Health Tip: Is LASIK Right for You?

Guidelines for the ideal candidate

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(HealthDay News) -- LASIK surgery is performed on the eyes to improve vision, often reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine, in cooperation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, lists these guidelines for the ideal LASIK candidate:

• Being at least 18 years old. But, in some cases, young children with one very nearsighted eye and one normal eye may benefit from LASIK.
• Women should not be pregnant or nursing.
• Having healthy eyes with vision prescriptions that are relatively stable.
• Candidates should not be taking certain prescription drugs, including Accutane or oral prednisone.
• Being in overall good health, without chronic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes eye infections, or cataracts.
• Being unsatisfied with wearing glasses or contacts.
• Having realistic expectations of the surgery and results.

-- Diana Kohnle