Laser eye surgery can treat a wide range of prescriptions, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but safe limits depend on corneal thickness and shape.
Typical prescription ranges
Exact limits vary by clinic and technology. Your surgeon will confirm what is realistic for your eyes and which procedure is best.
- Mild to moderate short-sightedness within commonly treated ranges
- Selected higher myopic prescriptions if the cornea is thick enough
- Mild to moderate long-sightedness, often within narrower limits
- Regular astigmatism combined with myopia or hyperopia
- Stable prescriptions with little or no change over the last two years
When prescriptions may not be suitable
Very high prescriptions or irregular corneas may make laser unsafe or less accurate. Other options, such as ICLs or lens replacement, may then be discussed.
- Extreme myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism exceeding laser safety limits
- Thin corneas where tissue removal would leave them too weak
- Irregular topography suggesting early keratoconus or ectasia risk
- Large differences between eyes that complicate healing and balance
- Alternative treatments can still often provide good visual improvement
