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
