When considering investing in Laser Vision Correction (LVC), one of the key requirements for suitability is a stable prescription.

But why is this so important?

Simply put, a stable prescription ensures that your eyes have stopped changing, allowing for a more predictable and long-lasting outcome when investing in Laser Vision Correction.

Your prescription refers to the level of refractive error in your eyes and whether you have myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism.

If your prescription is still changing there’s a higher risk that your vision will continue to deteriorate post-surgery, potentially impacting the benefits of the laser procedure. A stable prescription on the other hand indicates that your eyes have reached a point where further changes are unlikely. This is important to ensure the best possible results and reduce the likelihood of needing enhancements in the future.

How Long Should My Prescription Be Stable?

Most ophthalmologists recommend that your prescription remains unchanged for at least 24 months before undergoing Laser Vision Correction. Even minor fluctuations can indicate that your vision is still changing, which might affect the long-term success of the procedure particularly if there is a pattern of change.

Why Do Prescriptions Change Over Time?

Several factors can cause shifts in your vision prescription, including:

• Age and Eye Growth: Younger patients, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, often experience ongoing changes in their vision as their eyes continue to develop. For this reason many ophthalmologists recommend that you be over 21 years of age and have a stable prescription for at least 24 months before considering Laser Vision Correction.
• Lifestyle Factors: Excessive screen time, prolonged near work, and insufficient outdoor activity have been linked to worsening myopia, especially among young adults.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can temporarily alter vision, making stability difficult to determine.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases along with some medications can affect eye health and cause fluctuations in vision. If your prescription continues to change, it may indicate that your eyes are still adapting, making Laser Vision Correction less predictable.

Why you should wait until your prescription is stable?

If you invest in Laser Vision Correction while your prescription is still changing, you may face several potential complications. While these will not threaten your eye health and can be remedied, they could impact the long term outcome and therefore satisfaction of your investment.

• Regression: Your vision may continue to change after surgery, leading to a return of refractive errors.
• Need for Enhancement Surgery: Some patients may require a second laser procedure to correct further changes in vision.
• Dissatisfaction with Results: If your prescription isn’t stable, you might not achieve the long-lasting clarity you expected.

By ensuring stability before your procedure, you improve your chances of achieving clear and long lasting vision with minimal risk of any of the above.

How Can I Ensure My Prescription Is Stable?

Your optometrist is the best person to monitor your vision over time to determine prescription stability. We advise undertaking the below steps you can take to ensure your prescription is steady before considering laser vision correction.

• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule 6 monthly or yearly check-ups with your optometrist to track changes in your prescription. They will be able to tell you if its changing, how much and when you are stable and you can consider laser.
• Healthy Eye Habits: Reduce excessive screen time, take breaks when using digital devices, and spend time outdoors to support eye health.
• Manage Underlying Conditions: If you have diabetes or other medical issues affecting vision, work with your healthcare provider to stabilise your overall health which will help to stabilise your sight.
• Wait Until Your Mid-Twenties: Most prescriptions stabilise in the mid-to-late twenties, making this the ideal time for many people to consider Laser Vision Correction.

When Is the Right Time to Have Laser Vision Correction?

The best time for laser vision correction is when your optometrist confirms that your prescription has remained unchanged for one to two years. This ensures a more predictable outcome, allows an ophthalmologist to best advise what laser technology is the best option for your unique eyes, and reduces the likelihood of needing future enhancements.

Next steps

A stable prescription is important in determining if you are a suitable candidate for Laser Vision Correction, and will ensure the investment pays long term lifestyle dividends. Regularly seeing your optometrist is the best way to understand when you hit this stability milestone. They will then be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist that specialises in Laser Vision Correction.

However, a referral is not required for Laser Vision Correction and if you know your preseciption has been stable and would like to investigate your options you can book in directly with a Laser Vision Correction specialist who will be able to determine your suitability in centre.

Ready to get started?

Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre is a premier Laser Vision Correction provider with two of Australia’s leading refractive ophthalmologist, Dr Peter Ingham and Dr Ben LaHood  available for consulting.

We have created an Online Eye Suitability Test which in three quick questions and less than three minutes can indicate your likely suitability and options, and help you book an appointment.

Take the test here! Or book a complimentary Laser Vision Assessment here.

If you would like to seek a referral to our care or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.