What Vision Problems Can LASIK Actually Fix?

Considering LASIK? You’re not alone. For many, it promises freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But is it the right fit for your vision? In this blog, we’ll explore exactly what LASIK can fix—and what it can’t. Clear, honest answers ahead to help you make a smart, confident decision about your eye health.

Nearsightedness (Myopia): LASIK’s Most Common Target

If you see well up close but things far away look blurry, you’re likely nearsighted. LASIK reshapes your cornea so light hits the right spot on your retina. That way, you don’t squint to read street signs or struggle to see across the room.

LASIK is especially successful with mild to moderate nearsightedness. It works by:

• Flattening the cornea to reduce how strongly it bends light
• Adjusting the focal point for clearer distance vision
• Eliminating or reducing the need for glasses

The result? You can wake up and see the clock on your nightstand. Myopia correction is one of the top reasons people choose LASIK, and the success rate is high.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Can LASIK Help?

Farsighted folks see better at a distance than up close—but even that can blur with time. In this case, LASIK needs to steepen the central part of your cornea, so light focuses closer to the retina.

Here’s what LASIK can do for farsightedness:

• Improve near vision for reading or phone use
• Enhance overall visual sharpness
• Minimize dependency on reading glasses

Hyperopia treatment with LASIK is more complex than myopia, but many patients still see major improvements, especially if they don’t have a high prescription.

Astigmatism: Correcting Blurred or Distorted Vision

Astigmatism sounds intimidating, but it simply means your eye isn’t perfectly round. The cornea has an irregular shape, hence causing blurry or warped vision at all distances.

This condition is often combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you:

• Struggle with both distance and close-up clarity
• See halos around lights at night
• Experience frequent eye strain or headaches

…you might have astigmatism. LASIK rectifies the shape of your cornea so light enters your eye evenly. This clears up distortion and gives you a more consistent vision throughout the day.

A skilled vision doctor in Monterey can perform a detailed scan of your eye’s surface to see if LASIK is a good fit for your specific type of astigmatism.

Presbyopia: Why LASIK Isn’t a Cure-All for Age-Related Vision Loss

Around your 40s or 50s, reading small print gets harder, even if your vision was perfect before. This is presbyopia, and it’s not caused by corneal shape. Instead, the lens inside your eye stiffens with age.

Presbyopia and LASIK don’t always mix well, because LASIK doesn’t change the lens—it only reshapes the cornea. However, some people choose “monovision LASIK,” where:

• One eye is corrected for distance
• The other is corrected for near vision

This technique takes some getting used to, but can reduce your reliance on reading glasses. It’s not for everyone, though.

If reading menus or books has become frustrating, other solutions might work better for you. Reach out to an optometrist near you to explore options like reading glasses, multifocal lenses, or even lens replacement based on your daily needs.

Other Refractive Errors and Special Cases

LASIK is flexible, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. Some people have less common eye issues that may still respond to laser correction. These include:

• Mixed astigmatism (a combination of near- and farsightedness in one eye)
• Anisometropia (a big difference in prescription between the two eyes)
• Residual refractive error after cataract surgery

In each case, detailed eye mapping and a full exam are essential. Not everyone is a perfect LASIK candidate—but that doesn’t mean there’s no hope.

At Eye MD Monterey – Cass St, specialists use advanced tools to check eye shape, thickness, and moisture levels. If you’re exploring LASIK vision correction in Monterey, this step ensures your plan is both personalized and safe.

LASIK Limitations: What It Can’t Fix

Even though LASIK has helped millions, it isn’t a cure for every vision issue. Knowing its limits helps set realistic expectations.

LASIK does not correct:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Retinal disease
• Severe dry eyes
• Very thin or irregular corneas

Other limitations to consider:

• It doesn’t stop the natural aging of the eye
• Some people still need glasses for certain tasks
• Night glare or halos can occur, especially early on
• Your vision may change over time, even after surgery

If you have any of the above, a LASIK consultation might still be worth it. You’ll learn what’s possible—and what’s not.

Final Thoughts

Ready to take the next step toward getting a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with Eye MD Monterey – Cass St today. Our team will guide you through each and every detail, helping you understand if LASIK fits your needs. Don’t guess—get clarity from trusted professionals who care about your eyes as much as you do. Your path to sharper vision starts here.