हिंदी में पढ़ें: क्या कम आई पावर को लेसिक (LASIK) आई सर्जरी से ठीक किया जा सकता है?
Can LASIK be done for low eye power? Yes!
But does that always mean it’s advised? An individual with, let’s say, -0.50D myopia can see and perform daily tasks without eyeglasses, without much discomfort – so it’s possible your surgeon may advise against it.
Read this blog to know more about low eye power, what it means clinically, the difference between recovery timelines of low and high eye power, and whether LASIK is a good decision.
Low Eye Power: Clinical Viewpoint
“Low eye power” or “low power” is a common term in Indian ophthalmology practice. It means mild refractive errors, where vision for most routine tasks is functional without correction (specs, contact lenses, or surgery).
- Low Myopia or Nearsightedness: Generally between -0.50D to -3.00D. With a low eye power of about -0.75D, a person can typically see clearly up to approximately 1.3 meters. Most indoor tasks can be performed without eyeglasses or contact lenses, but distant vision tasks such as watching TV, driving, etc. require visual aids.
- Low Hyperopia or Farsightedness: Eye powers between +0.50D to +2.00D are considered low. Young people’s eyes can compensate through natural light accommodation. Low hyperopia may even be asymptomatic for some people, while others may experience symptoms like headaches, unclear vision, and eyestrain while performing close-up tasks.
- Low Astigmatism or Cylindrical Power: Up to 1.00D cylindrical power is considered low astigmatism. People may experience blurry vision, especially at night.
People with low eye power generally can perform most of their routine tasks without needing specs. Therefore, this brings down the suitability of LASIK to people who actually need it or cannot function without it.
Eligibility for LASIK at Different Eye Powers
| EYE POWER RANGE | CATEGORY | LASIK ELIGIBILITY | EXPLANATION |
| -0.50D to -1.00D | Very low myopia | Can be a candidate if eligibility conditions are met. However, the difference may be very subtle as the eye power is not high to begin with. | If the patient only ever wears glasses for going to the movie theatre or driving, LASIK is not necessary and generally avoidable. |
| -1.00D to -3.00D | Low myopia | Ideal candidate if all other conditions are met. Excellent visual results. | Most eligible people (98-99%) achieve 6/6 vision after LASIK. Individuals falling within this range also have less risk of regression than people with high myopia. |
| +0.50D to +2.00D | Low hyperopia | Good candidates. Symptomatic individuals may notice clearer vision almost instantly. | Those who experience hyperopia symptoms like blurry near vision and eyestrain will notice clearer vision. |
| Below -0.50D | Asymptomatic/Preclinical | Typically not recommended by surgeons | Most surgeons say no to surgery for this range because the ablation depth is too small & because the expected visual benefit is minimal. |
Whether your surgeon advises for or against LASIK eye surgery depends on more factors than just your specs number. A thorough pre-LASIK evaluation assesses your tear film quality, retinal health, corneal surface, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
Besides these, your age, overall physical health (whether or not you have any chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension), etc., also play a crucial role in determining your eligibility for permanent vision correction.
Sohana Hospital makes sure you get the best-in-class care with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, a patient-centric approach, and all advanced specs removal technologies under one roof! The institution also boasts a team of 13+ of the best eye specialists in Chandigarh who make sure every patient walks out with restored vision and renewed confidence!
Have low eye power and considering LASIK? Check your eligibility with pre-LASIK screening tests at Sohana Hospital today!
