Dr. Chris Blanton at Inland Eye LASIK in Rancho Cucamonga, CA shares his insights into what makes a good LASIK candidate and what does not and outlines some of the alternative treatments for those who are deemed ineligible during the Free LASIK Consultation. Dr Blanton has been performing LASIK in the Inland Empire for over 25 years.
What is the Perfect Age for LASIK?
The ideal age for LASIK surgery is generally between 20 and 40 years old. This range is recommended because your vision should be stable before undergoing permanent vision correction surgery. Most eye surgeons advise waiting until at least age 18 to 21, as younger individuals often experience changing prescriptions. Stability is key because fluctuating vision can affect the long-term success of the procedure.
After the age of 40, many people begin to develop presbyopia, a natural aging condition that impacts near vision. While LASIK can still be performed at this stage, it may not fully address the need for reading glasses. Beyond age 50, some individuals may be better suited for other refractive surgery options such as RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange).
Who is Eligible for LASIK?
If you’re wondering, “Am I a LASIK candidate?”, consider the following general requirements:
- Stable prescription for at least one year
- Minimum prescription for LASIK: Typically, within -1.00 to -10.00 diopters for near-sightedness and +1.00 to +4.00 diopters for farsightedness
- Corneal health: Sufficient corneal thickness is necessary for safe reshaping
- Good overall eye health: No history of severe dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or autoimmune diseases
- No significant eye infections or injuries in recent months
A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine whether LASIK is the best option for you.
Can I Get LASIK with Astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can correct astigmatism as long as it falls within a treatable range. Advances in laser technology have made it possible to treat mild to moderate astigmatism effectively. However, if you have extremely high astigmatism or an irregular corneal shape, other refractive surgery options like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery may be more suitable.
What Disqualifies You from LASIK?
Several factors can make someone ineligible for LASIK, including:
- Thin or irregular corneas: If the cornea is too thin, it may not be safe to reshape it with a laser.
- Severe dry eye syndrome: LASIK can worsen dry eye symptoms in some patients.
- Very high prescriptions: Extremely nearsighted or farsighted individuals may not achieve the best results with LASIK.
- Keratoconus or corneal disorders: Conditions affecting corneal stability may lead to complications.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with the healing process.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Hormonal changes can affect vision stability.
If you fall into any of these categories, don’t worry—there are alternative permanent vision correction surgery options available.
Best LASIK Alternatives
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, several other refractive surgery options exist:
PRK vs LASIK
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a good choice for individuals with thin corneas because it does not involve creating a corneal flap like LASIK does.
- The recovery process for PRK is longer than LASIK, but the results are comparable.
- PRK may be preferred for individuals at risk of corneal flap complications, such as those in contact sports or high-impact activities.
ICL vs LASIK
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery is a great option for patients with high prescriptions or thin corneas who are not eligible for LASIK.
- Instead of reshaping the cornea, an artificial lens is implanted in the eye to correct vision.
- One drawback is that ICL surgery cost is typically higher than LASIK, but it offers a reversible and long-term solution for vision correction.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange):
- RLE is best suited for patients over 40–50 years old who also have presbyopia.
LASIK in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
According to Dr Blanton, the best age for LASIK is typically 20 to 40 years old, but eligibility depends on multiple factors, including prescription stability, corneal health, and overall eye condition. If you’re not a LASIK candidate, other permanent vision correction surgery options like PRK, ICL, or RLE may be suitable alternatives. To determine the best solution for your vision needs, consult an experienced ophthalmologist for a personalized assessment. Call us today at (909) 843-9857 or click here to schedule your LASIK consultation.
