LASIK for short-sightedness
Myopia (short-sightedness) is when people see near objects more clearly, but distant objects are blurry.
It occurs when light rays entering the eye are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia is usually a result of the curvature (power) of the cornea being too strong or the length of the eyeball being too long.
Myopia is often inherited; it usually starts in childhood and typically stabilises in the late teens or early adulthood.
How Does LASIK Treat Myopia?
Myopia is caused when the cornea is not shaped properly. Common “misshapes” include the eye being too long, or the cornea being too curved. When light enters the eye through the misshapen eye, it is not focused correctly on the retina. As a result, the brain interprets the nerve signal as a blurry image.
Glasses and contacts correct myopia by compensating for the shape of the eye. They both allow the light to be focused correctly on the retina, but only when you are wearing them. LASIK (laser vision correction), however, actually reshapes the cornea so that light can focus correctly without the use of corrective lenses.
LASIK procedure uses two lasers – a femtosecond and an excimer. The femtosecond laser is used to create access to the cornea (creation of the corneal flap). The excimer is then used to remove excess tissue from the cornea to create the correct curvature to allow for light to be focused properly. This is what results in a clearer image after LASIK.
For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea whilst with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Excimer lasers correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
Considering LASIK for myopia?
Book a consultation with the ophthalmic specialists at personalEYES to find out whether laser eye surgery is suitable for you.
What treatment options are available for Myopia?
The following procedures are suitable for myopia:
Bladeless Laser Surgery | TransPRK/ASLA Laser Surgery | ICL Eye Surgery | SMILE
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses for short-sightedness, a personalised consultation can help determine the most suitable treatment for your eyes.
FAQs
Can laser eye surgery fix myopia?
Yes, laser eye surgery such as LASIK can correct myopia (short-sightedness) in many patients. The procedure reshapes the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses directly on the retina instead of in front of it. This allows images to appear clearer without relying on glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive assessment with an ophthalmologist is required to determine whether LASIK is suitable for your eyes and level of myopia.
Am I a suitable candidate for LASIK for myopia?
Many people with mild to moderate myopia may be suitable candidates for LASIK, but it depends on several factors. Your eye prescription should be stable, your cornea must have adequate thickness, and your overall eye health needs to be assessed. During a consultation, detailed measurements of your eyes are taken to determine whether LASIK or another vision correction procedure would provide the safest and most effective outcome.
Is LASIK for short-sightedness permanent?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct the current level of myopia, so the treated vision change itself is long-lasting. However, natural changes in the eye can still occur over time. While most patients experience stable results for many years, age-related changes such as presbyopia may still develop later in life and affect near vision. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
