Wondering if LASIK can correct your high prescription? Is there a limit to how much power LASIK can fix? What if your prescription is too high—are there other options?
Well, LASIK is a highly effective procedure, but its correction ability depends on your eye condition, prescription strength, and corneal thickness.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The maximum prescription LASIK can correct
- How corneal thickness affects LASIK eligibility
- What alternatives exist if LASIK isn’t suitable for you
By the end, you’ll know whether LASIK is an option for you or if other vision correction procedures like ICL are a better fit! Let’s get started.
Contents
Maximum Prescription That LASIK Can Correct
LASIK is a widely used laser eye surgery that can effectively eliminate glasses and contact lenses, but it has certain prescription limits based on how much the cornea can be reshaped.
LASIK Correction Limits:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Up to -10.00 D
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Up to +6.00 D
- Astigmatism (Cylindrical Power): Up to ±6.00 D
Why is There a Limit?
- Higher prescriptions require more corneal reshaping, and LASIK can only remove a certain amount of corneal tissue while maintaining eye health.
- Corneal thickness plays a major role—thinner corneas limit the amount of correction possible.
- If your prescription is beyond these limits, other vision correction options like ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) may be more suitable.
How Corneal Thickness Affects LASIK Suitability
Corneal thickness is a key factor in LASIK eligibility, measured in microns (µm). Since LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, higher prescriptions require more corneal tissue removal. If the cornea is too thin, LASIK may not be safe.
Corneal Thickness and LASIK Limits
| Corneal Thickness (µm) | Maximum Correction Possible |
|---|---|
| 550 µm (Normal Thickness) | Up to -10 D |
| 500 µm | Up to -7 D |
| 480 µm | Up to -5 D |
| Below 480 µm | LASIK not advised—alternative options needed |
What If Your Cornea Is Too Thin?
If your cornea is below 500 µm, traditional flap-based LASIK (such as standard LASIK or Contoura Vision) may not be safe. Instead, flapless laser vision correction techniques are recommended:
- Trans PRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy): A bladeless, flapless procedure that reshapes the cornea without creating a flap.
- SmartSurf LASIK: A 100% touchless, no-flap technique, making it safer for thin corneas and allowing for faster healing.
If your cornea is too thin for LASIK, don’t worry—there are still effective vision correction alternatives. Next up, we’ll discuss ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), the best option for patients who are not LASIK candidates.
What If You Are Not Eligible for LASIK?
If your prescription is too high or your cornea is too thin for LASIK, don’t worry! You still have options to achieve clear, glasses-free vision.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) – The Best Alternative to LASIK
ICL is a highly advanced vision correction procedure that involves placing a permanent, implantable lens inside the eye—without altering the cornea.
Why Choose ICL?
✔ Can correct extremely high prescriptions – Up to -30 D for myopia and +15 D for hyperopia.
✔ Provides better visual clarity than LASIK, especially for high refractive errors.
✔ Ideal for thin corneas – Since it doesn’t remove corneal tissue, it’s perfect for those who aren’t LASIK candidates.
✔ Quick recovery – You can see clearly the next day with minimal downtime.
✔ No risk of dry eyes – Unlike LASIK, ICL does not affect tear production.
If LASIK isn’t suitable for you, ICL is a safe, highly effective alternative for achieving sharp, long-lasting vision.
Conclusion
Whether you’re considering LASIK or ICL, the key to perfect vision lies in choosing the right procedure based on your eye health.
- If your prescription is within LASIK limits, it’s a quick, effective solution for getting rid of glasses.
- If your power is too high or your cornea is too thin, ICL is the best alternative, offering crystal-clear vision without corneal reshaping.
The first step to clear vision is a detailed eye evaluation to determine which procedure is best for you.
Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK or ICL at EyeMantra!
📞 Book your free appointment now at +91 9711116605!
