What are the qualities of a good laser eye surgery candidate?

Hi, it’s Dr. Chotiner from Memorial Eye Institute. When I tell people I’m a LASIK surgeon, some of them ask me: “What are the qualities of a good laser eye surgery candidate?”

The best laser eye surgery candidates typically have:

  • Good vision with glasses or contacts
  • A stable prescription for at least one year
  • No health conditions that could affect the surgery or healing process.

Here’s a breakdown of what we typically look for in a good laser eye surgery candidate:

  • Your eyes must be healthy. So you must have no health conditions that could affect the surgery or healing process, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc. nor any severe dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), infection, or any type of eye injury.
  • Your cornea must have a sufficient thickness. The front surface of the eye (your cornea) is reshaped in most refractive operations to improve your vision. Performing laser eye surgery on a thin or misshapen cornea may lead to poor outcomes and damage your eyesight.
  • Your pupils should not be too big. If your pupils are naturally large, you face an increased danger of side effects such as halos, glares, and starbursts in low light, especially while driving at night.
  • Your prescription must be within certain parameters. If your prescription is extremely strong – whether due to short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism – your eye surgeon may advise you against the LASIK procedure.
  • You must be at least 18 years old. Some treatments need you to be 18 or older; others, 21. Patients younger than these ages can usually be treated as exceptions at the discretion of the LASIK surgeon with permission from their parents or guardian.
  • You mustn’t be an expectant mother. The LASIK procedure is not suggested when you’re pregnant or nursing. Hormonal changes can change the curvature of your cornea, resulting in minor visual impairments.

To learn more about laser eye surgery, and whether you’re a good fit, please book online for a free virtual vision assessment on our website today.

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What patients say about us

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.
S.D.H.
Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.
Vey Love
Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!
Q. Bender
I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word......excellent!
Ray Jaffev
Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!
A. Hendrix
I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!
J.B.
Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.
Patricia Scheidler
Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.
A. Lawrence
I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.
Joyce Keefer

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Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz now:

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

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Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

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