Moderate regression may occur after excimer laser assisted conventional
or custom
wavefront
Lasik,
All-Laser Lasik,
PRK,
LASEK, and
Epi-Lasik. This occurs mostly in
myopic patients who have more than 6.0 diopters of refractive
error and virtually all
hyperopic patients.
After
excimer
laser assisted
refractive surgery the cornea tends to regress back toward the
original refractive error. The
epithelium and the deeper
stroma can reshape and reform at different rates and can cause
regression.
Most Lasik and All-Laser Lasik patients experience regression
within the first few weeks after surgery, while the surface ablation
techniques of PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik may require additional time
until regression has settled down. For myopic patients, regression
usually occurs within the first one to three months after surgery.
Hyperopic patients may experience regression for a longer
period of time. In all cases, it is reasonable to expect regression
stop within the normal six month healing period.
Regression that is severe or continues to progress may be a sign
of ectasia.
NearVision CK is considered a temporary procedure because the
effects regress at a rate of about 0.33 diopter per year until all
effects have dissipated.
Regression is a natural component of the healing process and
is considered in the planned correction. A patient may be deliberately
overcorrect to accommodate expected levels of regression. See
Lasik Overcorrection Information
Regression occurs more commonly with smaller ablation diameters
and with abrupt transition zones at the edge of the treatment areas.
Steroid medications can be used to regulate and control regression.
Although regression seems to be more prevalent the higher the refractive
error, regression can occur in anyone.
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom
wavefrontt
Lasik,
All-Laser Lasik,
PRK,
LASEK,
Epi-Lasik,
NearVision CK,
RLE, or any
refractive surgery procedure, we highly recommend you consider
a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes
nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified
Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Doctor.
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