For patients with corneal scars, is it safe to do LASIK or PRK?

It depends on:

• the size,
• location,
• depth of the scar and
• whether/how much associated corneal thinning there is.

In general, some form of laser refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK) can be considered if the best vision with spectacles is normal (6/6) and the scar is not in the centre of the cornea.

If the scar is small, e.g. <1mm, superficial and in the far corneal periphery, LASIK could be an option.

For some other types of scars, PRK may be advisable if the scar is likely to interfere with flap creation during the LASIK procedure.

So is it safe to do LASIK or PRK with a corneal scar? It really depends.

Hence, do consult with an experienced refractive surgeon. He/She will examine your eye carefully, perform the necessary tests, evaluate the results, and then discuss the risks and benefits with you.

This is highly dependent on the density of the scar, and the location of the scar tissue.

With that said, you should consult your attending Lasik surgeon to discuss your options. Faint and peripherally located scars are extremely amenable to surgery. In fact, generally have better visual outcomes.