When considering LASIK surgery for vision correction, many patients wonder if their vision is too poor for LASIK to restore. Can LASIK correct high prescriptions? This is a question we frequently hear from patients considering the LASIK procedure. At Brinton Vision, our goal is to change as many lives as possible through the gift of sight. This article will answer your questions about high prescriptions and LASIK to help you understand the path available to a life free from contact lenses and glasses.
Can LASIK correct high prescriptions?
Yes, LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, can often correct high prescriptions, including high degrees of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when your eyes can clearly see objects that are close up but struggle to see objects at a distance. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is characterized by difficulty in seeing nearby objects clearly, while distant objects appear sharp. Astigmatism refers to a distortion in the eye’s curvature, which leads to blurred vision.
Your eye prescription is measured in diopters, which indicates the degree of correction needed for your eyesight. At Brinton Vision, our team uses state-of-the-art laser technology capable of addressing a range of vision issues. Specifically, LASIK can treat high prescription nearsightedness up to -7.00 diopters, high prescription astigmatism up to 6 diopters, and high prescription farsightedness up to +4.00 diopters. While these are common benchmarks, there is flexibility due to variations in laser strength. So yes, LASIK can correct vision for some patients with high prescriptions.
Consequently, the eligibility for LASIK surgery isn’t solely determined by these numbers. For instance, a person with a -2 diopter prescription might qualify for LASIK, whereas another with a -4 prescription might not. This is because other factors also play a critical role in determining if someone is an ideal candidate for the procedure.
At Brinton Vision, we not only offer LASIK but also its six modern variations so that we are able to find the best vision correction option for your unique needs. To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK schedule your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis to see how we can help you achieve the visual freedom you deserve.
What method is used to measure eyeglass prescription prior to LASIK surgery?
The eyeglass prescription, also known as your refractive error, is measured in diopters, a term that refers to the lens strength needed to correct your visual acuity. This measurement taken by your ophthalmologist is based on focal length in meters and is determined during your comprehensive eye examination.
A prescription of 0.00 diopters represents what is considered perfect vision. The further away you get from 0.00 the worse your visual perception will be. Diopters are often denoted by “D.” If there’s a + sign before your diopter value, it indicates farsightedness; conversely, a – sign suggests near-sightedness.
What other factors besides the eye prescription determine if someone is a LASIK candidate?
Six considerations beyond just the eye prescription influence whether LASIK is the right choice for an individual. Here are factors that determine eligibility for LASIK eye surgery.
Minimum Age Requirement Individuals under 18 are generally ineligible for LASIK due to ongoing growth and hormonal shifts that can alter eye prescriptions. Undergoing LASIK before reaching 18 is not recommended since the eye prescription may still change, potentially necessitating the need for a corrective procedure again.
Prescription Stability For those over 18, a continuously changing prescription can also hinder suitability for LASIK. LASIK surgeons typically require a stable prescription for 1 to 2 years prior to surgery, ensuring the likelihood of long-lasting results.
Dry Eye Syndrome While having dry eye syndrome doesn’t automatically disqualify you from LASIK, it can complicate recovery. Treatment prior to LASIK with artificial tears and nutritional supplements may be necessary to facilitate healing and a successful LASIK procedure.
Corneal Thickness and Health For LASIK surgery to be safe, it’s important that the patient’s corneas are thick and healthy because the procedure includes making a small flap in the corneal tissue.
Overall Health Considerations Certain health conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, may elevate the risks associated with LASIK. Other vision correction alternatives may be more suitable for patients with these conditions. Conditions affecting healing, such as strabismus, amblyopia, and keratoconus, or the use of immunosuppressive medications, can also impact LASIK candidacy.
Pregnancy It is advised for pregnant individuals to postpone LASIK until after childbirth, the resumption of menstrual cycles, and/or the cessation of nursing. This recommendation stems from the potential for hormonal changes that affect vision and eye stability. It is highly recommended that you allow hormonal changes in the body to stabilize before proceeding with LASIK surgery.
What are the prescription requirements for LASIK surgery?
Typically, the refractive errors that can be corrected with LASIK include:
- Up to -7.0 diopters for nearsightedness
- Up to 6.0 diopters for astigmatism
- Up to +4.0 diopters for farsightedness
Keep in mind, these standards can differ depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, undergoing a LASIK evaluation with a highly trained eye doctor is crucial to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery.
