How to Qualify for Laser Eye Surgery

How to qualify for laser eye surgery? We are often asked this question by patients who want to know if they are suitable for laser eye surgery.

How to Qualify for Laser Eye Surgery

Suitability for laser eye surgery is determined by a number of factors. The surgeon will consider many factors in order to determine if a patient is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. These factors include the patient’s general health, prescription, eye health, and the shape and thickness of the patient’s cornea. There are various health related issues, and certain eye conditions, that can mean a patient is not suitable for laser eye surgery. Around 20% of patients who want laser eye surgery will not qualify as they are not deemed suitable. There are certain types of patients who are less likely to qualify for laser eye surgery.

People under the age of 18

Laser eye surgery is usually not performed on people under the age of 18. The vision will not have fully stabilised until after the age of 20. Vision related issues such as myopia can continue to develop up until this time. During the development years, the eyes are constantly changing, and the vision will adjust to these changes. Therefore most laser eye surgeons will recommend waiting until at least the age of 20 before having laser eye surgery. A patient who has laser eye surgery when they are too young can experience complications with their vision when they are older, and it can be very detrimental later in life. Generally, patients under the age of 20 will not qualify for laser eye surgery.

People over the age of 40

Patients over the age of 40 may have age related complications that will prevent them from qualifying for laser eye surgery. At the age of 40, age related factors can cause the vision to change again. At the age of 60 and onwards, patients are at higher risk due to cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions cloud the lens of the eye and can damage the optic nerve. Older patients are also at greater risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition with which the retina deteriorates. However many people over the age of 40 have relatively healthy eyes, and are suitable for laser eye surgery. It is still possible for patients over the age of 60 to be good candidates for laser eye surgery, and many have had extremely successful results. Your laser eye surgeon will determine if you qualify for laser eye surgery.

People with particular health issues

There are various eye disorders that can prevent patients from qualifying for laser eye surgery. Patients with autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, may be more prone to complications with laser eye surgery. Patients with diabetes or similar health issues, may or may not be suitable. Patients who are pregnant, breast-feeding or using steroid drugs may not be suitable as these factors can cause the vision to fluctuate temporarily. These patients will not be suitable candidates until the vision has stabilised, therefore will not qualify for laser eye surgery.

People with very high refractive errors

If you have a high, or above average, level of myopia or hyperopia, you may not qualify for laser eye surgery.

If you have one of these conditions, you may still qualify for laser eye surgery. All of these conditions will be examined by your laser eye surgeon, to determine whether you qualify for laser eye surgery.

If you are unsure about the procedure or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by calling now on 01-280 9248.

We also offer a complimentary video or phone consultation with Mr Fenton, our senior laser eye surgeon. During this consultation you can ask him any questions you may have, about suitability, risks, outcomes, or discuss any concerns you may have about laser eye surgery.

Fill in the form on the footer of this page and we will call you back to arrange a convenient time or use our Self-Service Booking System to schedule your complimentary consultation.