that can address your unique visual perception needs and help you achieve the clarity you deserve.

What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK? Can You Still Help

For individuals with thin corneas, irregularly shaped corneas, corneal scarring, high prescriptions, or other unique eye conditions, LASIK might not be the best option. However, Dr. Tersigni and our team offer the widest variety of effective LASIK alternatives in Portland. Because of this full spectrum of LASIK alternatives, we can cater to the widest range of refractive errors and specific eye health concerns. Discovering that you’re not a candidate for LASIK surgery can be disheartening, but at Tersigni Vision, it’s far from the end of the road in your journey towards clearer vision.

One such alternative is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), a type of refractive surgery that, much like LASIK, uses a laser to reshape the cornea but differs in its approach by removing the front epithelial tissue layer. This procedure is just as effective in correcting refractive errors, including near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. PRK might involve a slightly longer recovery period than LASIK, with a temporary bandage contact lens applied to protect the cornea as it heals. However, the end result is comparable to LASIK.

For those with high degrees of refractive errors that corneal-based surgeries cannot correct, thin or irregular corneas, or those struggle with severe dry eye, Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) offer a promising solution. This procedure involves the surgical implantation of a lens inside the eye, either in front of or behind the iris, without removing the natural lens. This method preserves the eye’s pre-existing ability to focus while correcting vision.

Another innovative procedure is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also called Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. Similar to cataract surgery, RLE can significantly improve vision for individuals with severe hyperopia or those for whom LASIK is not recommended, and also is a solution that can restore reading vision in those that have become dependent on reading glasses. RLE offers patients more choices for correcting their vision including multifocal or accommodative IOLs that enable focus at various distances.

At Tersigni Vision, we’re committed to finding the right solution for your vision needs. If LASIK isn’t suitable for you, rest assured that Dr. Tersigni has a range of alternatives to explore. We encourage you to reach out for a consultation, where a thorough eye exam will reveal the best procedure for your unique situation. Your journey to clearer vision is just a call away.

Who is not a candidate for LASIK?

Some of the key considerations for LASIK candidacy include the necessity for good overall eye health without diseases or infections, stable vision without prescription changes for at least a year, sufficient corneal thickness for the procedure, and the absence of autoimmune diseases that could impede healing. At Tersigni Vision, Dr. Tersigni and his team carefully assess your eye health, vision stability with a comprehensive evaluation, and consider your overall well-being to ensure LASIK is the best option for you.

There are specific circumstances where LASIK may not be the right choice at the current time. For instance, individuals under 18 are not candidates for LASIK as vision can significantly change during adolescent years. Also those pregnant or nursing should not undergo LASIK due to potential hormone-induced vision changes. These factors do not make an individual permanently disqualified from LASIK; they may need to just postpone consideration of LASIK.

Prescription medication that interferes with healing, fluctuating vision prescriptions, and certain health conditions like autoimmune diseases or diabetes also play a critical role in determining LASIK candidacy. Additionally, dry eye syndrome can significantly impact both the procedure’s success and post-operative recovery, necessitating prior treatment to address the dry eye condition.

Beyond these medical and physical considerations, expectations play a crucial role. LASIK offers remarkable improvements in vision, but it’s vital to maintain realistic expectations about the outcomes, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable and that some may still require glasses for certain activities post-surgery.

For those who find LASIK isn’t an option due to these considerations, Tersigni Vision offers alternative procedures such as PRK, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange, and SMILE eye surgery. Each of these alternatives caters to different vision correction needs and personal circumstances, ensuring that a path to clearer vision is still within reach. Dr. Tersigni’s commitment to personalized care means that during your consultation, all aspects of your eye health and vision goals are considered to select the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

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What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK? Can You Still Help?

The journey to perfect vision is as unique as you are. At Tersigni Vision, we pride ourselves on offering a broader spectrum of laser vision correction procedures than any other practice in Portland. Dr. Tersigni’s expertise and our commitment to personalized care ensure that every patient finds a path to clearer vision, tailored specifically to their needs. Whether it’s PRK, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange, or SMILE surgery, we’re equipped to guide you through your options and find the best solution for your vision. Don’t let the question of candidacy deter you from exploring the possibilities. Reach out to Tersigni Vision today to schedule your consultation, and embark on a journey towards achieving the clear vision you deserve with the most comprehensive options available in Portland.

More FAQ’s About What if I’m not a Candidate for LASIK

Why might I not be a candidate for LASIK?

At Tersigni Vision, several factors can determine LASIK candidacy, including insufficient corneal thickness, unstable vision prescription, existing eye conditions like keratoconus, active eye infections, or systemic health issues such as autoimmune diseases. Each of these factors can impact the safety and effectiveness of the LASIK procedure.

What are the alternatives if I’m not eligible for LASIK?

If LASIK laser eye surgery isn’t suitable for you, Tersigni Vision offers alternatives like PRK, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange or Custom Lens Replacement, and SMILE eye surgeries. These options cater to a wide range of vision correction needs, ensuring that there’s a path to improved vision tailored to your specific circumstances.

Can having thin corneas disqualify me from LASIK?

Yes, having thin corneas can disqualify you from LASIK at Tersigni Vision because the procedure requires reshaping the cornea with a laser, which necessitates a certain corneal thickness to be safe and effective. Alternative treatments are available for those with thin corneas.

Is age a factor in LASIK candidacy?

Indeed, age is a factor in determining LASIK candidacy. At Tersigni Vision, patients must be at least 18 years old with a stable vision prescription for at least one year. However, there’s no upper age limit for LASIK; candidacy is more about eye health and prescription stability.

Can I have LASIK if I have dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can affect LASIK candidacy. At Tersigni Vision, your refractive surgeon, Dr. Tersigni, evaluates your dry eye condition to determine if it can be effectively managed or treated before undergoing LASIK. In some cases, treating dry eye may allow for LASIK, or alternative procedures may be recommended.

How does pregnancy affect LASIK candidacy?

Pregnancy and nursing can lead to temporary vision changes, making it inadvisable to undergo LASIK during these times. Tersigni Vision recommends waiting until your prescription has stabilized for at least a few months post-nursing before considering LASIK.

Can LASIK correct all types of vision problems?

LASIK at Tersigni Vision is highly effective for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. However, its suitability depends on individual factors like corneal thickness and eye health. For conditions outside LASIK’s corrective range, alternatives are offered.

What medical conditions could make me ineligible for LASIK?

Systemic health conditions, especially autoimmune diseases or conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, can impact LASIK candidacy at Tersigni Vision due to potential healing complications. A comprehensive health assessment helps determine the safest vision correction option for you.

If I’ve had previous eye surgeries, can I still get LASIK?

Previous eye surgeries do not automatically disqualify you from LASIK at Tersigni Vision. However, factors like the type of surgery, healing outcomes, and current eye health will be carefully evaluated to ensure LASIK is a viable and safe option.

How stable does my vision need to be for LASIK?

Stable vision, typically with no significant prescription changes for at least a year, is required for LASIK candidacy at Tersigni Vision. This stability indicates that your eyes are unlikely to undergo significant natural changes soon after the procedure, ensuring lasting results.

source https://www.tersignivision.com/lasik/what-if-im-not-a-candidate-for-lasik-can-you-still-help/