Myopia (shortsight)

I was quite shortsighted with astigmatism, which I could cope with, but when I started having age-related longsight problems as well, and had to decide in the morning whether to put in my reading contacts or my computer contacts or maybe wear one of my various pairs of glasses, I thought it was time to do something about it! — Carolyn B., Huntingdon, Cambridge

Our laser eye surgery results with myopic (shortsighted) patients

100% of all patients with myopia up to —9.00D treated with laser eye surgery at London Vision Clinic achieved the UK driving standard of 20/32 vision or better. Indeed, 97% of myopic patients with prescriptions up to -4.50 dioptres attained vision better than 20/20 vision (20/16 vision).

This chart reflects our most recent results with shortsighted patients.

How laser eye surgery helps myopia (shortsightedness)

The need to wear glasses or contact lenses is usually removed by myopia laser treatment and this ability to see clearly without aid is of particular benefit to any myopic person who enjoys sport or leads an active life. Many myopic individuals also find it helps in social situations where faces can be more easily recognised.

Alternatives to treating myopia (shortsightedness)

Optometrists treat myopia, in all but it most extreme forms (above -12.50 dioptres), with glasses or contact lenses. This makes myopia an ideal condition for either LASIK or PRK / LASEK treatment.

I am 26 years old and I had worn glasses since I was 12. As my prescription was —9.5D I was a bit borderline for laser surgery. It was an agonizing decision for me whether to go ahead. I did have PRK surgery 4 months ago. Everything went marvellously and exceeded my best expectations. — Monika G., London

Ophthalmologists can treat more severe myopic prescriptions beyond -12.50 dioptres, but in these cases, the preferred option is usually Intra-ocular lenses (IOL).

Myopia explained

In myopic (sometimes called nearsighted) patients, the eyeball is slightly longer and flatter than the lens requires. As a result, light entering a myopic eye converges just before the retina (where the image is formed) and the resulting vision is blurred and out of focus.

There are a number of forms of myopia, but amongst the most common are physiological myopia, pathological myopia and acquired myopia.

If you suffer from myopia (shortsightedness)

You may be an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery. Contact a patient education consultant on 0800 587 4705 to learn more about our experiences in treating patients like you.