LASIK surgery has transformed the lives of millions, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Certain eye conditions can disqualify you from undergoing LASIK surgery because they may affect the safety, effectiveness, or outcomes of the procedure.

At Columbus LASIK Vision, serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas, we prioritize your safety by thoroughly evaluating your eye health before recommending LASIK. Here are the key eye conditions that may prevent someone from qualifying for LASIK surgery.

1. Thin Corneas

LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to correct vision. For this reason, a sufficient corneal thickness is required to perform the procedure safely.

Why It Matters:

  • If your corneas are too thin, removing even a small amount of tissue could compromise the structural integrity of your eye.
  • Thin corneas increase the risk of complications like corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea weakens and bulges forward.

Alternative Options:

2. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

Why It Matters:

  • LASIK can worsen the condition and accelerate the progression of keratoconus.
  • People with even mild or early-stage keratoconus are not ideal candidates for LASIK.

Alternative Options:

  • Corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea.
  • Specialty contact lenses for vision correction.

3. Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision problems.

Why It Matters:

  • LASIK can temporarily reduce tear production during the healing process, worsening dry eye symptoms.
  • Patients with severe or chronic dry eyes may experience prolonged discomfort and slower recovery after LASIK.

Alternative Options:

  • Treating dry eye symptoms with lubricating drops, punctal plugs, or medications before considering other procedures.
  • PRK or SMILE may be evaluated as alternatives in some cases.

4. Unstable Vision Prescription

To qualify for LASIK, your vision prescription must be stable for at least 12 months.

Why It Matters:

  • An unstable prescription means your vision may continue to change, reducing the long-term effectiveness of LASIK.
  • Common in younger patients whose eyes are still developing.

Alternative Options:

  • Wait until your prescription stabilizes to ensure the best possible results.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or distorted vision.

Why It Matters:

Alternative Options:

6. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

Why It Matters:

  • LASIK can temporarily increase eye pressure during the procedure, which may worsen glaucoma.
  • Patients with advanced glaucoma are at higher risk for complications.

Alternative Options:

  • Discuss alternative vision correction methods with your eye care provider.
  • Manage glaucoma with medications or surgery before considering refractive surgery.

7. Corneal Scarring

Corneal scars from injuries, infections, or previous surgeries can affect the accuracy and safety of LASIK.

Why It Matters:

  • Scarring can distort the cornea and interfere with the laser reshaping process.
  • It may prevent achieving optimal results.

Alternative Options:

  • PRK may be considered as it does not require creating a corneal flap.
  • Consult with your surgeon about other vision correction options.

8. Large Pupils

People with naturally large pupils may experience unwanted side effects after LASIK, such as glare, halos, or starbursts at night.

Why It Matters:

  • Large pupils increase the risk of night vision disturbances, especially in low-light environments.

Alternative Options: 

  • Advanced LASIK technologies like wavefront-guided LASIK can help reduce these effects.
  • SMILE may also be an alternative option.

9. Eye Infections or Diseases

Active eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or corneal ulcers, must be treated and resolved before considering LASIK.

Why It Matters:

  • Infections can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Alternative Options:

  • Wait until the infection is fully treated and your eye health stabilizes.

10. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes

While not an eye condition, pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily affect your vision due to hormonal changes.

Why It Matters:

  • Vision may fluctuate during pregnancy, making it difficult to determine a stable prescription.
  • LASIK medications and drops used post-surgery may not be recommended during pregnancy.

Alternative Options:

  • Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding for your vision to stabilize.

Why Trust Columbus LASIK Vision?

At Columbus LASIK Vision, we prioritize your eye health and safety above all else. Our experienced surgeons carefully evaluate your candidacy for LASIK to ensure the best possible results. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Comprehensive Consultations: Thorough testing to assess your eye health and eligibility for LASIK.
  • Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine the safest, most effective treatment options.
  • Personalized Care: Honest recommendations and alternative solutions if LASIK isn’t right for you.
  • Convenient Location: Serving Philadelphia residents with accessible, trusted LASIK care.

Conclusion

While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for many people, certain eye conditions like thin corneas, keratoconus, and severe dry eyes may disqualify you from the surgery. At Columbus LASIK Vision, our priority is to determine the best and safest solution for your vision needs.

If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, we’ll explore alternative options that can help you achieve clearer vision. If you’re considering LASIK surgery in Philadelphia, schedule a consultation with Columbus LASIK Vision today. Let our expert team assess your eye health and guide you toward the best path to a brighter, glassesfree future.

About Dr. William Columbus

Dr. William F. Columbus, known as Dr. Bill, is the founder and surgical director at Columbus LASIK Vision, with over 40,000 LASIK procedures performed. A graduate of Scranton University and Penn State University Medical Center, he completed his ophthalmology training at Nassau County Medical Center and a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Cornell Medical Center. With centers in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Columbus offers state-of-the-art LASIK at competitive prices. Trusted by colleagues, patients, and even his own family, Dr. Bill is committed to delivering life-changing vision correction with precision, care, and expertise.