What is the minimum degree of myopia required for refractive surgery?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is now highly prevalent. If you visit a school, you may find that over half the children in a class are wearing myopic corrective lenses at an unusually early age—posing significant challenges for their future daily life and careers. So, what degree of myopia qualifies a person for refractive surgery?

What Degree of Myopia Qualifies for Refractive Surgery?

Generally, myopia ranging from −1.00 to −12.00 diopters (D) can be corrected surgically. For common laser-based procedures—such as femtosecond laser and excimer laser surgery—the treatable range is approximately −1.00 to −10.00 D. In contrast, implantable collamer lens (ICL) or phakic intraocular lens (IOL) surgery accommodates a broader range of −1.00 to −12.00 D. However, eligibility is not determined solely by refractive error; rather, it hinges on whether the patient meets all comprehensive preoperative criteria. Beyond the degree of myopia, other critical requirements include: stable vision over the past year or more; astigmatism within acceptable limits; age ≥18 years; discontinuation of contact lens wear for approximately one year prior to evaluation; normal corneal topography and adequate corneal thickness; absence of ocular surface inflammation; and overall good general health.

Myopia may arise from genetic factors. It exhibits a certain degree of heritability: children with both parents having high myopia are at significantly increased risk. Hereditary myopia typically manifests earlier in life and tends to progress to higher degrees—often exceeding −6.00 D. Nevertheless, not all cases of high myopia are genetically determined.

We recommend patients alleviate eye fatigue and help prevent myopia progression through acupressure massage. We hope this information proves helpful to you.