What Is the Prescription Limit for Laser Eye Surgery?
Answer:
Laser eye surgery can typically correct prescriptions up to -10.00 dioptres for short-sightedness (myopia), +5.00 for long-sightedness (hyperopia), and up to ±5.00 dioptres of astigmatism — depending on the method used, your corneal thickness, age, and overall eye health.
Understanding the Limits
While laser vision correction (like LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE Pro) is highly effective, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are limits to how much corneal tissue can be safely reshaped — and this is where prescription strength, eye anatomy, and individual health factors come into play.
| Condition | Typical Safe Limit |
|---|---|
| Myopia (short-sightedness) | Up to -10.00 dioptres |
| Hyperopia (long-sightedness) | Up to +5.00 dioptres |
| Astigmatism | Up to ±5.00 dioptres |
Note: These are general thresholds. Some patients with higher prescriptions may still be eligible depending on corneal thickness and eye stability.
Key Variables That Affect Suitability
1. Corneal Thickness
Why it matters:
Laser procedures like LASIK or SMILE work by gently reshaping the cornea to adjust how light enters the eye. If your cornea is too thin, removing even a small amount of tissue could compromise its structural integrity, increasing the risk of long-term complications like ectasia (corneal bulging).
Example:
Lisa, 28, had a prescription of -8.50 and was keen on LASIK. However, scans revealed she had thin corneas, which ruled out traditional laser surgery. Instead, she was offered ICL, which provided the same vision correction without touching her cornea — and gave her perfect results.
2. Pupil Size
Why it matters:
Larger pupils, particularly in dim lighting, can cause more light scatter after surgery, potentially leading to glare, starbursts, or halos — especially with higher prescriptions or older laser technologies. This side effect can be noticeable at night or while driving.
Example:
Darren, 40, had a prescription of -6.00 and large pupils. During his consultation, Fadi recommended SMILE instead of LASIK due to its reduced risk of night-time glare. After surgery, Darren reported sharp night vision and minimal light distortion — a tailored success story.
3. Age
Why it matters:
Your age not only influences your prescription stability but also the type of correction that’s most effective. People under 25 may still experience changes in vision, while those over 40 often start developing presbyopia — the natural decline in near focus — or early lens opacities.
Example:
Anna, 68, originally inquired about laser eye surgery for her -5.00 prescription. But because she also struggled with reading glasses, Fadi recommended Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with a multifocal IOL. She now sees clearly at all distances — and no longer needs glasses at all.
4. Dry Eyes or Eye Disease
Why it matters:
Conditions like dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or corneal scarring can affect healing and visual outcomes after laser eye surgery. In some cases, they may make you ineligible — or simply indicate a different type of procedure is safer.
Example:
Mark, 33, had moderate dry eyes and a prescription of -6.00. Instead of LASIK, which might have worsened the dryness, he was advised to try ICL — now he has clear, comfortable vision.
5. Prescription Stability
Why it matters:
If your prescription is still changing, your vision could regress after surgery, requiring further treatment. Surgeons generally require at least 12 months of prescription stability before proceeding with laser eye surgery.
Example:
Ellie, 24, had a fluctuating prescription between -4.50 and -5.50 over 18 months. She was advised to wait another year before reassessment. When she returned at 25 with a stable prescription, she was safely cleared for LASIK — and the results were life-changing.
What If Your Prescription Is Too High for Laser Surgery?
If laser surgery isn’t suitable — don’t worry. There are excellent alternatives available that can treat even higher prescriptions or more complex cases:
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
Ideal for patients with thin corneas or prescriptions beyond laser limits (e.g., -10.00 to -20.00 dioptres). ICLs sit inside the eye and work alongside your natural lens, providing long-term, high-definition vision — with the bonus of being reversible.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Best for those aged 40+ or anyone with signs of early cataracts. RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), correcting high prescriptions and eliminating future cataract risk.
Custom Contact Lens Plans
If surgery isn’t advised due to health risks, Fadi can create a bespoke contact lens strategy using high-power toric or multifocal lenses tailored to your prescription and eye shape.
Why Screening Matters More Than the Numbers
Don’t fixate on your prescription alone. Two people with the same prescription may receive different recommendations depending on their eye structure, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
At our clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools like corneal topography, OCT scans, and wavefront analysis to assess the full picture — so you get the safest and most effective treatment.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Possible for You?
If your prescription falls within the general limits (or even slightly beyond), you might still be a candidate. But the only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive consultation with a specialist like Mr. Fadi Kherdaji.
Book a Consultation Today
Discover whether laser, ICL, or RLE is right for you. Take the first step toward visual freedom — no matter your prescription.