Laser Eye Surgery Candidates

Laser Eye Surgery Candidates

The aim of the initial eye exam is to find out whether or not You are a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery, but You should know certain criteria before the first appointment. In case You have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask the specialists at KSA Vision Clinic for an explanation.

You are a suitable candidate for laser procedure at KSA Vision Clinic when You meet the following requirements:

  • At the age of 18–45 years – the best age for a laser procedure is between 20 and 40 years of age
  • A stable refractive error – i.e. a change of less than 0.5 dioptres in the previous year
  • Glasses between -1 and -9 dioptres – KSA Vision Clinic is specialized in treating short-sightedness
  • Generally healthy eyes
  • Good overall health
  • Positive attitude
 

Certain conditions may question your suitability, involve additional risks or cause complications. These conditions may impair the healing process and require additional treatment. KSA Vision Clinic provides a thorough initial examination to find out whether or not you are a suitable candidate for laser surgery.

You are not a suitable candidate for laser procedure in the following cases:

  • You have had to change the prescription of your contact lenses or glasses by more than 0.5 dioptres during the past year
  • You are suffering from a disease or taking medications that may affect the healing of wounds. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency conditions (HIV infection) and diabetes and some medications (such as retinoic acid and steroids) may hinder proper recovery after refractive surgery
 

With certain patients refractive instability is more likely to occur. Thus laser procedure is probably not suitable for them. This group includes patients

  • who are in their early twenties or younger
  • whose hormonal level is unstable due to illnesses, such as diabetes
  • who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • who take medications that cause visual disturbance

Precautions

The safety and efficiency of refractive surgery on patients with certain illnesses have not been proved. Be sure to let Dr. Haavel know if you take medications or are suffering or have suffered from any of the following diseases:

  • herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles) in the eye area
  • glaucoma, suspicion of glaucoma or increased eye pressure
  • eye conditions such as uveitis or iritis (eye inflammations)
  • eye traumas or previous eye surgeries
  • keratoconus

Other risk factors

In case of the conditions described below or circumstances increasing the risk of complications, you will need an additional medical examination prior to your laser eye surgery.

Blefaritis. Inflammation of the eyelids, accompanied by scales on the eyelid that may increase the risk of corneal infection of inflammation after the refractive surgery.

Large pupils. Young patients and patients who take certain medications run a high risk of large pupils in dim light. After the surgery, this may cause symptoms such as glowing, halos, starbursts and shadows behind objects (double vision). For example, the patient may not be able to drive a car at night or under certain weather conditions, such as fog. The size of Your pupils is measured by an optometrist at KSA during the initial examination.

Thin cornea. The cornea is the thin transparent cover of the eye above the colored part of the eye, i.e. iris. Refractive surgery on a cornea that is too thin may cause loss of vision. The thickness of the cornea is also measured by the optometrist during the examination.

Previous refractive surgery. Performing additional refractive procedures may not be recommended. The decision in favor of an additional refractive surgical procedure has to be made together with Dr. Haavel after careful consideration of the relevant circumstances.

In order to find out if you're a suitable candidate for Flow 2.0 come to the examination!