When is the Best Time to Have Laser Eye Surgery?

From choosing the right clinic and surgeon to taking time away from work, there are many factors to consider when planning to undergo an elective procedure like Laser Eye Surgery. But is there a time of the year that is considered the “best time to have Laser Eye Surgery”?

The 18th-century English theologian John Trusler once said, there’s ‘no time like the present, a thousand unforeseen circumstances may interrupt you at a future time.’

Many of us are now familiar with this proverb, and it feels just as relevant today as it was when it was first penned in 1790. And yet, most of us will often find ourselves dithering and putting off tasks and opportunities for days, months, or even years. Most of life is spent weighing up options, getting lost down countless tangents, and waiting for a “more suitable” time.

Of course, whether that time ever comes is another matter…

The sentiment of living in the moment is one that many of us strive to get behind. But ending the habit of overthinking is easier said than done. To do so, some of us may turn to mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation. Great teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Jack Kornfield tell us to live in the moment —the here and now; to forget the regrets of the past and worries of the future, and to start living each day like it’s our last.

Making the Most of Clear Vision

So, what does all this have to do with Laser Eye Surgery? Well, surely, the more time you have to enjoy life with clear vision, the better. In that case, when thinking about the best time to have Laser Eye Surgery, perhaps now is always the best time.

Of course, in reality, several things could get in the way. Whether it’s a big project at work, an upcoming trip, or having a new car to pay off, life always seems to find a way to make things more complicated. Then there are things that might make you temporarily unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

The Bad Times to have Laser Eye Surgery

While pregnant or breastfeeding

Hormones are important natural chemicals that play a vital role in many biological functions. However, high or low levels of certain hormones can affect the stability of vision. This is often the case when a person is pregnant or breastfeeding.

During this time, elevated hormone levels can significantly affect your prescription. Many people experience a reduction in their visual acuity during this time, often in the form of myopia (short-sightedness); however, this can also be a shift to hyperopia (long-sightedness).

As patients are required to have had a stable prescription for at least 12 months before being considered a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery, you will likely be unsuitable for the procedure at this time. However, this is only a temporary barrier to clear vision!

When your eyes are still changing

When we reach the age of 18, we are considered adults for most intents and purposes. In the UK, hitting this milestone opens up a huge number of opportunities for us; however, there may still be some limitations – including when it comes to having Laser Eye Surgery.

Our bodies often continue to develop and change past the age of 18 and into our twenties – and our eyes continue to change along with them. This can mean fluctuations in your prescription which could make you temporarily unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

Of course, our hormones do balance themselves out eventually, so if you’re 18 or older and your prescription has been stable for over a year, you should have no problem being approved for treatment. This will be confirmed following a thorough screening process at our Harley Street clinic.

If you have an underlying health condition

Several health conditions can make you temporarily or permanently unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery. This includes underlying conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, keratoconus, or dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is becoming increasingly common – often as a result of our reliance on digital devices. Unfortunately, as Laser Eye Surgery is often associated with post-operative dry eye, people with the condition may be deemed unsuitable for treatment. However,

Your general and eye health will be assessed during your initial consultation, following which our doctors will be able to give you a better idea of your suitability for treatment. This will include evaluating the presence and severity of dry eye symptoms and any other conditions that could affect your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery.

Taking the Plunge

Deciding to have Laser Eye Surgery can seem like a daunting and time-consuming process. After all, as we have said, there are a lot of factors to consider. While you may have previously dismissed Laser Eye Surgery due to the cost or fear of the procedure, some thoughtful research can help to dispel these concerns. The chances are, you’ll find it is a lot less costly and intimidating than you once thought.

So, if you’re at the end of your tether with the many inconveniences of your glasses or contact lenses, you might finally be ready to take the plunge. The good news is if you’re a suitable candidate for treatment – and the vast majority are – all you really need to do is work out the best time for you.

When exactly that is is completely up to you. Of course, the sooner you go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery, the sooner you could be enjoying the benefits of clear, unobstructed vision! Nonetheless, no surgical procedure – even one as safe and straightforward as Laser Eye Surgery – should be rushed into.

It is important to feel confident in your chosen clinic and surgeon. This can mean doing some thorough research, checking independent reviews, and attending several consultations at high-quality clinics. When you feel happy with your chosen clinic, the only thing left to do is to pick a time that works best for you.

Whether you opt to have Laser Eye Surgery in the summer, spring, winter, or fall, surprisingly speedy recovery times could mean you’ll be enjoying the full benefits of your new vision in just a matter of weeks.

If you’d like to learn more about Laser Eye Surgery suitability or the treatments on offer at London Vision Clinic, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.