Indications for LASIK


 
 

The LASIK procedure is indicated for the correction of nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism and farsightedness (hyperopia).

In general, it can be said that the less severe the refractive error is, the more precise the result of LASIK surgery can be.

In a very simplified way, it can be noted that no vision impairment is noted and corrective eyeglasses are not needed after LASIK surgery if the nearsightedness (myopia) was approximately -5 diopter or less. In those rare cases where the nearsightedness has not been corrected entirely, an enhancement surgery is possible at any time.

The preciseness of LASIK surgery decreases with the increased severity of nearsightedness, and a certain decrease in vision can be noted at dawn and darkness. Whether you will experience these side effects and how severe they will be will depend on the thickness of your cornea, the diameter of your pupil when dilated in the dark and from the severity of your nearsightedness. An individual consultation is only possible after a complete and detailed eye exam has been performed. If your nearsightedness is higher than -10 diopter, the side effects at dawn and darkness generally become so strong that other treatment alternatives such as intraocular lenses should be considered.

The treatment results for the correction of farsightedness (hyperopia) are less precise as those attained after surgery for nearsightedness. Generally, no vision impairment is noted and in most cases corrective eyeglasses are no longer needed after LASIK treatment of the correction of farsightedness up to +3 diopter. As with nearsightedness, an enhancement surgery is possible at any time.

Astigmatism is another treatable refractive error. It rarely occurs isolated and is commonly treated together with nearsightedness or farsightedness.