With a Prescription of -10.5, Am I a Candidate for Lasik?

asked 2 years ago by Ryfka in USA
Latest answer by Anthony J. Kameen, MD
Question viewed 1,813 times
Tags: eyes, vision, vision correction

I keep hearing two different opinions: one that it's OK and people with higher prescriptions had Lasik done and have perfect vision now, and the other that all I could get is reducing my prescription to around -4. My eyes are healthy, only very near-sighted. Can you give me some advice?

5 answers to With a Prescription of -10.5, Am I a Candidate for Lasik?

Lasik eligibility depends on the unique characteristics of your eyes

Today's laser technology can effectively treat prescriptions as high as -14. However, the physical characteristics of your eyes are what determine if LASIK is safe for you. Let me explain; thin corneas or corneas with an abnormal shape may make LASIK unsafe for someone like yourself. You should get an evaluation by a LASIK surgeon who can take these measurements accurately. Your long term ocular health depends on it.

Jerreyll Jackson, MD
New York Ophthalmologist

LASIK for Very High Myopia

The key measurement that will determine which is the best procedure for a high level of nearsightedness is the thickness of the cornea. If LASIK is predetermined to thin your cornea too much, thus increasing chances of postoperative visual fluctuations, halos, etc, then an Intraocular Contact Lens(ICL) would be a better choice. ICL's are collamer devices that are implanted by a surgeon into the front portion of your eye, behind your cornea. The risks of this procedure are slightly... more

Anthony J. Kameen, MD
Baltimore Ophthalmologist

www.kameen.com

LASIK for Severe Myopia

THere are a number of different procedures which are effective in treating individuals with severe myopia. LASIK, photorefractive keratectom, PRK and Implantable collamer lenses [ICL] are all options to reduce one's dependance on glasses or contact lenses. I would recommend that you seek the care of an eye specialist that can advise you on the best option for your eyes. This will depend on the thickness and shape or topography of the cornea as well as your age and activities. You should... more

Sandy Feldman, MD
San Diego Ophthalmologist

LASIK in high Myopia is possible for many patients

Nearsightedness or myopia above 7 diopters is considered high myopia and can be treated effectively on several different laser platforms. Whether you are a candidate for this treatment depends on several factors. Most important is the thickness of your corneal tissue, since more correction removes more tissue and there has to be enough left for safety. The other important factor is the shape of your eye to begin with. If your eye is in the normal range, then it is more likely that you... more

Jon Dishler, MD
Denver Ophthalmologist

LASIK for extreme corrections

You might be a candidate for LASIK, you might not. It really depends on the characteristics and health of your eyes. Primarily, your corneal thickness must be sufficient to allow this amount of correction (higher prescription dictate more corneal tissue removal). The thickness of your cornea can be measured at an exam. The shape, or topography of your cornea is also important. If you have an unusually shaped cornea, LASIK may not be a good option. If this is the case, sometimes PRK... more

Gary Kawesch, MD
San Jose Ophthalmologist

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