Am I a Candidate?
Laser Vision Correction is a modern procedure that has helped restore vision for millions of people since it became approved by the F.D.A. in the mid 1990's. If you wear glasses or contact lenses and are interested in decreasing your dependence on corrective lenses, here are some general guidelines to take into consideration. A good candidate is:
- Nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism.
- Between the ages of 18-60 (If you're over the age 60, you may be a candidate if you're free from cataracts. If you have cataracts, cataract surgery may be an option for you. Cataract surgery is also a refractive procedure, and it's usually covered by insurance).
- Have stable vision for about 3 years.
- Have no eye problems-no recurring inflammation that causes itching. (If you have eye problems, you may still be a candidate once your doctor assists you in clearing up the problem).
- Have no health issues that may affect your eyes (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis or Diabetes that's currently affecting your eyes.)
If you feel as though you meet the general guidelines to be a candidate for laser vision correction you should schedule a complimentary evaluation to determine if you are truly a strong candidate for a LASIK procedure. Everyone's eyes are different. The only way to determine your candidacy 100% is to have an evaluation with a board certified ophthalmologist. The pre-operative evaluation will involve a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. After a thorough evaluation of your cornea, the doctors will be able to determine if you are a candidate. Below is a list of some items that are typically involved with the evaluation process:
- The measurement of corneal thickness, including corneal topography
- Complete review of overall eye health
- The measurement of your prescription or refractive errors
- Custom LASIK measurement for higher order aberrations.
- Dry eye test
- Complete dilated view of the back of the eye or the retina
- Glasses or contact lens history review
- Measurement of pupil size
If for some reason you are not eligible for LASIK, your ophthalmologists at The Harman Eye Clinic will be able to recommend other procedures that can help you improve your eye sight. There are many suitable alternatives out there for patients of all the needs.
Schedule Your Appoinment
Your Eye Appointment
What to bring with you!
Make the most of your appointment time. Your Doctor will want to review your medical history as well as address your eye care concerns. You will get more out of your appointment if you stop now and prepare.
1. Bring any eyeglasses or contact lenses you currently wear.
2. Bring a list of all current medications.
3. Bring a list of serious illnesses or surgeries in your past.
4. Bring a list of your current illnesses or report on your wellness program.
5. Bring your insurance card and referral from your primary Doctor if your insurance requires a referral. Or, if you are paying cash, bring your credit card or checkbook. Payment will be expected at the time of your appointment and on the day of surgery. You may wish to take advantage of CareCredit or ChaseHealthAdvance, and can apply on-line before your appointment.
See Better After a Cataract Surgery
Cataract patients now have an option to see at both near and far distances after cataract surgery! Individuals suffering from cataracts previously had only a mono-focal lens implant option after surgery. NEW multi-focal IOL technology can now decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. 
What Our Patient Says
“My experience at the Harman Eye Clinic resulted in excellent vision. I was not able to see the alarm clock at night and now after LASIK I can see everything. My vision is 2020 and my lifestyle has drastically improved. I have a much more active life and I never have to worry about taking my contacts in and out” 
Washington Eye Doctors | Second Opinions
If you would like to get a second opinion regarding your eye surgery options it is always better to know before surgery then to make a wrong decision. Because our practice is regarded as one of the regions TOP ophthalmology practices we take second opinions very seriously. 
