Both patients and doctors must consider many different factors before LASIK eye surgery. Pupil size is one of the basic variables that surgeons will look at when determining if someone is a candidate for laser eye surgery. The size of the patient’s pupil can have a major impact on the outcome of the surgery, and some patients may even be excluded from the procedure due to pupil size. Before opting to undergo LASIK, all patients should analyze their pupil size, consider the possible outcomes and discuss their concerns with a qualified surgeon.

Pupil Size and LASIK Success

Why does the size of the pupils matter so much? Most experts agree that patients with smaller or larger than average pupils generally do not have as good of results as those with average sized pupils. Numerous studies have shown that individuals with large pupils have a greater risk of experiencing a negative post-surgery outcome. Some potential side effects include blurry vision, overcorrection, undercorrection and poor night vision.

Due to this, surgeons now carefully screen patients based on important factors such as pupil size. In many cases, people with large pupils are told that they are not good candidates for the LASIK procedure. Past lawsuits brought by patients who have experienced negative outcomes have led many surgeons to err on the side of caution. However, all patients need to act as their own advocate when considering cosmetic surgery. In order to avoid problems, potential patients need to ask their qualified surgeon about pupil size.

Solutions for People with Larger Pupils

While large pupils can increase the chance of complications, this does not necessarily mean that every patient with larger than average pupils is ineligible for LASIK. New technologies and developments are making it possible for people with small and large pupils to have successful laser eye surgery. New lasers now allow surgeons to treat a larger area of the cornea with greater precision. However, surgeons must always warn patients that potential side effects may still occur.

In some cases, alternatives to LASIK are the preferred choice for individuals with small or large pupils. Some possible solutions include implantable lenses, intraocular lenses and traditional contact lenses. Each of these options carries a unique set of benefits, risks and expenses, so it is essential that each patient consider his or her own needs and resources before making a decision. For some patients, opting for a non-surgical choice such as 30-day contact lenses is a good choice that eliminates much of the risk.