People with milder cases of myopia in the USA can be treated with Intacs, or Intercorneal ring segments. These are extremely slight plastic layers that are inserted into the margin of the cornea to centrally flatten it. They cannot be felt by the patient, and can be removed from the eye. In addition, the effects of Inacts can be undone. Inacts can only be used in myopic cases that are no more than -3 diopters.
Your eyes must be well examined to determine if you are fit for refractive surgery, and before you make a decision regarding eye surgery, you must consider the following factors:
– Can I accept the risk of complications that may arise from surgery?
While complications are rare, the risk is real, and complications may have a detrimental effect on your vision.
– Is my line of work agreeable with eye surgery?
Ensure that your employer or professional society allows you to undergo refractive surgery.
– Do I have vision that is stable enough for this procedure?
If your eye lens prescription changes progressively and negatively, eye surgery may not be a good idea for you.
– Am I a fit patient for surgery?
Some health conditions like autoimmune diseases have negative effects on healing process after surgery.
– How does my lifestyle affect the viability of my candidature for surgery?
Once LASIK has been done, there is a permanent danger of the displacement of the LASIK flap. Engagement in sporting activities that introduce the chance of trauma to the eye may make it more sensible to consider alternative refractive procedures.
– How does my age affect my candidature for LASIK?
While there are no set parameters for the age during which LASIK can be performed, people younger than 18 are often too unstable for LASIK and older individuals have eye complications e.g. Cataracts that prevent them from being viable candidates as well. An eye examination can determine whether a patient is fit for eye surgery or not.
– Is my cornea healthy?
Keratoconus results from weakening of the cornea, and it often seen as irregular shape or curvature of the cornea. People that have keratoconus cannot safely undergo LASIK.