With the advances in medical technology, corrective surgery has become a common treatment for myopia. However, the idea of creating incisions in our delicate eyes can be scary, and some people may worry about the risk of blindness when the surgery fails. This is an understandable concern, but myopia corrective surgery rarely leads to blindness.

We need to first understand what corrective surgery is and how it is performed. The surgery corrects myopia by changing the shape of the eyeball to help the patient see distant objects clearly. Common myopia corrective surgeries include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser-Assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery.

Dispelling 3 misconceptions of myopia corrective surgeries

Will a failed myopia corrective surgery lead to blindness?

Although myopia corrective surgery has some potential risks, in most cases, the only issue is unsatisfactory postoperative vision. The chances of going blind are extremely low, and cases of failure are also rare. If you are not satisfied with your vision after the surgery, you can consult with your eye doctor to see if you can opt for a second corrective surgery.

Will I have myopia again after corrective surgery?

Myopia corrective surgery is an effective treatment for myopia, but it cannot guarantee that you will not get the condition again. The results of the surgery may vary depending on the surgical method and individual circumstances. For some people, the surgery can completely correct myopia, while some people may still have some degree of myopia after the surgery.

Patients who often use electronic devices are especially more likely to develop myopia again, which is known as a rebound effect. Therefore, it is important to develop healthy eye habits after the surgery such as maintaining good eye hygiene and avoiding excessive use of electronic devices to prevent myopia from reoccurring. Remember to schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments.

Can I work or exercise immediately after myopia correction surgery?

Myopia correction surgery is often followed by a recovery period. The duration can range from several days to weeks, depending on the surgical method. During the recovery period, you should avoid doing strenuous exercise and physical labour, seeing bright lights, and irritating your eyes. Doing some light work and exercises is acceptable, but you should follow the doctor's instructions to protect your eyes.

Before opting for myopia corrective surgery, it is best to consult a professional eye doctor to clarify any doubts or questions and know more about the procedure of the surgery. This helps you stay relaxed during the process.

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