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Can LASIK Eye Surgery Treat High Eye Power?

Weak eyesight has become increasingly common in today’s times. While many people rely on spectacles and contact lenses for clear vision, some want permanent freedom from all kinds of visual aids. This can be achieved through LASIK eye surgery, an effective vision correction treatment. LASIK can correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (cylindrical eye power).

That being said, not everyone with a refractive error qualifies as an ideal candidate for LASIK. If you’re someone who has high myopia, this blog is for you. Find out if you can undergo LASIK eye surgery with high myopia.

Myopia or Nearsightedness: Overview

Myopia refers to a common eye condition that hinders the ability to see faraway objects clearly. Near vision remains clear. Myopia is measured in diopters. The higher an individual’s eye power, the weaker their eyesight.

SEVERITY OF MYOPIA	POWER IN DIOPTERS
Mild Myopia	0 to -3.00 D
Moderate Myopia	-3.00 to -6.00 D
High Myopia	-6.00 D and above

🚨 High myopia doesn’t just mean you’ll need thick glasses. It also increases the risk of other serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, changes how light enters the eye and hits the retina through the way of reshaping the cornea.

STEP	HOW LASIK WORKS
Step 1	Before the surgery begins, your surgeon will put anaesthetic (numbing) eye drops so that you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
Step 2	A thin corneal flap is created through a mechanical blade (microkeratome) or femtosecond laser. The flap is then gently placed on the side.
Step 3	Then, through an excimer laser, the exposed corneal tissue is reshaped.
Step 4	The flap is gently positioned back. It heals on its own, without any stitches, within a few days.

💡 Unlike most surgeries, LASIK is just a 10-20 minute long procedure, and most individuals return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.

Can LASIK Correct High Myopia?

Yes, LASIK can correct high refractive errors. But it is crucial to remember there are certain conditions that come into play. The highest eye powers LASIK surgeries can correct range between -8.00 D to -11.00 D. Advanced specs removal LASIK technologies such as Wavelight Plus InnovEyes and Contoura Vision make it possible.

⚠️ There is no universal maximum eye power applicable to every laser platform or patient.

However, not everyone with such a high eye power may be an ideal candidate. LASIK eligibility depends on the corneal thickness, tear film quality, retinal health, and many other factors.

This is because if your corneal thickness is not enough to handle the disruption caused by laser reshaping, the cornea runs the risk of weakening and becoming unstable after surgery.

If your eye power exceeds the above-mentioned range, you may be advised to consider other vision correction treatments such as ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery) or RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange).

How High is Too High?

Wondering what eye power is considered “too high” to be considered for LASIK surgery? Typically, anything above -10.00 D is considered too high. That being said, no specific eye power rules out LASIK.

It is important to note that each individual’s eye anatomy may differ. There have been cases where people with lower eye powers have not qualified for LASIK, whereas some with seemingly high eye powers have successfully undergone LASIK. This is why it is imperative to get your eyes screened by a trusted healthcare provider to determine your eligibility.

What If LASIK is Performed at Extremely High Myopia

A trusted and experienced LASIK surgeon will never recommend the surgery for someone who does not meet all eligibility requirements. It is still important to know the possible adverse effects of LASIK on eyes with very high myopia:

Distorted vision
Extreme sensitivity to light
Need for additional treatments
Corneal ectasia

LASIK eye surgery is a reliable, safe, and effective vision correction solution for many. But if you do not meet the eligibility conditions, you may not benefit from it at all! To know more about your eligibility for the same, schedule your pre-LASIK screening tests with the best LASIK surgeons in Punjab at Sohana Hospital.

Reviewed by

Editorial Team - Sohana Eye Hospital

This article has been written and reviewed by the Editorial Team at Sohana Hospital - a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, eye doctors, and medical writers committed to bringing you accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand health information. Guided by our mission to care, cure, and educate, we ensure every piece of content is backed by medical expertise so that you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being.