Las Vegas Eye Institute, a LASIK surgeon located in Las Vegas, Nevada, has published an educational article addressing whether elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) rules out vision correction surgery. The practice, founded by Dr. Matthew Swanic in 2013, provides LASIK, SMILE, cataract surgery, and other laser vision correction procedures to patients throughout the Las Vegas region. The article, titled “Does high intraocular pressure rule out vision correction surgery?”, walks prospective surgical candidates through the diagnostic and surgical considerations that apply when eye pressure readings fall above typical ranges.
According to the article, elevated IOP does not automatically disqualify a patient from LASIK surgery or other laser vision correction procedures in Las Vegas or Henderson. Las Vegas Eye Institute evaluates each patient individually, assessing how well IOP is controlled, the condition of the optic nerve, and multiple measurements of corneal thickness to determine whether pressure is truly elevated. Patients throughout Las Vegas and Henderson seeking LASIK surgery are assessed using diagnostic imaging that includes the Cirrus 6000 OCT, which captures the retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex to identify structural evidence of glaucomatous damage. Corneal topography and Scheimpflug imaging with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Ziemer Galilei G4 are used to evaluate anterior chamber depth and iris anatomy. For patients who require visual field testing prior to laser vision correction, the practice uses the Compass by Centervue and the Radius XR. Intraocular pressure is measured with iCare, Tonopen, and Goldmann tonometry rather than an air-puff device.
The article explains that patients with mild glaucoma and well-managed IOP may still proceed with LASIK surgery in Las Vegas when the procedure is performed using femtosecond laser technology that applies low suction during corneal flap creation. Las Vegas Eye Institute uses the Zeiss Visumax laser for flap creation, which maintains ocular perfusion throughout the flap step. For patients who are not LASIK candidates, PRK is often considered because it does not require a corneal flap and avoids the temporary pressure increase associated with flap creation. Patients who have undergone prior glaucoma filtering surgery with bleb formation are generally advised against LASIK due to the risk of damage to the bleb or infection. SMILE eye surgery and Custom Lens Replacement are also available to residents of North Las Vegas and Summerlin when clinical findings indicate a different approach. In 2026, Las Vegas Eye Institute added Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) technology to the practice, a laser treatment option for patients currently managing glaucoma with eye drops. The article also notes that cataract surgery has been associated in published research with an average IOP reduction of approximately 2 mmHg that persisted for roughly two years post-procedure.
“Elevated intraocular pressure is a factor that requires careful evaluation, not an automatic disqualification,” said Dr. Matthew Swanic, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist, UCLA fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgery specialist, and founder of Las Vegas Eye Institute. “Each patient receives a full workup that includes optic nerve imaging, multiple corneal thickness measurements, and accurate tonometry so the recommendation reflects their specific eye health and risk profile. When LASIK is not the right fit, PRK, SMILE, or Custom Lens Replacement may be better suited to the patient’s anatomy and goals.” Dr. Swanic completed his cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute, has participated in over 20 clinical trials related to vision correction and eye disease, and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Las Vegas Eye Institute is located at 10521 Jeffreys St STE 101, Henderson, NV 89052, and serves patients throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin. The practice maintains office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with driving directions from the Las Vegas city center to the office available through Google Maps. Complimentary consultations are available for patients considering LASIK, SMILE, Custom Lens Replacement, or cataract surgery, including individuals who have been told elsewhere that elevated IOP or other ocular conditions may affect their candidacy for refractive surgery.
For more information about LASIK surgery at Las Vegas Eye Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada, visit www.lasvegaseyeinstitute.com or the practice’s Google Business Profile. Driving directions from the Las Vegas city center to the Henderson office are available here. Las Vegas Eye Institute continues to evaluate refractive surgery candidacy and provide vision correction care to patients across the Las Vegas metropolitan area, including those who have previously been told that elevated intraocular pressure may limit their surgical options.
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For more information about Las Vegas Eye Institute, contact the company here:
Las Vegas Eye Institute
Dr. Matthew Swanic
(702) 816-2525
lasik@lasvegaseyeinstitute.com
10521 Jeffreys St STE 101
Henderson NV 89052