If my high prescription is not right for LASIK what are my options?
If LASIK isn’t an option for you because of a high prescription, Brinton Vision offers six modern LASIK alternatives that might be appropriate for your unique vision. At Brinton Vision, we use seven cutting-edge technologies to thoroughly assess the health of your eyes from every angle. Dr. Jason Brinton leverages these advanced diagnostics, along with their extensive experience and research, to equip you with the necessary information to choose the best option for achieving your vision goals. Should LASIK refractive surgery not be the right fit for you, Brinton Vision stands out as one of the few clinics nationwide offering all six contemporary alternatives. These effective vision correction options cater to individuals with high prescriptions, pronounced astigmatism, unusually thick or thin corneas, or those experiencing vision changes due to aging that LASIK cannot correct. We also offer solutions for patients who have previously undergone older LASIK procedures. If you’ve been advised by another refractive surgeon that LASIK isn’t an option for you, Brinton Vision may still be able to offer a viable solution.
Schedule your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis now and start your journey to clearer vision today.
Are you ready to take the next step in your visual freedom?
More FAQ’s About Can LASIK Correct High Prescriptions
Can LASIK correct my high prescription if I’ve been previously told I’m not a candidate?
Yes, even if you’ve been informed elsewhere that your high prescription is not suitable for LASIK, Brinton Vision may have options for you. Our comprehensive evaluations and wide range of treatment options mean we can often find a vision correction solution where others cannot.
What technology does Brinton Vision use to treat high prescriptions with LASIK?
Brinton Vision has two different excimer lasers, the VISX S4 IR and the Allegretto Wavelight, giving us two technologies to correct high prescriptions. We also use seven of the most advanced technologies in the ophthalmology industry, including corneal topography, to accurately assess and treat high prescriptions. This allows us to tailor the LASIK procedure to your unique vision needs or recommend the most suitable alternative treatments.
How long does recovery take for LASIK on high prescriptions?
Most patients notice an improvement and recovery in a few days after surgery. Recovery times for high prescriptions can vary, just as they do for lower prescriptions. At Brinton Vision, we closely monitor your recovery with follow up appointments , especially for high prescriptions, to ensure the best possible outcome and adjust care plans as needed.
Are there any risks with LASIK for high prescriptions?
As with any surgical procedure, LASIK for high prescriptions comes with certain risks. At Brinton Vision, we discuss these risks in detail during your consultation, providing transparent information to help you make an informed decision about your eye care.
How does LASIK work for high farsightedness?
LASIK can correct far-sightedness to a certain degree. At Brinton Vision, we’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation to see if your level of far-sightedness falls within the treatable range for LASIK or if an alternative treatment would be more suitable for you.
What options are available if my prescription is too high for LASIK?
If your prescription exceeds the LASIK correction range, Brinton Vision offers all six modern LASIK alternatives, including PRK, EVO ICL, Custom Lens Replacement, SMILE, and KAMRA. These alternatives are designed to provide clear vision to those with high prescriptions, ensuring that we can find a solution tailored to your needs.
Can people with high nearsightedness benefit from LASIK?
Many individuals with high nearsightedness achieve significant improvement with LASIK laser eye surgery. At Brinton Vision, we assess your specific condition with advanced diagnostics to determine the best approach to correct your high nearsightedness, whether it’s LASIK or another advanced procedure we offer.
How effective is LASIK for high astigmatism?
LASIK can be highly effective for correcting higher levels of astigmatism. At Brinton Vision, we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate if your high astigmatism can be corrected with LASIK, ensuring personalized treatment plans for optimal outcomes. We will go over our recommendations for your unique needs during your doctor’s visit and answer any questions you may have.
Is there a limit to the prescription LASIK can correct?
While LASIK can correct a wide range of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic prescriptions, there are limits. At Brinton Vision, our eye surgeon, Dr. Jason Brinton, evaluates each case with our advanced technology to identify the best vision correction solution for high prescriptions, including LASIK and its alternatives.
What is the success rate of LASIK for correcting high prescriptions?
At Brinton Vision, we pride ourselves on our success rates, even for patients with high prescriptions. While individual outcomes can vary, our use of cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment plans ensure the highest possibility of success for many types of visual impairment. We’ll provide a detailed analysis of your specific situation and discuss expected outcomes during your consultation. If you’re tired of wearing glasses or putting a contact lens in your eye, there is hope for a clearer future with Brinton Vision.