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LASIK is highly effective for common refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. However, it cannot correct eye conditions that involve the health of the eye itself rather than its shape. This includes presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, which is typically addressed with reading glasses, monovision, or other procedures. LASIK also cannot treat cataracts, which require lens replacement surgery, or serious diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, it is not suitable for individuals with corneal diseases like keratoconus, extremely high prescriptions, or unstable vision. A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation is essential to determine candidacy and discuss all limitations and alternative treatments.
Blended LASIK is an advanced laser vision correction technique that aims to expand the range of clear vision, particularly for individuals with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) or high prescriptions. It combines two laser profiles: one to correct distance vision and another, known as a multifocal or presbyLASIK profile, to enhance near and intermediate vision. The goal is to create a blended vision effect, where one eye is optimized primarily for distance and the other for near tasks, improving overall functional vision without complete dependence on reading glasses. This approach requires meticulous pre-operative planning and customization. It is best suited for patients who are not ideal candidates for monovision with standard LASIK and seek a more tailored solution for presbyopia. A comprehensive consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential to determine candidacy, as outcomes depend on individual eye physiology and visual demands.
The suitability for LASIK is determined by a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, not by a single "worst" eyesight number. Generally, LASIK can correct a very broad range of prescriptions. It is commonly performed for myopia (nearsightedness) up to approximately -12.00 diopters, hyperopia (farsightedness) up to about +6.00 diopters, and astigmatism up to roughly 6 diopters. However, these are general guidelines and not absolute limits. The procedure's feasibility depends heavily on individual corneal thickness, shape, and overall eye health. Patients with extremely high prescriptions or thin corneas may be better candidates for alternative vision correction procedures, such as PRK or an implantable lens (ICL). A thorough consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to determine if your specific prescription and corneal anatomy make you a suitable candidate for LASIK or another surgical option.
Certain conditions can disqualify an individual from LASIK surgery. Key disqualifiers include having an unstable vision prescription that has changed within the past year, being under the age of 18, or having certain corneal diseases like keratoconus where the cornea is too thin. Other significant factors are severe dry eye syndrome, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, uncontrolled diabetes, and active eye infections or injuries. A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to assess corneal thickness, pupil size, and overall eye health to determine candidacy and ensure patient safety.
LASIK is a versatile laser vision correction procedure that can effectively treat both nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), as well as astigmatism. For nearsightedness, the laser reshapes the cornea to flatten its steep curvature, which allows light to focus correctly on the retina. For farsightedness, the laser treatment steepens the cornea to increase its focusing power. The fundamental technology is the same, but the specific ablation pattern programmed into the laser is customized based on the individual's unique prescription and corneal topography. A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation is essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for LASIK based on the degree of their refractive error, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
Yes, it is possible to be both nearsighted and farsighted in the same eye, a condition known as mixed astigmatism or sometimes antimetropia when referring to the overall prescription between two eyes. This occurs when the eye's cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus at multiple points. In mixed astigmatism, one meridian of the eye is nearsighted (myopic) and the perpendicular meridian is farsighted (hyperopic). This results in blurred vision at all distances without correction. It is a common refractive error and is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Corrective solutions include prescription eyeglasses with a special cylindrical lens, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery like LASIK, which can reshape the cornea to correct the uneven curvature.
