Tower Clock Eye Center prides itself on successful LASIK and PRK outcomes, and it’s why we’ve been chosen as the “Best of the Bay” for LASIK for several consecutive years.
In addition to the latest technology and procedures, Dr. Matthew Thompson, MD, and his staff adhere to strict guidelines as to which patients make good candidates for Premium LASIK or PRK.
Laser eye surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures around. Having it performed by a fellowship- trained surgeon like Dr. Thompson results in better outcomes and fewer complications.
1) This might sound obvious, but LASIK/PRK candidates must have healthy eyes. Those who have existing eye conditions such as severe dry eye, conjunctivitis or previous eye injury may have issues during surgery or in the healing process. Cataracts or glaucoma will also complicate surgery and patients with these conditions often do not make good LASIK/PRK candidates.
Dry eye is the most common issue patients have before surgery. Symptoms include eye stinging or burning, the feeling of grit in your eye, blurred vision, and intolerance to wind. Our staff will determine if a patient has clinical dry eye during his or her preoperative work up. If diagnosed, there are several treatments including artificial tears, punctal plugs and medicated eye drops that would allow for surgery once the eye is healthy.
2) Stable vision is vital for a successful LASIK or PRK outcome. Young adults and teenagers often experience fluctuations in their prescriptions. A prescription must be stable for 12 months before considering this type of refractive surgery. As people age into their 20s, their prescriptions settle in and then they can undergo surgery.
3) Tower Clock Eye Center requires patients to be at least 23 years of age to have LASIK or PRK performed. Many factors are considered to set this limit and it is set to assure the best possible outcome. There is no maximum age for surgery, though a patient in his or her 40s will likely still require reading glasses after the procedure.
4) LASIK and PRK improve vision by reshaping the cornea, or front surface of the eye. Ideal candidates will have certain corneal thickness for a successful surgery. Tower Clock Eye Center’s LASIK surgeon uses a femtosecond laser which allows surgery on the widest variety of corneal thicknesses. Other groups use lesser technology, such as a microkeratome, that rejects more candidates and does not have as good of results as the femtosecond laser.
5) Good candidates for LASIK/PRK must have eye prescriptions within certain limits. Those with very high prescriptions due to astigmatism, or near or farsightedness may not make ideal candidates. People with these conditions face more risks and less predictable results so these patients are not good candidates.
If refractive error is severe enough, patients could choose other vision correction surgeries such as refractive lens exchange or phakic intraocular implantable lenses.
6) People with large pupil size generally do not make good candidates for laser eye surgery either; they have a higher risk of negative side effects such as glare, halos, and starbursts in low light conditions.
7) Other than eye health, the ideal candidate must be in overall good health as well. Rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, AIDS and other diseases restrict candidacy for LASIK/PRK. Other diseases and conditions that could affect the surgical outcome will be screened for during the preoperative consultation.
Essentially, if a patient’s body has issues with healing there will be an increased risk of issues and surgery will not be recommended. Certain medications also can interfere with healing. The Tower Clock Eye Center team will carefully screen for conditions and medications prior to surgery to assure a safe, successful procedure.
8) Women who are pregnant are advised not to have surgery during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can change the shape of your cornea. These changes are temporary but will affect the formulas required for successful surgery. Women should wait three months or more after giving birth before having LASIK or PRK.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women also experience dry eye frequently. The post-operative medications could also put the fetus at risk.
Tower Clock Eye Center has a long history of superior LASIK/PRK outcomes. We screen candidates thoroughly and only perform surgery on those who meet strict criteria. Experienced LASIK surgeons maintain these same criteria or will advise patients of alternative surgeries.
It is important to provide honest answers during your preoperative visit.
People should be aware of lesser technology, old procedures or the complications that could arrive when shopping for LASIK based on price.
If you’re considering LASIK or PRK, call 920 499-3102 to schedule your FREE consultation to see if you are a candidate for Premium LASIK or PRK.
Tagged with: Best of the Bay, Dr. Matthew Thompson, LASIK, Premium LASIK
Posted in: Blog, New Announcements
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Green Bay Office
1087 West Mason StShawano Office
229 East Green Bay StreetTower Clock Surgery Center
1077 West Mason StreetAppleton Office
3142 N. Richmond St.
