Dr. William Boothe

Lasik Eye Surgery: Indications and Contraindications
 

Indications for LASIK vision correction procedure:

 

Indications for surgery include:

 

  • Stabilized nearsightedness (myopia), combined with any degree of astigmatism or without
  • Stabilized farsightedness (hyperopia), combined with any degree of astigmatism or without
  • Stabilized mixed astigmatism
  • Laser eye surgery is recommended in certain where eyeglasses or contact lenses are not desirable (police, soldiers, athletes, pilots, etc.) Laser vision correction surgery is allowed for NASA astronauts and U.S. Navy pilots.

 

If you are not sure whether you are suitable for surgery, you can find out during a free consultation from Dr. William Boothe and his counselors at Boothe Eye Care & Laser Center.

 

Limitations for laser vision correction:

 

The main contraindications for laser vision correction procedure are:

 

  • Under 18 years (age limit due to the necessity of forming a complete eyeball, in some cases, the age limit can be changed)
  • Over 40-45 years (age-related changes that occur in this age group are known as presbyopia, and cannot treated with laser correction)
  • The progression of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism in the last year. In other words, deteriorating vision for the last year. The importance of this condition is associated with the inability to predict long-term results of operations that can be predictable only with stabilizing shortsightedness
  • Serious eye disease, which can be a further cause of persistent reducing of eyesight after the adjustment
  • Keratoconus
  • Thin corneas and other individual structural features of the eyes

 

In the case of a thin cornea or deep-set eyes, it is impossible to carry out certain techniques of laser vision correction procedure. In this case, Dr. Boothe will discuss with you possible options of correction eyesight

 

  • Infectious diseases of the eye, arising in the days before the correction (ex. conjunctivitis)
  • Pregnancy (due to increased hormonal background in pregnant women)
  • Severe somatic (general disease) - diabetes, collagen disease, etc.

 

In any case, the question of suitability for laser correction is solved by Dr. Boothe after thorough eye examination and consultation. For medium and high myopia (more than -6 diopters) the issue of unsuitability for surgery can occur even on the day of the operation itself (due to the inappropriate size of the patient's eye). In this case, Dr. Boothe can apply other methods of laser eye correction.

 

Risks after Lasik

 

The majority of patients reported that serious complications after Lasik eye surgery are extremely rare.

 

Lasik is a safe, effective, and gives permanent results. But like any other surgery, it has some risks.

 

The probability of complications, reducing the vision after Lasik eye procedure is documented at less than one percent, which is one of the lowest levels in medicine. After laser eye correction you may experience some visual side-effects, which usually resolves themselves within a few days. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated due to modern diagnostic technologies, careful patient selection, and careful compliance with all postoperative instructions of the physician.