A 45-year-old member asked:
Does lasik help people with optic atrophy?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Odetteanswered
Ophthalmology 17 years experience
No: Lasik is done on the front part of the eye called the cornea, optic atrophy is a problem with the optic nerve. These are two completely separate areas in the eye. It would be like trying to fix a twisted ankle by putting a cast on your arm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Sibley commented
LASIK Surgery 47 years experience
Lasik does not treat or improve eye problems except treating the glasses prescription (near or far sight, astigmatism) & this treatment helps in reducing/eliminating thick glasses or contacts .Now here is where a ''yes'' answer could be a possible answer.If the new clearer vision from the lasik allows the eye with the optic atrophy to see the image clearer than before, then Lasik would have helped
Jul 29, 2015
Dr. Asim Pirachaanswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
No.: Lasik does not help optic atrophy. The goal of lasik is to correct any refractive error (i.e. Glasses or contacts), but the procedure does not correct medical issues of the eye (i.e. Cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Federico Mattiolianswered
LASIK Surgery 27 years experience
No: Lasik will not help people with optic atrophy. The nerve has for some reason suffered an injury and as such may not process light input/vision in a normal way. Lasik functions to focus light in the proper spot but not to address any type of optic nerve injury.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Sibley commented
LASIK Surgery 47 years experience
This answer is correct....with regards to lasik not changing the nerve ...
But if your Lasik results gives you better vision 24/7 without glasses then the vision may be improved for your visual demands and lifestyle , even with the nerve damage.
Jul 29, 2015
Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Possibly: If you have a significant glasses prescription, lasik could maximize your uncorrected vision by eliminating it. It will not improve the underlying optic atrophy though.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Sibley commented
LASIK Surgery 47 years experience
Dr.Bradley is correct...Ask your optic atrophy doctor to talk to your potential lasik doctor...
Jul 29, 2015
Last updated Jan 27, 2017
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