LIMITATIONS OF LASIK: WHAT IT CAN'T FIX

LASIK has become a popular choice for improving vision, but it is not a panacea. Certain conditions and eye issues cannot be addressed with LASIK. In this article, we discuss the limitations of LASIK and explain what it can and cannot fix.

What Can't LASIK Fix?

The primary function of LASIK is to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, certain conditions and scenarios do not lend themselves well to LASIK treatment. Here are some of the limitations:

Age-Related Presbyopia

One of the most significant limitations of LASIK is its inability to correct age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects, known as presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and is not suitable for laser correction.

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome and Thin Corneas

Patients with severe dry eye syndrome or very thin corneas are generally not eligible for LASIK. Individuals with these conditions may experience difficulty during the procedure or may not be able to achieve stable and predictable results.

Large Pupils and Certain Eye Conditions

LASIK is less effective in cases where the pupil size is abnormally large or where there are severe eye conditions such as keratoconus. Additionally, patients with high levels of myopia (>-9.00 diopters) and hyperopia (>-4.00 diopters) or significant astigmatism (>-1.50 diopters) may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.

Other Eye Diseases and Degenerations

Conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts are not suitable for LASIK treatment. These diseases affect different parts of the eye and require specific treatments.

Can LASIK Fix Refractive Errors?

LASIK is primarily designed to correct refractive errors related to distance vision. Here's a breakdown of what it can and cannot fix effectively:

Common Conditions That LASIK Can Treat

LASIK is well-suited for regular myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism that are less severe. Specifically, LASIK is ideal for patients with myopia less than -9.00 diopters, hyperopia less than 4.00 diopters, and astigmatism less than 1.50 diopters.

Conditions LASIK Cannot Treat Reliably

While LASIK can improve vision for certain refractive errors, it does not treat other conditions with the same reliability. Common issues that LASIK does not address include presbyopia, high degrees of myopia, and corneal irregularities. Additionally, LASIK does not effectively correct issues related to the lens or other internal eye structures.

Understanding the Mechanism Behind Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is often caused by a combination of excessive near work and the use of corrective lenses. Here's a brief explanation:

Causes of Myopia

Excessive nearwork causes the focusing muscle in the eye to spasm, keeping the lens in close-up mode (pseudomyopia). Using minus lenses to treat myopia can worsen the condition by forcing the lens to focus on objects closer, leading to axial myopia (true myopia).

Preventing Myopia with Vision Therapy

To prevent the development of myopia, it is crucial to relax the focusing muscle and avoid letting it get stuck in a near-focused state. Techniques such as 'print pushing' and 'reduced lens methods' can be effective. Additional methods recommended by experts include:

Donald Rehm Todd Becker Otis Brown Jake Steiner

While these methods are well-known in the scientific community, they have not gained widespread acceptance due to various reasons.

Conclusion

While LASIK is a valuable tool for many vision correction needs, it has its limitations. Understanding these limitations can help patients make informed decisions about their eye care. If you are considering LASIK or have specific vision issues, it is essential to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action.