LASIK is a popular refractive surgery designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. While it’s highly effective for many patients, LASIK does have its limits - particularly for those with high prescriptions. Understanding these boundaries can help you make an informed decision about whether LASIK is the right solution for your vision needs.
 

Understanding LASIK’s Mechanism

LASIK works by reshaping the cornea using a precise laser. By altering the curvature of the cornea, the procedure corrects how light is focused on the retina, improving vision in people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
 

However, the amount of tissue that can safely be removed from the cornea is limited. This constraint is the key factor that determines whether LASIK can be used to treat high prescriptions.
 

Maximum Prescription Limits for LASIK

While exact limits can vary depending on the surgeon, technology used, and the patient’s unique anatomy, general guidelines for LASIK include:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Up to -8.00 diopters (D) is considered the common upper limit for LASIK. Some advanced laser platforms and experienced surgeons may extend this to around -10.00 D in certain cases.

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Typically up to +3.00 to +4.00 D.

• Astigmatism: Up to 5.00 D.
   

For prescriptions beyond these ranges, LASIK may not be the safest or most effective option due to the risk of complications like corneal thinning, glare, halos, or regression.
 

Factors That Influence Candidacy for High-Prescription LASIK

Several factors determine whether someone with a high prescription is a good candidate for LASIK. One key consideration is corneal thickness. Patients with thicker corneas may be eligible for higher levels of correction because more tissue can be safely removed during the reshaping process.
 

Corneal shape and overall corneal health also play a critical role. If a patient has irregularities such as keratoconus or shows signs of corneal instability, LASIK may not be recommended, as the procedure could worsen these conditions.

Pupil size is another important factor. Individuals with larger pupils may be at a higher risk for post-operative side effects such as glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision—particularly when undergoing high levels of correction.
 

Lastly, overall eye health must be evaluated. Pre-existing conditions like chronic dry eye, cataracts, or retinal issues may disqualify a person from LASIK, as these conditions can affect healing and long-term outcomes.
 

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today

LASIK is a transformative procedure for many, but it isn’t suitable for every prescription level. We’re committed to helping you find the safest and most effective vision correction option based on your individual needs and eye health.
 

Schedule a consultation with Eye Carumba Optometry to learn if LASIK is right for your eyes. Contact our office in San Francisco, California, by calling (415) 360-6900 to book an appointment today.