Several factors can influence whether LASIK is a good fit for your eyes, and some aren’t obvious until a detailed evaluation. One important consideration is corneal thickness, which can affect both your eligibility for the procedure and how your treatment is planned.
At Will Vision & Laser Centers in Portland, OR, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will brings decades of refractive surgery experience and has performed over 75,000 successful laser vision procedures. As one of the first surgeons in North America to perform LASIK, Dr. Will personally evaluates each person’s eyes and vision goals before recommending treatment.
Why Does Corneal Thickness Matter for LASIK?
During LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created, and a laser precisely reshapes the underlying tissue. The amount of tissue removed depends partly on your prescription.
Your cornea must be thick enough to allow this reshaping while maintaining its structural integrity. A cornea that is too thin may increase the risk of complications, including corneal weakening or bulging after surgery.
How Is Corneal Thickness Measured?
During your LASIK consultation, we measure corneal thickness using a test called pachymetry. Your evaluation may also include corneal topography or tomography to create detailed maps of the cornea’s shape.
These measurements help Dr. Will evaluate:
- Overall corneal thickness
- Corneal shape and curvature
- Areas of unusual thinning or irregularity
- How much tissue LASIK would need to remove
- Your overall suitability for laser vision correction
Is There a Minimum Corneal Thickness for LASIK?
No single thickness measurement automatically determines LASIK candidacy. Your prescription, corneal shape, expected treatment depth, and the amount of tissue remaining after surgery all matter.
This means two people with similar corneal measurements may receive different recommendations after a complete eye evaluation.
What Happens if Your Corneas Are Too Thin?
Thinner corneas don’t necessarily rule out vision correction. LASIK may not be recommended, but another vision correction option could be considered depending on your eye health and prescription.
The safest way to know what is appropriate for your eyes is through comprehensive testing.
Schedule a LASIK Consultation
Corneal thickness is only one part of determining if LASIK is right for you. At Will Vision & Laser Centers, Dr. Will carefully evaluates your eyes before recommending surgery.
Schedule a consultation at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, location to learn about your options. Call 360-885-1327 today.