What are possible outcomes if I undergo LASIK while my degree is still not stable?

Doctor's Answers 2

Do understand that LASIK or any kind of laser vision correction (PRK, ReLEx SMILE) is aimed at correcting the degree of the eye to enable the patient to see well without glasses. Should your degree not be stable, the laser applied to correct that amount of prescription will not be accurate.

For example, if a person mentions that his degree has not stabilised and his degree 2 years ago was 500 degrees. One year ago, let’s say his degree increased to 600 degrees. At that point, he decided to wait and not proceed with LASIK. Today, let’s say his degree is 700.

Should he have proceeded with LASIK when his degree was 600, he would have still ended up with 100 degrees today as his vision has not stabilised yet.

As such, the laser is just chasing a moving target and not the final prescription of the patient. I will only recommend laser vision correction when your vision has stabilised for least the past 1 year.

If you have LASIK before your spectacle degree is stable, you may find some of your original spectacle power 're-appearing' after the LASIK procedure.

Similar Questions

Is it possible for me to do LASIK if I have big eye nerves?

Embarking on the journey towards laser vision correction can be one fraught with conflicting information and differences of opinion even amongst eye surgeons. The criteria used to consider when a patient is suitable for LASIK are many. As with all forms of risk analysis, often the conclusion is made only when a multitude of factors converge to inform the surgeon if the patient sitting in front of him or her is a suitable candidate for LASIK.

Will I still be able to wear contact lens after LASIK?

Most patients are able to continue wearing contact lens after LASIK. Due to changes in cornea shape following LASIK surgery, the optometrist can adjust the shape of the contact lens to permit a good fit between the contact lens and cornea. Do remember though that the same precautions to prevent contact lens related complications like infections and allergies still apply. Maintain good hygiene practice and moderate the duration of use. It is generally a misconception that patients undergoing LASIK have to sacrifice the option of wearing contact lens altogether.

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