Does Eye Color Affect LASIK Candidacy?

It is often said that the first thing people notice about a person is their eyes. Brown, blue, green, gray, hazel … the color of one’s eyes marks the beginning of many first impressions that draw people to one another. Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the front layer of the iris, ranging from very light to very dark. Eye color is also attributed to the interaction of up to 16 genes versus one single gene, making it an unreliable predictor of eye color in children. Because eye color is linked to genes, it can predispose you to certain visual changes, medical conditions and eye diseases which may lead to surgical options to correct vision.

What else does eye color affect? Does eye color affect LASIK candidacy? 

LASIK, Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive eye surgery aimed to correct vision problems by using a laser to reshape the cornea which helps to focus light more accurately on the retina, improving vision. Not everyone qualifies for LASIK eye surgery since candidacy depends on several important factors. These include age, overall eye health, the degree of corrective power needed, stability of your prescription and corneal thickness. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a stable prescription for at least a year and not have any conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eyes. Although LASIK is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks which may include dry eyes, glare, halos and, in rare instances, infection. Despite these risks, many patients consider LASIK a worthwhile option for achieving clear vision. 

While both the cornea and iris are essential for vision, they function independently. The cornea primarily focuses on light, while the iris adjusts the light intake. They do not directly interact with each other, although they both contribute to the overall process of vision. Eye color, which is determined by the pigmentation of the iris, has no impact on the suitability or outcomes of LASIK surgery.
Eye color itself does not directly cause or affect common vision problems like refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). However, eye color can have some indirect influences on light sensitivity and susceptibility of certain eye conditions. For a comprehensive eye exam to learn more about changes affecting your vision and if LASIK may be right for you, contact Great Plains Eye Specialists at 605-718-5123 or WEBSITE.