{"id":30069,"date":"2024-10-08T14:41:16","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T12:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/requirements-for-laser-eye-surgery-the-most-important-requirements-diopter-limits-of-the-procedures\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T23:06:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:06:33","slug":"requirements-for-laser-eye-surgery-the-most-important-requirements-diopter-limits-of-the-procedures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/requirements-for-laser-eye-surgery-the-most-important-requirements-diopter-limits-of-the-procedures\/","title":{"rendered":"Requirements for laser eye surgery: The most important requirements & diopter limits of the procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you dream of finally being able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses? Then you may be asking yourself: when is laser eye surgery possible<\/strong> and what requirements must be met? In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know: from the prerequisites such as stable vision and sufficient corneal thickness to possible exclusion criteria such as certain eye diseases. We will also show you why lens surgery<\/strong> can be a good alternative if laser eye surgery<\/strong> is not an option. Stay tuned and find out which treatment method is best for you! <\/p>\n\n

General requirements for laser eye surgery: <\/h2>\n\n

Whether your eyes are suitable for laser eye surgery or not can only be determined in the course of a comprehensive preliminary examination. There is no reliable self-test. However, there are some factors that may be known that can indicate suitability. Before we go into the requirements for the individual treatment methods, let’s first take a look at the general requirements that must be met in order to be able to treat short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism: <\/p>\n\n

From what age is laser eye surgery possible? (> 18 years) <\/h3>\n\n

The general rule for laser eye surgery<\/strong> is that you must be at least 18 years old<\/strong>. At this age, the visual acuity<\/strong> is usually stable, as the eye<\/strong> is still developing in the preceding years. In younger patients, there is otherwise a risk that the visual defect will change again after the procedure<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

However, from a certain age<\/strong>, typically from around 45 years of age<\/strong>, presbyopia<\/strong> occurs. During this phase, the lens<\/strong> loses its flexibility, making it difficult to see clearly at close range. The risk of developing cataracts<\/strong> also increases. While classic laser eye surgery<\/strong> (e.g. Femto-LASIK<\/strong> or ReLEx SMILE<\/strong>) may still be possible in these cases, it is often not the most effective solution. <\/p>\n\n

For people in this age range, specialized procedures such as PresbyMAX<\/strong> or lens replacement with artificial lenses<\/strong> (e.g. ICL or refractive lenses) are more suitable. These methods not only treat defective vision<\/strong>, but also correct presbyopia<\/strong> or replace the clouded lens before a cataract<\/strong> develops. The result: sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses – even at an advanced age. <\/p>\n\n

Stable visual acuity for at least 1-2 years <\/h3>\n\n

Stable vision<\/strong> over a period of at least 1-2 years is one of the most important prerequisites for laser eye surgery<\/strong>. Why? If the visual defect<\/strong> still fluctuates, there is a risk that the refractive power of the eye<\/strong>will change again after<\/strong>the procedure. As a result, the desired effect of being able to see clearly may not be permanent. <\/p>\n\n

Having your eyes lasered during pregnancy and breastfeeding? <\/h3>\n\n

Laser eye surgery<\/strong> is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is due to hormonal changes that can affect visual acuity<\/strong> and the cornea<\/strong>. These changes can affect the results of laser treatment<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n