Lasik FAQs – High Myopia, Astigmatism, Side Effects, Age Limit

1. What does LASIK mean?

LASIK stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a flap-based laser vision correction surgery that can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Introduced in the early 1990s. This flap-based laser vision correction procedure has become one of the most popular and widely-known procedures for correcting refractive errors. It is so well known that the term “lasik” is used to refer to basically any type of laser vision correction.

With LASIK, a thin corneal tissue (flap), is cut on the cornea. The flap is then folded back to allow a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

In the past, the corneal flap was cut using a blade. Today, there are blade-less forms of the LASIK procedure like Femto-LASIK, where the flap is created with a fast and precise femtosecond laser, thus providing a comfortable and safe experience.

There are even flap-less procedures such as TransPRK and SMILE, that do not come with the typical risks associated with cut-flap LASIK, such as dry eyes and flap-related complications.

2. If my degree is high, can I still do lasik?

With advances in vision correction technology, patients with high myopia are even more likely to be eligible for lasik than ever before. With touch-less surface-based procedures such as TransPRK, myopia of up to 1,000 degrees can be corrected.

For those with very thin corneas and/or high myopia, where laser vision correction procedures are unable to correct their vision, Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is a great alternative.

3. How does lasik affect astigmatism?

Lasik can correct astigmatism of up to 500 degrees! You can refer to our comparison table to see which procedures you may be eligible for, based on your prescription.

4. How long is the lasik process?

Lasik is a very quick day surgery. It typically only takes 5 – 10 minutes for your vision to be corrected! No-touch procedures like TransPRK are seamless – each eye can be corrected in under a minute.

5. Is there an age limit to lasik?

There is no age limit for lasik. In fact, our head surgeon Dr. Tony Ho underwent lasik surgery himself in his 60s! 

However, patients must be at least 18 years of age to undergo lasik. This is because their bodies are still changing and growing, thus their prescription might not yet be stable.

6. What are the side effects of lasik?

Side effects are increasingly rare, given the major technological and safety advancements in laser vision correction.

However, a small percentage of patients might experience temporary side effects during recovery, like dry eyes or decreased night vision (glares, haloes, starbursts).

The length and degree of these side effects can be reduced with proper post-operation care, such as adequate lubrication of the eyes and protection from UV rays.