Your glasses measurements
The lasik procedure can correct shortsightedness up to -8.00 diopters and astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters. If you do not know your glasses or contact lens measurements you can usually get this information from your optometrist. There may be other surgical options like lens replacement surgery if you are outside this range. Although lasik can correct farsightedness (+ measurements) Dr Mesham is currently not doing lasik on farsighted corrections and prefers lens replacement surgery, in patients over the age of 50.
Your age
It is important that your eye measurements are not changing. Dr Mesham prefers patients to wait till the age of 24 and glasses measurements should have been stable for at least one year. One may consider laser at a younger age if you have a small correction that has been stable for several years.
People over the age of 45 years are suitable for lasik but they will need reading glasses after surgery. People over the age of 60 are less suitable as their chances of developing cataract in the next 10 years are high and they may do better with lens replacement surgery.
Contact lenses
People wearing soft contact lenses need to have the lenses out for 3 days prior to the final assessment. People wearing hard or gas permeable lenses need to have the lenses out for at least one month prior to the final assessment. Glasses or temporary soft contact lenses can be used during this time.
Other factors
Women should not be pregnant. There should be no other disorders of the eye, particularly no disorders of the cornea such as keratoconus.
Send us your measurements
If you know your glasses or contact lens measurements click here to send us your measurements and we will let you know if you are suitable.