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Moderate regression may occur after excimer laser assisted conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless 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 Bladeless 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
to stop within the normal six month healing period.
Regression that is severe or continues to progress may be a sign
of ectasia.
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.
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.
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
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