Who should not have laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, can be a life-changing procedure, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Knowing if you’re a good candidate is crucial for a successful outcome and your overall eye health. In this blog, we’ll explore who should not have laser eye surgery and why.
Age and Development
Laser eye surgery is generally not recommended for individuals under the age of 18. This is because the eyes are still developing, and vision may continue to change. It’s crucial to have a stable prescription for at least one year before considering surgery.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Pregnant or nursing women should avoid refractive surgery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the stability of your vision. It’s best to wait until your hormones have stabilized and your vision has remained consistent for at least several months post-pregnancy or nursing.
Severe Dry Eyes
If you suffer from severe dry eyes, refractive surgery might not be the best option. The procedure can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, leading to discomfort and longer recovery times. Proper management of dry eye conditions is essential before considering surgery.
Thin or Irregular Corneas
The cornea, the clear front part of your eye, needs to be of a certain thickness for vision correction to be safe and effective. If your corneas are too thin or have an irregular shape, you might not be a good candidate. Conditions like keratoconus, which cause the cornea to thin and bulge, disqualify you from LASIK or PRK.
High Prescriptions
While laser eye surgery can correct a wide range of prescriptions, extremely high prescriptions may be outside the safe range for treatment. Very high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may require alternative treatments, such as lens implants.
Autoimmune Disorders
People with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may not be ideal candidates. These conditions can affect the body’s healing process, increasing the risk of complications and poor outcomes.
Eye Diseases
Certain eye diseases can disqualify you from having refractive surgery. Glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases need to be evaluated and treated before considering laser vision correction. An eye specialist can help determine the best course of action for managing these conditions.
Unstable Vision
If your vision prescription has changed significantly in the past year, you may need to wait before undergoing laser eye surgery. Stability is key to achieving the best results from the procedure.
Underlying Health Issues
Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can affect the healing process and the overall success of vision correction surgery. It’s important to manage any chronic health issues before considering this elective procedure.
Laser eye surgery can be a fantastic option for many people, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding the factors that might disqualify you is the first step in making an informed decision about your vision correction options. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye care professional.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery but are unsure about your suitability, take our self-test. This quick and easy test can provide a preliminary assessment of whether laser eye surgery might be right for you. Remember, a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified eye specialist is essential for making an informed decision.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The best care, the best treatment and the best doctors.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Everything was done with care and the doctor explained everything in detail. My surgery was a success and my sight has significantly improved – I no longer use glasses.”
N.N.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All I can say is WOW! I feel like I have new eyes.
Thank you just doesn’t even began to say how grateful I am. Your hole team is an absolute pleasure to be around. You guys rock”
S.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The service is excellent and the doctors are experts in their fields. I felt relaxed and confident that I was in great hands. Staff are warm, friendly and very helpful.”
F.W.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
P.M.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“BEST decision and results after I had my LASIK done by Doctor Beatty!”
A.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I will definitely recommend Dr Beatty. I am so happy with my LASIK.”
R.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
