If you are tired of relying on glasses or contacts, LASIK might be the solution you've been looking for. This popular laser vision correction surgery can offer long-term freedom from corrective lenses. At North Texas Ophthalmology Associates, we help Wichita Falls residents understand if LASIK is a safe and effective option based on their unique eye health and prescription history. Here's what you need to know.
 

Stable Prescription History

A stable prescription for at least one year is essential before undergoing LASIK. Vision changes are common in early adulthood, so ophthalmologists usually recommend waiting until your prescription has remained unchanged for at least 12 months. Frequent changes in vision may indicate your eyes are still evolving, which can affect long-term LASIK outcomes.
 

Prescription Range Requirements

LASIK is designed to correct a specific range of refractive errors:
 

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Typically up to -12.00 diopters
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Typically up to +6.00 diopters
• Astigmatism: Up to 6.00 diopters

These ranges can vary slightly depending on the laser technology used and the health of your cornea. If your prescription falls outside these ranges, alternative options like PRK, implantable contact lenses, or a custom lens replacement might be considered.
 

Corneal Thickness and Shape

Your prescription tells us how much correction you need, but the thickness and shape of your cornea determine whether it’s safe to reshape it with a laser. A thorough corneal mapping is performed during a LASIK evaluation to ensure your eyes can structurally handle the surgery.
 

Overall Eye Health

Your LASIK evaluation will include a full ocular health assessment. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, cataracts, or untreated eye infections can disqualify you or delay the surgery. Additionally, certain autoimmune or systemic conditions may impact healing and make LASIK less advisable.
 

Age and Vision Stability

Most LASIK candidates are over the age of 18. However, many ophthalmologists recommend waiting until your mid-20s if your prescription hasn’t yet stabilized. Patients over 40 may also want to consider how LASIK impacts presbyopia (age-related near vision loss), which often requires additional correction with reading glasses or other surgeries.
 

Ready to Find Out if You Qualify for LASIK?

LASIK is a life-changing surgery for many, but eligibility depends on a variety of factors, especially the specifics of your vision prescription. If you're wondering whether you're a candidate for LASIK, the best first step is a personalized consultation and comprehensive eye exam.
 

Schedule your LASIK evaluation with North Texas Ophthalmology Associates to assess your prescription, review your options, and take the next step toward clearer vision. Visit us at www.ntoaeye.com or call us at (940) 240-8400 to book an appointment today.