Dioptres limitations to laser eye treatment?

Question

I've been told that laser eye treatment is great for up to approx 2.50 dioptres but my eyes are -5.00 and -6.50 and I have been told that it's not wise to go through surgery with that measurement because it involves taking too much off the eye. Is this true? What's the opinion of a professional?

Also, I've heard that some people need to go back to wearing glasses after 10 years, is this true?

Answer 1

-5.00 and -6.50 are not necessarily too high for laser surgery.  Corneal thickness is the measurement of concern when it comes to "taking too much off the eye."  The cornea is the front of the eye that does most of the focusing for the eye.  It is the part that is lasered in surgery.  If it is too thin, then surgery is not a good idea.  There is no way to tell just from your prescription if you are a good candidate or not for surgery; I suggest seeing an eye doctor for an evaluation.

I'm not sure on statistics about people needing to wear glasses again, but there is always a chance of your eyes changing again.  Your eyes shouldn't get as bad as they were before, though.  And remember, when you get to about your forties, you will still need reading glasses as you go through presbyopia.  This is when you lose the ability to accommodate, or focus at near, because of the aging of the lens and its muscles.

Again, the best way to know if you are a good candidate for surgery is to see a doctor.  Talk to your optometrist next time you go in for a checkup.  Good luck!