As with standard LASIK eye surgery, Wavefront LASIK is an excellent option for any patient who wants to decrease or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While standard LASIK is equipped to address aberrations within certain ranges, Wavefront LASIK -- due to the precise diagnostic capabilities of a Wavefront exam -- can be effective in curing eyesight deficiencies beyond those treatable with standard LASIK.

Patient selection is important in order to achieve the benefits of Wavefront LASIK, however. The surgery is not appropriate for patients who have refractive instability. This includes patients who:

• Required a change in their contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year.  
• Are in their early 20s or younger
• Have fluctuating hormones due to diseases such as diabetes
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision
• Are more likely to have refractive instability

Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18.

In addition, the safety and effectiveness of refractive procedures has not been determined in patients with some diseases. Patients should discuss with their doctor if they have a history of any of the following:

• Herpes simplex or Herpes zoster (shingles) involving the eye area.
• Glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension.
• Eye diseases, such as uveitis/iritis (inflammations of the eye)
• Eye injuries or previous eye surgeries.
• Keratoconus
• Blepharitis -- Inflammation of the eyelids with crusting of the eyelashes, that may increase the risk of infection or inflammation of the cornea after LASIK.