Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing clearly without reaching for your glasses or dealing with dry, uncomfortable contacts. For many in Salem, Tigard, and the surrounding areas, LASIK offers the possibility of life without corrective lenses—but not everyone is an ideal candidate. One of the biggest factors in determining your eligibility is your prescription.

Understanding Prescription Requirements for LASIK

Your prescription plays a crucial role in determining whether LASIK is a safe and effective option. In general, the best candidates fall within these prescription ranges:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Up to -12.00 diopters

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Up to +6.00 diopters

• Astigmatism: Up to 6.00 diopters

While these numbers provide a general guideline, your specific case depends on factors such as corneal thickness and overall eye health. A consultation with our team will help determine if your prescription falls within a safe range for the procedure.

Stability Matters

One of the biggest factors in LASIK candidacy is prescription stability. If your vision has changed significantly in the past year, LASIK may not be the best option just yet. Ideally, your prescription should remain unchanged for at least a year before undergoing surgery. This is particularly important for younger patients in their late teens or early 20s, as their vision may still be shifting.

Additional Factors to Consider

Aside from prescription details, other factors play a role in LASIK candidacy, including:

• Corneal Thickness: Thicker corneas provide more flexibility for reshaping during LASIK. Thin corneas may make PRK a better choice.

• Eye Health: Conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or certain retinal diseases may disqualify a patient from LASIK.

• Overall Health: Autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, or certain medications can affect healing and may impact your eligibility.

What’s the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore whether LASIK is right for you, the best way to find out is through a comprehensive consultation. We take a personalized approach, evaluating your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle needs to help you make an informed decision.

Schedule a LASIK consultation with Eye Focus Northwest to take the next step toward clear, hassle-free vision. Visit our office in Salem or Tigard, Oregon. Call (971) 808-2640 or (971) 202-1932 book an appointment today.