How to Fix Overcorrection From LASIK

Overcorrection is a possible side effect of LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery. While rare, it is possible for the laser to remove too much of the corneal tissue. Following a treatment for far-sightededness, an overcorrection will make your distance viewing blurry and your near vision close to perfect. Following a treatment for near-sightededness, an overcorrection will make your vision at close ranges rather difficult. It is possible to fix an overcorrection, but attempts should be made cautiously, since the blurred vision associated with overcorrection can be temporary and because further surgical treatments may result in another unwanted result.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Glasses or contacts
• Eye drops (if prescribed by your surgeon)

1. Monitor your progress and adjustments to your prescription following the LASIK procedure. Usually, overcorrection causes only temporary vision impairment. Your vision should clear up within 6 months of your procedure. This will require frequent appointments and communication with your surgeon.
2. Use eye drops regularly if prescribed by the doctor for a significant overcorrection. The drops can help your eyes heal more predictably, allowing the doctor to determine whether the effects are permanent.
3. Use contact lenses or glasses to enhance your vision and compensate for problems caused by the overcorrection. Corrective lenses can be used during the temporary impairment or for a long-term solution if the vision problems persist. While this is not a perfect solution for those facing permanent vision loss after LASIK, it may be easier than facing another surgery. Corrective lenses will also allow you to determine whether an enhancement surgery is a feasible option. The surgery will try to replicate the effect of lenses, so if contacts or glasses do not improve vision, the surgery will be unsuccessful as well.
4. Consider enhancement surgery to correct the problem if vision impairment continues. An additional laser treatment can usually fix the problem. However, positive results are not guaranteed and an additional surgery comes with serious risks. It is important to wait long enough before considering this option. Most clinics will perform enhancement surgery after 3 months, but that does not mean it is in your best interest. Feel certain that your eyes are at a stable position before considering the surgery.
5. Talk to your doctor about other possibilities that could be causing vision problems before considering an enhancement surgery. If there are other issues in addition to the overcorrection, a surgery may not resolve the problem.
6. Be realistic about the desired outcome of your LASIK experience. Laser surgery may not be as precise as you think it should be. If your residual prescription after the initial surgery is -0.50 or -0.75, then you may be better off addressing the imperfection with corrective lenses rather than risking further impairment that could result from another surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Overcorrection can be used deliberately by a surgeon to accommodate anticipated regression and ultimately provide the desired results.
• Do not think of enhancement surgery as a quick fix to your overcorrection problem. There are important risks to consider when opting for an additional surgery. In addition to surgery-related risks, each procedure removes tissue that will never grow back. Visit LaserMyEye for important considerations (see Resources below).