My son is 15 years old, has 6 diopters of nearsightedness, and wants to have eye surgery. Doctor, what is the appropriate age for eye surgery? What preparations are needed before and after surgery? (Huyen, Hanoi).
Reply:
In fact, there is no specific regulation on the number of degrees of nearsightedness that can be operated on. People with nearsightedness of 0.5 degrees or more, aged 18 to under 40, with stable eyes for 6-12 months, can have surgery, depending on the nature of the job or to have brighter, healthier eyes.
Age is one of the prerequisites for a successful surgery, avoiding recurrence of myopia later. From the age of 18 to under 40, adults have fully developed the size of their eyes, so the eyeball does not change, affecting the degree of myopia. On the contrary, people under 18 years old, the eyes are still in the development stage, the degree of myopia is not stable and has many changes.
After the age of 40, along with the body's natural aging process, the lens gradually becomes hardened, loses elasticity and gradually loses its inherent flexibility, making it difficult for the eyes to see up close. In addition, at this age, patients who want to have myopia surgery need to consider the risks that may occur after surgery such as diabetes and glaucoma.
Myopia is considered stable if it increases by no more than 0.75 degrees within 6 months. It is best to have a thorough examination by a doctor who will assess the stability of your vision to provide the most appropriate treatment method.
In addition, for a successful myopia surgery, the patient's corneal thickness is also checked. A cornea under 500 microns is considered weak and thin, requiring care and treatment before surgery.
Notes before and after myopia surgery
Before surgery, the doctor will order necessary tests to check the patient's physical condition and medical history. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not allowed to have surgery.
First 1-3 days after surgery: Wear protective glasses to avoid dust and smoke from entering your eyes; limit exposure to light, strenuous exercise, cosmetics, work, and study.
During the first month after surgery: Avoid playing sports, strenuous exercise, and direct sunlight on the eyes. Within 3-6 months after surgery, the patient may experience some symptoms such as dry eyes and increased sensitivity to light, so careful care is needed.
Use eye drops and have regular check-ups as directed by your doctor or if any unusual symptoms appear.
Doctor Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga
Hanoi Eye Hospital 2
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