LASIK surgery is a popular procedure designed to help people with imperfect vision. However, LASIK is hardly the only vision correction option. Before you opt for any type of procedure, always consider all of the alternatives and which one is right for your needs. A screening and eye assessment from an eye care professional can help determine if you are a good candidate for different types of procedures. After that, other factors such as the costs, recovery time and outcomes of the surgery will play a major role in your decision.

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

While LASIK is one of the most popular surgical procedures performed today, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. In order to qualify for surgery, most experts suggest that you be over the age of 18 and in good health. Additionally, your eyesight should remain stable for at least one year prior to the surgery.

What factors might make you a poor candidate for LASIK? Extremely dry eyes, autoimmune disorders, multiple eye infections, pregnancy and eye scarring are all barriers to the procedure. In some cases, simply waiting for a period of time can give eyes a chance to stabilize, but other problems may permanently bar you from having this form of vision correction.

Alternatives to LASIK

If you're worried that LASIK isn't the right choice for your needs, start considering a few of the possible alternatives. While wearing glasses is always an option, there are also a number of surgical and non-surgical options that do not involve spectacles. One option that is growing in popularity is known as implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery. In this procedure, an artificial lens is implanted in the eye to permanently correct vision. These implants perform the same function as a regular contact lens, but with long lasting results.

If you're wary of surgery, contact lenses can be a highly effective alternative. You can choose from daily wear lenses, which must be removed each night, or extended wear lenses, which can be left in for up to 30 days before removing. Contacts have become increasingly comfortable and convenient in recent years, making them an affordable alternative to an expensive vision correction surgery.

Weighing Your Options

In addition to your basic health-related eligibility for any type of laser vision correction surgery, you also need to consider other factors such as cost, recovery time and outcome. While LASIK ads frequently boast of deep discounts, recent research indicates that consumers should expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 per eye. Other surgical procedures are estimated to be in the same price range, although some newer techniques are more expensive than traditional methods.

Many patients also expect perfect results immediately after surgery. In reality, it can take between one and three months to fully recover. Following surgery, expect a recovery period of at least 24 hours before you can return to work. While you may return to daily activities quickly, your eyes may remain sensitive and in a state of flux for weeks or even months. After the three month mark, your surgeon may even recommend additional surgery to correct any undertreatment or overtreatment that may have occurred.