LASIK, LASIK Everywhere, But Does It Help Amblyopia?

What is it?

LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) is another treatment option for refractive error (nearsighted, farsighted and astigmatism).  It provides an alternative to glasses or contacts to improve vision.  It is the most common form of refractive surgery.
 

How is it done?

First there is some initial testing to determine if a patient is a good candidate.  Assuming that is successful, a patient is scheduled with a doctor for surgery.  The surgery begins with a special knife (sometimes a laser) cutting a flap in the front of the eye and the flap is folded back.  A special laser is then used to remove tissue reshaping the front of the eye, focusing light on the retina and the flap is laid back down.  No suture is needed because the cut is so precise the flap “sticks” in place.
 

Who does it?

People who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism; these individuals are frustrated with contacts and glasses making them excellent candidates for LASIK.   Often  these  people suffer from allergies and dryness making contacts intolerable and they are unhappy with their vision in glasses.  Others simply want to read the clock in the middle of the night without glasses.

It most cases both eyes are corrected for distance, therefore if the patient is over 40 they will need reading glasses.  Sometimes to avoid reading glasses one eye is corrected for distance and one eye for up close, similar to monovision in contacts.

Many surgeons will not perform LASIK on anyone younger than 18, most recommend 21.
 

Will this correct amblyopia?

If you have amblyopia and even with glasses have reduced vision out of an eye even with glasses LASIK will NOT make you see better.  Amblyopia is a brain issue.  LASIK simply focuses the light on the retina.  LASIK will however remove the need for glasses or contacts.  However many amblyopes still get LASIK.  They do not expect to see any better after the procedure, however they do not want to wear glasses or contacts anymore.

As we discussed earlier, we can improve amblyopia after the age of 14 but that require significant work.  No glasses, contact or surgery will provide a quick fix.

“Dodge”

William Dodge Perry, OD