Who Is A Good Candidate For Refractive Surgery? Here Are Some Factors To Consider

What Is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a category of eye procedures designed to correct common vision problems by reshaping or adjusting parts of the eye, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses. It targets issues like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision from an irregularly shaped cornea), and presbyopia (age-related trouble with near vision).

Examples of refractive surgery treatments include:

1. Laser Eye Surgery: Depending on the laser eye treatment deemed suitable, a thin layer is gently lifted away from the surface of the eye so the laser can access the layer below and correct the prescription with pinpoint accuracy.
2. RLE Surgery: In RLE, the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve vision. This allows for clear vision at multiple distances, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. RLE also eliminates the need for cataract surgery in later life.
3. ICL Surgery: This involves implanting a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors. It is often considered for individuals with a higher than average prescription, or eye surface characteristics (like thinner corneas) that makes them ineligible for laser eye correction.

Factors To Consider In Determining Suitability For Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery has transformed the lives of millions by offering a way to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for these procedures. Determining suitability for refractive treatment involves multiple factors.

Here are some key considerations to determine if you are a good fit for refractive surgery:

1. Age: Most refractive surgeries require candidates to be at least 18 years old. This is because younger individuals often experience changes in their vision as their eyes continue to develop. When it comes to laser eye surgery, patients must be at least 18 years of age to be classed as eligible. For ICL treatment, it is recommended that patients be between the ages of 21 and 40. After the age of 40, patients often develop the need for reading glasses, and in that case may be more suitable for RLE treatment.
2. Stable Prescription: One of the most critical factors in determining suitability for refractive surgery is the stability of your glasses or contact lens prescription. If your prescription has remained unchanged for at least one year, you may be eligible. Frequent changes mean that your eyes are still adjusting, which could undermine the surgery’s long-term success. Patients younger than 21 often have eyes which are still developing and changing, and a stable prescription is needed to ensure that the right lens is being implanted.
3. Corneal Thickness: Since procedures like LASIK involve reshaping the cornea, having sufficient corneal thickness is essential. Individuals with thin or irregular corneas may not be good candidates for LASIK but could still qualify for alternative procedures like ICL surgery.
4. Existence of Eye Conditions: The effectiveness of refractive surgery can be impacted by the presence of eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, and keratoconus.
5. Overall Health: Certain conditions can affect healing and surgical outcomes. Autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), diabetes, and uncontrolled hypertension may pose risks. Additionally, individuals who take medications that impair healing, such as steroids, should consult with their doctor before considering surgery.
6. Lifestyle and Occupation: Are you an athlete, a pilot, or someone whose job demands pristine night vision? Your daily life matters. People with active lifestyles might lean toward procedures like LASEK, which comes with a slower recovery time but without having to deal with the corneal flap (as is the case with LASIK). Meanwhile, some professions (like the military) have strict vision standards that could influence the decision to undergo refractive surgery.
7. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause temporary changes in vision due to hormonal fluctuations. To ensure the best possible outcome, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until their hormone levels stabilise before considering surgery.
8. Long-Term Expectations: Refractive surgery significantly improves vision but may not guarantee perfect eyesight. Some individuals may still need glasses for specific tasks, such as reading or night driving. Understanding the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of the procedure is crucial before making a decision.

Refractive surgery can be life-changing for many individuals, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A thorough evaluation by an eye care professional is essential to determine if you are a good candidate.

Refractive Surgery At Optimax

Since 1991, Optimax has been at the forefront of providing exceptional eye care services across the nation. With clinics equipped with cutting-edge technology, a team of passionate professionals, and a commitment to personalised care, we stand out as a leader in the field of refractive surgery. 

At Optimax, we embrace innovation and invest in state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to offer the most effective eye treatments. Our track record speaks for itself, and we are the ones you should trust when it comes to achieving optimal eye health and visual satisfaction.

How do you determine if you are a good fit for refractive surgery? When you visit an Optimax clinic, we will subject you to a suitability assessment test. This assessment offers a comprehensive evaluation of whether you are a suitable candidate for vision correction procedures. Our team of highly trained professionals will guide you through each stage of the consultation, explaining the options available for correcting any vision impairments.

Our optometrists and eye surgeons will recommend the best treatment option for you. They will consider your lifestyle and prescription to recommend which of our procedures will be best suited for you.

If you have any enquiries about refractive surgery at Optimax, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to discuss queries with you over the phone (0800 093 1110) or email (enquiry@optimax.co.uk).