Can an eye doctor tell if you had LASIK?

LASIK surgery has helped millions of people achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses¹https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071228215645.htm. If you’re one of those individuals, you might wonder whether an eye doctor can tell if you’ve had LASIK just by examining your eyes. The short answer is yes, but let’s delve into the details to understand how and why.

How LASIK Works

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that corrects vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—using a laser. This reshaping allows light to be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

Visible Signs of LASIK

• Corneal Flap: During LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created on the cornea. This flap is lifted so the laser can reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After the procedure, the flap is repositioned. Over time, this flap heals, but it leaves a faint line that is visible under a microscope. An experienced eye doctor can detect this line during a comprehensive eye exam.
• Corneal Topography: This is a detailed map of the curvature of the cornea. Corneal topography can reveal the changes made to the cornea during LASIK. The map shows a unique pattern that indicates where the cornea has been reshaped. This pattern is different from that of a natural, untreated cornea, making it clear to an eye doctor that LASIK has been performed.
• Thinner Cornea: LASIK removes a small amount of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. This results in a slightly thinner cornea compared to one that hasn’t undergone the procedure. Eye doctors can measure corneal thickness using a device called a pachymeter. If your cornea is thinner than expected, it could be a sign that you’ve had LASIK.

Subtle Indicators

In addition to these obvious signs, there are more subtle indicators that can suggest a patient has undergone LASIK. These include changes in the way the cornea reflects light and minor irregularities in the corneal surface that are not typically present in an untreated eye. While these signs might not be noticeable without specialized equipment, they are clear to a trained eye doctor.

Why it matters

Knowing whether a patient has had LASIK is important for several reasons. First, it helps the eye doctor make informed decisions about future treatments and surgeries. For example, if you need cataract surgery later in life, your previous LASIK surgery will affect the way the procedure is planned and executed.

Second, understanding your eye’s history allows the doctor to provide the best care possible. If you experience any changes in vision or eye health, the doctor can better diagnose and treat these issues with full knowledge of your surgical background.

What if you don’t mention it?

Sometimes patients forget to mention their LASIK surgery, or they assume it’s not relevant. However, it’s always best to inform your eye doctor about any eye surgeries you’ve had. Even though an experienced eye doctor can detect signs of LASIK, providing this information upfront helps ensure you receive the most accurate and effective care.

Yes, an eye doctor can tell if you’ve had LASIK. The changes made to your cornea during the procedure leave detectable signs that are visible through a detailed eye examination. If you’ve had LASIK, it’s important to share this information with your eye doctor to help them provide the best care for your eyes.

If you’re considering LASIK or want to learn more about your eye health, taking a self-test can be a great first step. Our self-test can help determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK or other vision correction procedures.