What if my cornea is too thin for LASIK?

Hi, it’s Matt Russell from VSON Laser Vision Specialists. You may be wondering if your cornea is too thin for LASIK, as this is one of the main reasons individuals cannot have laser eye surgery.

The cornea is the transparent window at the front of your eye. During a refractive exam, eye specialists perform many tests to ensure you are indeed a good candidate for LASIK, including corneal thickness. In order to be a candidate for LASIK, there needs to be enough corneal tissue to make a flap, take away the tissue to correct the refractive error, and still have enough corneal tissue to ensure that corneal ectasia, a progressive bulging of the cornea, does not occur.

The good news is, there are other refractive procedures that can eliminate your need for glasses and contact lenses even if your corneas are too thin for LASIK.

For some, PRK may be an ideal option to correct your vision. It’s a procedure that’s been around for decades, has the same visual outcomes as LASIK, and is often the first choice for people with thinner than average corneas.

A phakic IOL may be a great alternative. This is a special kind of intraocular lens implanted surgically into the eye to correct the refractive error. The lens is designed to stay in position in the eye and requires no special care, and the corneal thickness is not altered as in LASIK. The best candidates for this refractive surgery option are those under the age of 50.

If you are above the age of 50 and not a candidate for LASIK because of a thin cornea, then a refractive lensectomy or lens replacement may be a better refractive surgery option. As in cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the natural lens, and an IOL is implanted. The surgeon calculates the IOL to correct your refractive error. There are implants to correct astigmatism and even multifocal IOLs that allow patients to see well at both distance and near. This refractive surgery allows for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism without altering the cornea thickness.

To learn more about LASIK alternatives and know which treatment is best for you to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses, please book online for a free laser vision assessment on our website today.

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DISCOVER IF YOU CAN BE FREE FROM GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES

The best way to find out if eye treatment is right for you is to have an in-person assessment. You’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and vision correction options

Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russel, your laser and cataract surgery specialist

HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST

With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.

I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.

Dr. Matthew Russell

MBChB, FRANZCO