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What is over-correction and under-correction? How can it be rectified? |
As with any form of refractive surgery, there is a possibility of under- or over-correction in LASIK treatment. Individuals have different responses to the laser ablation, however most patients respond very similarly.
A specific amount of tissue removal is usually required to correct a specific amount of refractive error. The amount to be removed is derived from a surgeon’s experience, laser calibration as well as collated statistics of LASIK procedures worldwide, and assumes that the patient follows the normal healing response.
An over-correction would mean that the patient has over-responded to treatment. This would mean that myopes (short-sighted) may become slightly hypermaetropic (long-sighted) and vice versa.
An under-correction would mean that the patient under-responded to the correction. This would mean that the person’s myopia or hypermaetropia may still exist but albeit in a much smaller amount.
Over- and under-correction can occur to anyone whose healing response may vary from the norm. Fortunately, these conditions can be rectified via enhancements.
Enhancements1 can be performed up to 6 months after the initial surgery and after this period, the flap will seal back to its original bed and usually can no longer be opened.
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