What is the maximum diopter for LASIK?

In general, excimer lasers that are FDA-approved for LASIK surgery performed in the United States can correct up to approximately -11.00 diopters (D) of nearsightedness, up to +5.00 D of farsightedness, and up to 5.00 D of astigmatism.

Can I get LASIK if I have really bad vision?

Yes, it can. However, you must also meet other requirements outside of prescription limits in order to be a good candidate for LASIK. These include: Having corneal tissue that’s thick enough — approximately 420 microns — for LASIK.

Is LASIK possible for high myopia?

Glasses or contact lenses can also successfully correct vision. LASIK surgery may be done to correct one of these vision problems: Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects. Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty with near vision.

What age can you get LASIK?

In general, the average age range for getting LASIK is between 20 and 40 years of age. The FDA has approved LASIK eye surgery for those 18 years and older, but most providers will encourage patients to wait until their mid-20s after their prescription has stabilized.

Do I need glasses after LASIK?

LASIK surgery permanently corrects vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), usually eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses immediately after the procedure.

What is the maximum diopter?

An eye that is considered to have normal eyesight has a total refractive power of approx. 63 diopters maximum. A diopter is the unit of measurement for the refractive index. 43 diopters are measured on the cornea and about 10-20 diopters on the lens.

How many diopters of nearsightedness do you have?

For example, if your prescription says -1.00, you have one diopter of nearsightedness. This is a fairly mild amount of nearsightedness. If you are -4.25, that means you have 4 and 1/4 diopters of nearsightedness. This is more nearsighted than -1.00, and requires stronger (thicker) lenses.

What are the risks of LASIK surgery for people with myopia?

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with myopia that is beyond a certain negative diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos. Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with hyperopia that is beyond a certain diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos.

Can LASIK be performed on eyes with hyperopia?

Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with hyperopia that is beyond a certain diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos. The range of diopter measurements for farsightedness is smaller than that of myopia.

What does it mean when your diopter is negative?

Negative diopters indicate myopia (nearsightedness) and positive numbers indicate hyperopia (farsightedness). What prescription is too high for LASIK? When trying to find the answer to the question, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” patients often seek out specific diopter measurements standards.