Here are more questions from the LASIK surgeon before you can be considered a good candidate for this eye correction procedure.

6. Are you pregnant or nursing?​

Pregnant and nursing women undergo hormonal changes which can cause fluctuations in vision. It is advisable that they wait at least six months after pregnancy or breastfeeding, whichever is later, before undergoing LASIK, says Adj Assoc Prof Mohamad Rosman Bin Othman​, Head and ​Senior Consultant​, Refractive Surgery Department, Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), a member of the SingHealth​ group.​​

7.What is the size of your pupils under dim lights?

Having very large pupils can increase your risk of night-time visual disturbances, such as starbursts or halos after LASIK surgery. The decision to operate is made on a case-by-case basis.

8.  What is your current or intended line of wor​k?

Most jobs do not prohibit refractive surgeries or LASIK.

• However, the Singapore Air Force (SAF) does not take in pilots, naval divers, submariners or some commandos who have undergone LASIK
• Other types of refractive surgeries like PRK or EPILASIK are allowed
• It is best that you check with the SAF about their requirements before undergoing surgery, recommends Adj Assoc Prof Rosman.

According to their job ad for cadet pilots, SIA will not reject candidates who have undergone LASIK, but requires that their pre-surgical visual acuity meet the following criteria:

• Myopia of not more than 500 degrees
• Astigmatism of not more than 125 degrees

9.  What are your favourite sports and hobbies?

If you regularly practise contact sports, martial arts or other activities which can put you at high risk of eye injury, you may not be suitable for LASIK surgery.

10.  Do you understand the risks of laser surgery and have realistic expectations?

As with any surgery, there are a number of risks involved.

• For instance, you could develop permanent dry eyes after LASIK.
• • This is especially true if you're of Asian descent
• Also, your vision might not be perfect after the first laser surgery.
• • You might require a second operation to achieve optimal results
  • Your surgeon will need to ascertain that you understand and accept these risks

"Overall, about 10 per cent of people who consult for LASIK are turned away because they're unsuitable candidates", says Adj Assoc Prof Rosman. Should that be the case for you, know that the situation might be temporary and that oftentimes, alternatives can be considered, such as ​PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), implantable contact lenses or EPILASIK (epikeratome laser-assisted keratomileusis).

Ref. L20