Are you thinking about getting LASIK? Did you know that you need to meet all the LASIK requirements to get it?
Getting LASIK is a big deal, but first, you need to determine if you’re a good candidate for it. LASIK has an intense candidacy process, which is one reason why it is so successful.
One of the first things your eye doctor will do is measure the thickness of your cornea. LASIK changes the shape of your cornea using a laser, so it needs to be thick enough to tolerate that.
The thickness of your cornea is one of the most critical LASIK candidacy factors. Keep reading to see why you can’t have thin corneas if you’re considering LASIK.
When Do Find Out How Thick Your Corneas Are?
Unfortunately, you can’t measure the thickness of your corneas on your own. The only way to determine if your corneas are thick enough for LASIK is to have a LASIK consultation.
During your consultation, your eye doctor will measure the thickness of your corneas. On top of corneal thickness, there are various other requirements you must meet as well.
Why is Corneal Thickness Important for LASIK?
The thickness of your corneas is one of the essential LASIK requirements. That’s because it corrects your vision by removing small bits of tissue from your corneas.
Your corneas need to be thick enough to have the tissue removed from them. If your corneas are too thin, removing even a tiny amount of tissue can endanger your eyesight.
Are There LASIK Alternatives?
If your corneas are too thin for LASIK, there are other ways to correct your vision. The Visian ICL, PRK, and refractive lens exchange or RLE are all excellent options.
Visian ICL
The Visial ICL is an implantable collamer lens (ICL). If you have poor vision and don’t qualify for LASIK, the Visian ICL might be a good option.
It gets placed in front of your eye’s natural lens. Your natural lens remains in your eyes, so they can still focus naturally.
The ICL sits between your cornea and natural lens and focuses the light that your cornea can’t. It is a permanent lens, but you can have it removed later if you undergo a different eye procedure.
PRK
PRK is another type of laser vision correction like LASIK. It also uses a laser to reshape your cornea.
However, the laser does not go as deep into your cornea as LASIK. PRK is a safe LASIK alternative if your corneas are too thin for LASIK.
It is also a great option if you have already had LASIK but need more correction. Getting LASIK more than once is not recommended, but PRK can be an excellent secondary treatment.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is similar to cataract surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon replaces your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens or IOL.
It is the same process as cataract surgery, except you get RLE before you have cataracts. Replacing your natural lens with an IOL focuses light on your retina when your cornea and natural lens can’t.
RLE results, like LASIK and other vision correction procedures, can end your need for glasses. It also lets you avoid cataract surgery because IOLs cannot grow cataracts.
Do you want to discuss LASIK with an eye doctor? Schedule a consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, and get ready for visual freedom!
