Is regression of a refractive error possible after laser vision correction?

Modern medicine offers treatment to ailments suffered by those with vision defects. Laser vision correction means new vision quality for many short-sighted, far-sighted and astigmatic people, which is why it continually gains in popularity. However, before we take our final decision, we need to find answer to one important question: is it possible for a refractive error to regress after the procedure? 

Many people have come to terms with the thought that they will always have a refractive error, but since the possibility of having a laser vision correction surgery appeared we no longer have to be dependent on glasses or contact lenses. In a very short time we can get rid of a vision defect which makes our life more difficult. The question is whether the result of the surgery is going to be permanent. If we want to make sure everything will go to our liking, we should take proper care of our eyes during the convalescence period.

How to take proper care of your eyes during a post-surgical convalescence period and afterwards so as to enjoy good eyesight for the rest of your life?

Post-operative recommendations should be treated very seriously. The effectiveness of a laser vision correction surgery also depends to a large extent on us.

First of all, it is very important to have enough rest. Too frequent, too long or too intensive accommodative effort is not recommended. Even healthy eyes require some time to rest, and those after a surgery need it much more. Following the rules of work hygiene should be a high priority to us. We should take 15-minute breaks for other activities (which do not involve close-up vision) or simply look into the distance every 45 minutes.

It is also essential to remember how important for the eyes is the tear film and hence to blink often enough – especially when we are sitting in front of a computer screen or when we read a book. In case of a burning sensation, excessive lacrimation or a sense of a foreign body under the eyelids we should apply preservative-free lubricating eye drops even as often as every hour.

Another piece of advice worth taking is to make sure our eyes get enough oxygen. Therefore, it is recommendable to stay outdoors as frequently as possible. In this way we will also provide enough daylight for the retina, but let’s not forget to wear UV protection sunglasses when it is very sunny.

What is more, a walk is also a good opportunity for us to exercise the eyes. When we look around, we should look at the tree crowns, sea horizon or mountains tops. Looking into the distance helps to reduce accommodative tension and prevents eye fatigue.

Laser vision correction – effective when you follow the doctor’s instructions

Vision improvement following laser vision correction is gradual and a stable result is achieved in approximately six months after the procedure. After the surgery every patient receives information and recommendations, which should be strictly followed, as well as a set of eye drops, whose regular administration has a significant effect on the result of the treatment, as well as helps to prevent complications and provides suitable eye lubrication and optimal effect of visual acuity after laser correction.

Laser vision correction is conducted once and its results are permanent. A refractive error corrected during the procedure does not recur idiopathically. Adverse environmental factors, diseases which affect hormonal balance and injuries, especially head injuries, as well as lifestyle and work routine unfavourable to the eyes may cause a refractive error regression. It happens very rarely though, with only a few isolated cases reported. The stability of laser vision correction results is also achieved through high-quality measurements and tests conducted during a preliminary qualifying examination preceding a laser vision correction procedure and through an individual choice of correction method. By the time of the examination the refractive error should have been stable for at least a year. A refractive error becomes stable after the process of physical development of the body is finished, which usually happens after the age of 18. The laser remodels the thin layer of the cornea, thus correcting such refractive errors as short-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism, i.e. those vision disorders which appeared in the course of the visual system development during adolescence.

If you have any questions regarding a laser vision correction procedure or you would like to find out more about your individual case, contact our doctors using an online form available under the ASK A DOCTOR tab. You can also find there a number of questions asked by other patients and our doctors’ answers.

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