High Myopia and LASIK Limitations: Exploring Safe and Effective Alternatives

What is High Myopia?

High myopia means you are very nearsighted. In other words, you need strong glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. Usually, doctors call it high myopia if your prescription is -6.00 diopters or more. This condition makes far-away objects look blurry. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high myopia can increase your risk for eye problems later in life.

Why LASIK May Not Be Enough for High Myopia

Many people choose LASIK to fix nearsightedness. However, LASIK may not work well for everyone with high myopia. For example, if your prescription is very strong, LASIK might not fully correct your vision. Also, LASIK removes a thin layer from your cornea. If your cornea is too thin, it may not be safe to do more surgery. Because of these reasons, doctors sometimes suggest other treatments for severe nearsightedness.

Alternative Treatments for High Myopia

When LASIK isn’t enough, you still have options. Here are some alternatives to LASIK for high myopia:

Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): These are special lenses placed inside your eye. They work like permanent contact lenses. ICLs can help people with very high prescriptions.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): This is another laser surgery. It reshapes the surface of your eye. PRK may be safer for people with thin corneas.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): In this surgery, doctors replace your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. RLE is often used for people with severe nearsightedness or early cataracts.

Each treatment has risks and benefits. Therefore, it is important to talk with your eye doctor about which option is best for you.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing High Myopia

Even if you cannot have LASIK, you can still manage high myopia. Here are some helpful tips:

Wear your glasses or contact lenses as prescribed.

Take breaks from screens every 20 minutes. Look at something far away for 20 seconds.

Use good lighting when reading or working.

Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses during sports or risky tasks.

Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fish. These foods support eye health.

With these habits, you can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Prevention and Eye Health Guidance

While you cannot always prevent high myopia, you can slow its progress. For example, children should spend more time outdoors. Studies show that sunlight may help slow nearsightedness in kids. Also, regular eye exams can catch changes early. If you notice new symptoms, such as flashes of light or sudden vision loss, see your doctor right away. These could be signs of serious problems, like retinal detachment, which is more common in people with high myopia.

When to Consult an Eye Specialist

It is important to see an eye specialist if you have high myopia. For instance, you should visit your doctor if:

Your vision changes quickly.

You see flashes, floaters, or dark spots.

You want to learn about treatment options for severe nearsightedness.

You have questions about managing high myopia.

Early care can help protect your vision and prevent problems.

In summary, high myopia can be managed even if LASIK is not enough. There are many alternatives and lifestyle changes that can help. Consult an eye specialist for personalized advice on managing high myopia.