(HealthDay News) -- Laser eye surgery can often correct vision problems, but it's not right for everyone.
The procedure isn't risk-free, and perfect vision can't be guaranteed.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, you should consider the following factors before deciding to have laser eye surgery:
- Certain complications are unavoidable in a small percentage of patients.
- Be sure to check with your employer/professional society/military service before undergoing any procedure.
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Many medical insurance companies will not pay for refractive surgery.
- You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability.
- You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing.
- You actively participate in contact sports.
- You are not an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18.
Even with all the cautions, laser eye surgery techniques continue to improve. But it's important to have more than one consultation before you proceed.
