Are Athletes Good Candidates for LASIK?
At LVC, we have treated many collegiate and professional athletes. Their reasons for pursuing LASIK are the same as so many others: They are eager to be free of glasses and contact lenses. Contact sports such as football or hockey can be more difficult to play with prescription sports eyewear, and a dirty contact lens can be a big distraction and inconvenience during a game.
While many athletes know they want the benefits of LASIK, they are hesitant to take the first step. They may be unsure of whether they will be eligible, or if they will need to take a break from their sport during recovery. If you are an athlete considering LASIK, keep the following in mind:
Being an athlete does not disqualify you as a LASIK candidate. It is true that factors like having an existing eye condition or an unstable vision prescription can affect your candidacy for LASIK. However, simply being an athlete does not exclude you as a prospective candidate.
Athletes typically have more restrictions following LASIK. After your LASIK surgery, it will be so important to give your eyes time to heal. For most patients, this means taking a few days off of work to rest and recover. If you are a collegiate or professional athlete, you may be advised to take an extended break from your sport. While those who do low-contact sports like swimming or baseball can usually return to their sport within a week or so, those who play high-contact sports must wait a bit longer. Contact sports in particular put your corneas at greater risk of injury. Even if you are careful, you may not be able to avoid an eye injury from a ball or an elbow hitting your face. We find that athletes must think carefully about the timing of their surgery to allow the recommended time required for their complete healing and recovery.
LASIK is a great option for athletes. For many athletes, LASIK is a way to eliminate the worry about wearing glasses or contact lenses while training and competing. It provides the freedom to focus all of your energy on your sport.
If you are interested in LASIK surgery, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation at LVC. We will discuss whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgery.
