Is LASIK Eye Surgery Right for You?

Feb. 25, 2010— -- The promises of LASIK eye surgery are tempting to many, but it's not for everyone. The most important step is to consult your ophthalmologist if you're considering the procedure, but the Food and Drug Administration also has guidelines to help you determine whether you are a good candidate.

CLICK HERE for much more on LASIK surgery and eye health from the ABC News OnCall+ Eye Health Center.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is laser reshaping of the cornea to improve vision.

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Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Have you considered whether the risks, costs and your current health make you a good candidate for LASIK?

Dr. Jay Pepose, the medical director of the Pepose Vision Institute says good candidates for laser vision correction are those whose vision isn't changing over time, those who aren't taking any medications that would influence healing after the procedure, and those with reasonable expectations about the outcome.

He says that laser eye surgery isn't appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

"Whether or not you're a good candidate for laser vision correction can only be decided in consultation with your ophthalmologist, who must take into account many factors," Pepose says. "This includes the shape of your cornea, the amount of tissue that will need to be removed for your specific prescription, how thick your cornea may be, along with the dry eye status and the anatomy of your eye."

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CLICK HERE for a list of factors that may affect your decision from the FDA.