Concerned

Hi there



I am zarshis Avari, 18 years of age.I have got a power of around 8.5 in both eyes and am myopic.I am really really worried about my eyes.I do a lot of work on the computer and even read a lot of books which i think has lead to this situation.My father too has a power of 9.The problem is since i do a lot of reading i have a high cylinder number.My doctors said i cannot wear lenses because of that.Is that true?I recently had a laser operation on my eyes.The doctor said there were small pinholes or tears in the retina which they filled up using the laser.I would also like to know if LASIK is appropriate for someone with a number as high as mine.Does it lead to blindness?

I am doing a Medical Science course which asks for a lot of reading to be done.I plan to enter research in the future and hence am very worried about my eyesight.Please do advise me on the situation.



Thanks

Zarshis

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. High astigmatism can make contacts more difficult to fit and/or require special toric contact lens but you might be able to wear them. Get a second opinion.
2. LASIK might correct some or most even all of your myopia/astigmatism. You would need special measurements. Get two opinions from different corneal/refractive surgeons.
3. Lasik would involve some risk of causing another hole/tear. Discuss that with the refractive eye surgeons.

JH II MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You are bordering on the upper limits to be a good candidate for lasik - but it could be a possible option when you get a little older and if your myopia becomes stable.  It has some risk but an overall high success rate.

MJK MD