FAQs regarding refractive surgeries and lasers

FAQs regarding refractive surgeries and lasers

If my refractive error is not corrected fully, can I go in for a repeat procedure?

Yes. If there is a significant residual refractive error, then your surgeon might advise you to undergo a repeat surgery at an appropriate time. In LASIK the same flap can be raised again and the laser treatment applied as before.

Can I get my reading glasses (presbyopia) removed by surgery?

No. As we know, presbyopia is the inability of natural lens to change its power according to the need of the person. None of these procedures described can help in this. There are a few techniques being developed to correct this problem, but they are in the stage of investigation and as of today, are not advisable.

What is the minimum age before which refractive surgeries are not done?

None of the refractive surgeries are performed till the power of the eye becomes stable. This generally occurs after 18 years of age, when the eyeball stops growing. Even after this age, the refractive error should be stable over a period of few months before a surgery is contemplated.

I am a contact lens wearer. What additional precaution must I take before going for refractive surgery?

Since the contact lens can change the curvature of cornea, it is advised to discontinue use of contact lenses at least 2 weeks before the refractive surgery.

What are the situations in which refractive surgery is not advisable?

Refractive surgery may not be considered appropriate in the following conditions, as there may be additional risk or poor outcome may be involved:

• • Age below 18 yrs
• • Unstable refraction in adulthood
• • When the person has only one eye with good vision
• • Keratoconus (conical cornea)
• • Pregnancy
• • Severe dry eye disease
• • Significant ocular abnormality
• • Those who are inappropriately motivated, who have inappropriate expectations

I have a high degree of myopia. I was told that because of high myopia, my retina is 'weak' and I am at a risk of getting retinal detachment. Will correction of myopia by LASIK lead to decrease in risk of retinal detachment also?

No. You should remember that the treatment involves only reshaping of cornea, so that the light gets focused properly on your retina. It does not correct the 'weakness' of your retina and the risk of retinal detachment remains. Even after refractive surgery you should continue taking the special precautions and regular checkups with your ophthalmologist.