Traditional Lasik surgery uses a small blade, called a microkeratome, to cut a small flap on your cornea so the laser can be used to reshape your eye. Unfortunately, not everyone is a suitable candidate for traditional Lasik with the blade. The good news is that Intra Lasik may be an option, as this uses bladeless technology that can be more suitable for some people. 

1. Vision Stability

Those that are still undergoing active vision changes shouldn't get traditional Lasik or Intra Lasik performed until their vision has stabilized. For this reason, those under 18 or people who are pregnant should postpone the procedure as vision changes are more common among these populations. If your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has been stable for a year or more, then you may be a good candidate.

2. Surgical History

It's not uncommon to have a Lasik procedure performed more than once, as vision changes when you age may make it necessary to have the surgery a second time. Although past Lasik surgery isn't usually a problem with a traditional procedure done with the microkeratome, Intra Lasik should only be performed on those that have not had a previous bladed Lasik procedure. 

3. Cornea Thickness

Intra Lasik was specifically developed for those with thin corneas that would otherwise be unable to have a bladed Lasik procedure. The bladeless technology gives your surgeon more control over the shape and thickness of the flap. If you have a thicker cornea, traditional bladed Lasik is the better option as it can better cut through the thicker tissue to create the necessary flap for the reshaping procedure.

4.  Eye Health

Lasik and Intra Lasik are only able to correct vision problems that can be addressed with the reshaping of your cornea. Certain eye diseases and conditions can mean Intra Lasik isn't a good option. While Intra Lasik is excellent for those with naturally thin corneas, it isn't an option if you have keratoconus, which is a condition that leads to the progressive thinning of the cornea. Corneal ulcers, macular degenerative diseases, and glaucoma are other conditions that can be contra-indicative for Intra Lasik.

5. Overall Health

Your overall health must also be assessed before the procedure can be scheduled. The main concern is autoimmune conditions that may affect your body's ability to heal, like diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Having such as condition doesn't automatically disqualify you as an Intra Lasik candidate, but your surgeon will need to work with the rest of your medical team to determine the chances of the procedure's success before they will perform it.

Talk to your optometrist or doctor to learn more about Lasik and Intra Lasik procedures.