LASIK and Nystagmus

  After browsing your Archive site I ran across the question posted by the gentleman from South Africa("Can you please help me with some info on nystagmus? 2/99).  I too have congenital nystagmus, myopia and astigmatism.  My correction is approximately -4.5 in my left eye, -4.75 in my right.  My astigmatism is -6.0 and -6.5.  My eye movement too has slowed since birth.  I am 39 now.  With glasses I am correctable to 20/50.  With some pairs of gas perm lenses, I have been corrected to 20/30.  
  Currently, my optometrist is recommending LASIK's to reshape the cornea, minimize the astigmatism and improve the myopia.  The surgeons believe they can improve the level of vision to that similar to glasses.  After that, I would be back in gas perm lenses to improve the vision to pass a driver's test.  I can sympathize with the S. African gentleman.  I currently do not drive and do not feel comfortable with my limited vision and driving.  Is LASIK's my best option?  Or should I try for a better fit with the gas perm lenses and hope to get back into the 20/30 range with them alone?

[HFHS MD JL]

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My first recommendation would be to try gas permeable contact lenses to see if you can reach that 20/30 level.  That is good vision.  Some people cannot tolerate these lenses.  Your choices would then be glasses or you could consider lasik.  There may be an issue with you being able to fixate your eye in order to use the laser to reshape your cornea.  Some people with congenital nystagmus do not have severe movement of the eyes if they are fixating whereas others might.  This is something that should be discussed with your surgeon.  Good luck.  You do have a few different options.
This information was provided for medical informational purposes only.
Sinceely,
HFHS M.D.-JL