LASIK does not stop myopia progression. It can correct existing nearsightedness but does not address the underlying causes or prevent further changes in your prescription.
This guide covers how LASIK works, why myopia progresses, and what you need to know before making your decision.
Key Takeaways
- LASIK corrects current nearsightedness but does not prevent future myopia progression.
- Myopia progression is influenced by genetics, eye growth, and environmental factors.
- The best candidates for LASIK are adults with stable prescriptions for at least 1-2 years.
- Alternative methods like Ortho-K, atropine drops, and multifocal lenses can help slow progression in children and teens.
- LASIK doesn’t stop myopia from getting worse, but enhancement procedures and glasses can address changes in vision.
Understanding Myopia and Its Progression
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is overly curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
Myopia typically develops in childhood and can worsen during the teenage years and early adulthood. Factors influencing its progression include:
- Genetics: Family history of myopia increases the likelihood of progression.
- Environmental factors: Prolonged close-up activities and lack of outdoor time.
- Eye growth: The eyes may continue to grow, affecting shape and focus.
Myopia generally stabilizes in the late teens or early twenties, but some may experience continued progression into adulthood.
How LASIK Works for Myopia
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia. The procedure flattens the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina, resulting in improved distance vision.
What LASIK Does:
- Corrects current refractive errors.
- Reduces or eliminates the need for corrective eyewear.
- Provides immediate vision improvement with minimal recovery time.
What LASIK Doesn’t Do:
- Doesn’t change the length of the eyeball or underlying causes of myopia.
- Doesn’t stop future changes in the eye structure or prescription.
Does LASIK Prevent Future Myopia Progression?
LASIK is not a cure for myopia progression. While it corrects the refractive error at the time of surgery, it cannot prevent myopia from worsening. If your eyes continue to change, you may experience myopic regression in the years following the procedure.
Who Faces the Highest Risk of Myopia Progression After LASIK?
People who may experience continued myopia progression after LASIK include:
- Individuals under 21 whose eyes may not have stabilized.
- Those with a strong family history of myopia.
- People with high myopia before surgery.
How Surgeons Minimize the Risk of Myopia Progression After LASIK
To minimize the risk of progression after LASIK, surgeons focus on:
- Careful patient selection
- Recommending a delay in surgery until the prescription is stable for 1-2 years
- Preoperative evaluation to assess risk factors and set realistic expectations
What Happens If Myopia Progresses After LASIK?
If myopia progresses after LASIK, symptoms may include:
- Gradual return of blurred distance vision.
- Needing glasses or contacts for certain activities.
- Noticing vision changes similar to those before LASIK.
Options to address this include:
- Enhancement procedures (e.g., second LASIK or PRK, if corneal health permits).
- Glasses or contacts for specific tasks.
- Lifestyle adjustments like more outdoor time and less near work.
Myopia Control: What Actually Slows Progression?
While LASIK doesn’t stop myopia progression, certain methods can help slow it down, particularly in children and teens. Evidence-based methods include:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specialized contact lenses worn at night.
- Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops that reduce eye growth.
- Multifocal lenses: To alleviate eye strain.
- Increased outdoor time: Exposure to natural light helps slow progression in children.
Making Informed Choices About LASIK and Myopia
LASIK corrects existing myopia but does not prevent its progression. The best candidates for LASIK are adults with stable prescriptions for 1-2 years. For children and teens, myopia control strategies like Ortho-K and atropine drops may be more effective in slowing progression.
FAQs About LASIK and Myopia Progression
Q1. Can LASIK make my myopia worse?
No, LASIK doesn’t cause myopia to progress. However, it doesn’t stop future progression if your eyes continue to change.
Q2. What if my prescription changes after LASIK?
You may need a touch-up procedure or glasses for certain tasks. Your surgeon will advise based on your corneal health and eye condition.
Q3. Is there an age when LASIK is most effective for myopia?
LASIK is most effective for adults whose prescriptions have been stable for at least 1-2 years, typically in their mid-20s or older.
Q4. Can children or teens get LASIK to stop myopia?
No, LASIK is not suitable for children or teens whose eyes are still growing. Myopia control methods are more appropriate for this age group.
Q5. Are there ways to slow myopia progression after LASIK?
Yes, methods like Ortho-K, atropine eye drops, and increased outdoor time can help slow myopia progression in children and teens.