Can I get LASIK with thin corneas?

Corneal thickness is a critical factor in LASIK candidacy because the procedure removes corneal tissue to reshape it.

Why Corneal Thickness Matters

• Average corneal thickness: 540-550 microns
• Minimum for LASIK: Typically 500 microns
• LASIK removes 10-15 microns per diopter of correction
• Must leave at least 250-300 microns of residual stromal bed

What Happens If Corneas Are Too Thin

If LASIK removes too much tissue from a thin cornea, it can cause:

• Corneal ectasia: Progressive bulging and thinning
• Irregular astigmatism: Distorted vision
• Vision regression: Loss of correction over time

Alternatives for Thin Corneas

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• No flap creation saves 100+ microns of tissue
• Same laser reshaping as LASIK
• Longer recovery (5-7 days for vision stabilization)
• Excellent outcomes for thin corneas

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

• Preserves more corneal strength than LASIK
• May be suitable for some thin cornea patients
• Currently only treats myopia

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

• No corneal tissue removed
• Lens implanted inside the eye
• Ideal for high prescriptions with thin corneas
• Reversible procedure

Getting Evaluated

Corneal thickness is measured with pachymetry during your consultation. Your surgeon will calculate the safest procedure based on your prescription and corneal measurements.