Will asymmetry in optic nerves affect my LASIK procedure?

Doctor's Answers 3

Photo of Dr Daphne Han
Dr Daphne Han

Ophthalmologist

I assume "slight asymmetry in optic nerves" refer to the optic nerve ending or the optic disc, which is the part of optic nerve eye doctors can see when we look at the back of the eyes.

Slight asymmetry of the optic disc usually refers to asymmetry of the "cup disc ratio" and is an indication of risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a potentially blinding eye disease which affects the elderly more commonly. But signs may be present in the eyes upon careful examination before old age, so responsible doctors usually will inform patients about these findings.

It does not necessarily mean that the eyes are already affected by glaucoma. However, if suspicions are strong, other investigative tests such as a visual field test and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) should be performed before decision for LASIK is made.

If there is no diagnosis of glaucoma, it is perfectly OK to proceed with LASIK. If there is a diagnosis of glaucoma, further discussions regarding the long term management of glaucoma should take priority above LASIK.

Hope this answers your question. Cheerio!
Dr Daphne Han

Asymmetric optic discs in and of itself does not affect the LASIK procedure. However, it is important for your surgeon to exclude the possibility of glaucoma whenever there is optic disc asymmetry.

Dr David Chan

Photo of Dr E-Shawn Goh
Dr E-Shawn Goh

Ophthalmologist

Hi Moi

Absolutely not. Asymmetry in the optic nerves are due to many reasons, most of them benign.

These include normal anatomical variations, differences in the degree of your myopia / refractive error or other ocular / retinal pathology that is unrelated to the success of LASIK.

You should have a frank and detailed discussion with your LASIK surgeon about the cause of this asymmetry in appearance of your optic nerve.

Best of luck with your procedure!

ESG

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