Having stable eyesight before undergoing LASIK surgery is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes.
LASIK is designed to correct refractive vision errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, if your vision is still changing or unstable, it could affect the results of the surgery, leading to less predictable outcomes and potential complications.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of having stable eyesight before LASIK, why it matters, and how this step plays a key role in ensuring that your vision correction procedure is both safe and effective.
What Does “Stable Eyesight” Mean for LASIK Candidates?
Understanding Stable Eyesight
When we talk about “stable eyesight,” we refer to a situation where your prescription has remained consistent over a specific period of time. For most LASIK candidates, this means that the prescription for glasses or contact lenses has not changed significantly in the last 12 to 24 months.
Stable eyesight is essential because LASIK is designed to correct the shape of the cornea to permanently improve vision. If your vision is still fluctuating, it could result in overcorrection or undercorrection, leading to unsatisfactory results or the need for further corrective procedures in the future.
Why is Stability Important?
Having stable eyesight ensures that your LASIK surgery addresses the right prescription and the most accurate eye shape. If your eyes are still changing, the laser may correct your vision according to an outdated prescription, which can lead to less than ideal vision after the surgery.
What Happens If My Eyesight Isn’t Stable Before LASIK?
1. Inaccurate Results Post-Surgery
If your eyes are still changing when you undergo LASIK, there’s a higher chance that the procedure will not deliver the expected results. You may find that, post-surgery, you still need glasses or contact lenses for certain activities. In some cases, you may even need an enhancement procedure after a few months to correct your vision again.
- Overcorrection: If the surgery is performed when your vision is fluctuating, you may end up with an overcorrection, meaning your eyesight becomes too sharp, leading to difficulty seeing up close (hyperopia) or visual discomfort.
- Undercorrection: If the LASIK procedure is done while your eyes are unstable, the laser may not correct enough of the refractive error, leaving you with poor vision and requiring additional corrective measures.
2. Potential for Complications
Unstable eyesight doesn’t directly cause complications during or after LASIK, but it can make outcomes less predictable. For example, if your eyes are still adjusting, they might respond unpredictably to the laser, potentially leading to:
- Dry eyes: Post-LASIK dry eye is common, but there’s no evidence that unstable vision alone increases this risk. However, pre-existing dry eye can contribute to vision fluctuations and may affect both candidacy and recovery.
- Increased sensitivity: If vision instability is caused by factors like hormonal changes or unaddressed eye conditions, the eyes may respond less predictably to the procedure, which could result in prolonged recovery or visual discomfort.
3. Unsatisfactory Long-Term Vision
One of the goals of LASIK is to provide patients with clear, long-lasting vision. However, if your eyesight isn’t stable, there’s a chance that the results will not be permanent. This could mean a return to wearing glasses or contact lenses after only a short time, defeating the purpose of undergoing LASIK in the first place.
What Can Cause Unstable Eyesight Before LASIK?
Understanding what might cause unstable eyesight can help you avoid potential issues during your LASIK procedure.
1. Age-Related Changes in Vision
As we age, the eyes go through natural changes. One of these is presbyopia, which typically starts in the 40s and affects near vision. While presbyopia itself doesn’t cause unstable distance vision, it’s important to assess whether any other age-related changes are affecting your prescription before LASIK.
2. Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal changes, particularly in pregnant women or women undergoing menopause, can impact the stability of eyesight. Hormones can cause temporary shifts in vision, which is why it’s generally recommended that women wait until their hormonal levels stabilise before considering LASIK surgery.
3. Eye Conditions and Diseases
Certain eye conditions, like cataracts, keratoconus, or other corneal diseases, can make it difficult for your eyesight to remain stable. If you have a pre-existing eye condition, it’s essential to discuss this with your LASIK surgeon. They may advise delaying the procedure or opting for an alternative treatment method that suits your condition better.
4. Medication and Lifestyle Factors
Some medications—such as corticosteroids, certain acne treatments, or hormone therapy—can affect vision by altering tear production or causing corneal changes. Lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive alcohol use can also negatively affect eye health. Be sure to share a full list of medications with your surgeon before LASIK.
How Can I Ensure My Eyesight Is Stable Before LASIK?
1. Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Before undergoing LASIK, a thorough eye exam is essential. At this assessment, your surgeon will analyse your current prescription, conduct a comprehensive eye health check, and decide if LASIK surgery is appropriate for you. The exam will help determine whether your vision is stable and whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
The exam will also include measurements of the cornea and retina to ensure that you have the necessary eye characteristics for a successful LASIK procedure.
2. Follow Your Surgeon’s Guidelines
If your surgeon determines that your eyesight isn’t stable yet, they will advise you on the necessary steps to take before proceeding. These steps may include:
- Waiting for your prescription to stabilise: If you’ve had a recent change in your prescription, it’s important to wait until your vision has been stable for at least 12 months—sometimes longer, depending on your eye history— before considering LASIK.
- Manage any eye conditions: If you have dry eye or other conditions affecting your tear film or corneal health, your surgeon may recommend treatment before proceeding.
3. Regular Eye Care and Healthy Habits
Practising good eye care and healthy lifestyle habits can contribute to stable eyesight. Here are a few tips to help keep your eyes in top condition:
- Avoid excessive screen time: Give your eyes regular breaks to reduce digital eye strain, which can affect your vision over time.
- Wear protective eyewear: If you’re exposed to dust, chemicals, or physical hazards, be sure to wear proper protective eyewear.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports tear production, which is essential for healthy eyes and preventing dry eye syndrome.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating foods rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can support eye health.
4. Consult Your Eye Doctor Regularly
It’s always a good idea to check in with your eye doctor regularly to ensure that your eyesight is stable and healthy. If you have concerns or notice any changes in your vision, it’s best to address them before scheduling your LASIK procedure.
What Happens If My Eyesight Isn’t Stable at the Time of LASIK?
If your vision isn’t stable by the time you’re scheduled for LASIK surgery, your surgeon may recommend postponing the procedure. While it may be frustrating to delay, waiting until your eyes have stabilised will ultimately ensure the best results.
In some cases, your surgeon may suggest alternatives like PRK (which doesn’t require a corneal flap and may be better for thin corneas) or implantable collamer lenses (ICLs), which can be an option for patients with very high prescriptions or when laser surgery isn’t suitable.
Conclusion: The Importance of Stable Eyesight Before LASIK
Having stable eyesight before undergoing LASIK is crucial for achieving optimal results. If your vision is still fluctuating, the laser treatment may not produce the desired outcomes, leading to complications or the need for further corrective procedures. By ensuring that your eyes are stable and healthy, you can minimise risks and maximise the effectiveness of LASIK.
Before you schedule your LASIK surgery, make sure to consult with your surgeon and follow their advice to ensure that your eyes are ready. With proper care and the right timing, LASIK can provide lasting and excellent vision correction.
Take the time to stabilise your vision before moving forward with LASIK for the best chance at a successful and satisfying outcome.
