Is Your Eye Prescription Stable? What It Means for Laser Vision Correction Eligibility

If you’re considering LASIK, SMILE, or CLEAR vision correction, one of the key factors in determining your eligibility is whether your eye prescription is stable. But what does a stable prescription mean, and why is it so important for laser eye surgery?

What Is a Stable Eye Prescription?

A stable prescription means that your glasses or contact lens prescription has remained unchanged for at least 12 months. This indicates that your eyes have stopped changing and are less likely to fluctuate after surgery, ensuring long-term results.

How to Know If Your Prescription Is Stable

- Your spherical and cylindrical values in your prescription haven’t changed significantly in the last year.

- You haven’t needed stronger glasses or contact lenses over multiple eye exams.

- Your optometrist or ophthalmologist has confirmed stability through past records.

Why Stability Matters for Laser Vision Correction

Undergoing laser vision correction with an unstable prescription increases the risk of regression, where your vision may change again after surgery. This could mean needing glasses or a second enhancement procedure.

Factors That Can Affect Prescription Stability

- Age: Most people achieve a stable prescription in their early 20s, but some may continue to experience changes later.

- Keratoconus or Corneal Disorders: Unstable corneal conditions can lead to prescription fluctuations.

- Pregnancy & Hormonal Changes: Hormones during pregnancy or conditions like diabetes can affect vision stability.

- Frequent Eye Strain: Excessive screen time and poor visual habits can temporarily alter vision.

Ideal Candidates for Laser Vision Correction

If your prescription has been stable for at least a year, you may be a good candidate for procedures such as:

- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) – A highly effective treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) & CLEAR – Minimally invasive procedures that treat myopia with or without astigmatism.

- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – Suitable for those with thin corneas or other LASIK contraindications.

What to Do If Your Prescription Isn’t Stable Yet

If your vision is still changing, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

- Waiting until your prescription stabilizes before considering surgery.

- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce strain, such as taking screen breaks and using proper lighting.

- Managing underlying health conditions that could be contributing to fluctuations.

- See your optometrist to consider myopia control measures to assist in stabilising your prescription.

Conclusion

A stable eye prescription is one of the most critical factors in determining your eligibility for laser vision correction. If your vision has remained unchanged for over a year, you may be ready to move forward with a life-changing procedure that reduces or eliminates your dependence on glasses and contacts. Are you interested in laser eye surgery - come and have an assessment at Focus Vision Clinic in Brisbane for the latest in laser eye surgery techniques.