Is it possible to have perfect eyesight but blurry vision after Epi-LASIK surgery?

Doctor's Answers 2

Hi,

The term ‘perfect eyesight’ can be somewhat misleading as it could mean different things.

When we check eyesight (visual acuity), we are asked to read a chart with smaller and smaller letters. One of the line of small letters near the bottom is called the 6/6 line, and if a person can read the letters on that line, some people would call that ‘perfect eyesight’. But being able to read or make out the letters does not necessarily mean that those letters are perfectly clear. Hence, there can be 6/6 vision that is more clear or more blur than another person’s 6/6 vision.

There can be many reasons for blurrer vision. Things like dry eyes, post epiLASIK/PRK haze, residual spectacle power, or so called ‘higher order aberrations’ which are surface irregularities not correctable with regular glasses.

But generally, if letters on the 6/6 line can be read, any factor causing blurring is likely to be mild.

If you are still concerned about your vision, you should discuss this further with your doctor or consider getting a second opinion. Only with a thorough check and relevant tests can a doctor tell if there is any residual problem and how mild or severe it is.

I regret to hear that your results may not have been what you expected.

Often times, it is possible to have a difference of 0.25D to 0.50D (25 to 50 degrees) between 2 eyes following a successful LASIK surgery. Usually each eye at this level is still able to see very well without glasses.

Should you feel that your vision is “blurry”, it would be best to find out from your surgeon the results of the chart reading and the post-operative refraction results.

Only by having the afore-mentioned data would you be able to objectively quantify the level of your vision and tell you what type of refractive error (e.g. myopia or astigmatism) may still be present.

Similar Questions

What options do I have to correct my myopia if I am at risk for post-LASIK ectasia?

In my clinic, patients with borderline LASIK suitability test results using cornea topography and tomography (i. e. cornea mapping) are usually carefully counselled before options presented for consideration. The possible options, depending on the post-LASIK ectasia risk profile, are: LASIK-EXTRA, LASEK, LASEK-EXTRA and ICL (implantable contact lens). SMILE-EXTRA had been tried out before too, although currently it is still much rarer than the other options, due to limited experience in the medical community.

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Answered By

Dr Daphne Han

Ophthalmologist

Should I delay LASIK if I suffer from symptomatic dry eyes and Epithelial Keratopathy?

When there are symptoms suggestive of any potential eye disease, I would recommend addressing the underlying problems first before embarking on any form of surgery, refractive surgery included. Complaints such those you described are suggestive of dry eye and refractive error instability which would warrant caution prior to making any decision for surgery. Should you have any concerns, it would be perfectly appropriate for you to raise them with your surgeon. Work closely with a trusted surgeon to decide on the best course forward. Otherwise, a second opinion could help allay your worries.

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