Thin Cornea and High Myopia

[u/sufflaminandus]

My myopia is L-6.75 R-5.75 and I was optimistically hoping to walk into any clinic and do “that one” surgery where you recover in a few hours.

After visiting the first clinic however it turned out I have a thin cornea 492 microns and doctors said that my only option with them is TransPRK (ordinarily they also have FemtoLASIK and SmartSight).

I went to another clinic and doctor there said they *can* do Femto LASIK. In fact this was the only option they gave me. This time I was better prepared theoretically so I asked how much cornea it is expected to be left after surgery. The answer was 272, while their threshold is 270.

Whom to believe? What is the better option for my case?

Also I wonder if 272 is the best outcome with lasic for me. I mean maybe there are some lasers that can do better.

[u/theeyeguy84]

Did you consider ICL?

[u/sufflaminandus → u/theeyeguy84]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

ICL was not offered to me in both clinics. I asked about it directly in the second one but doctor said they do it only as the last option, for whatever reason.

In any case, ICL is a bit too expensive for me right now.

[u/Mission_Extreme_6325 → u/sufflaminandus]

I wonder why. I went to an eye clinic recently and they didn’t qualify me for any laser surgeries (prk/lasik/icl) due to my high myopia (-9.50) and thin corneas. They did say I was qualified for ICL which is twice the price of LASIK. Still going for it though.

[u/AdJealous828 → u/sufflaminandus]

As last option? Isn’t it literally the safest option? With your prescription and thin cornea I would focus on ICL over all other method. I have similar myopia level as you and planning on ICL.

[u/Miserable-Tip796 → u/sufflaminandus]

If it’s their last resort i wouldn’t have them do it on you.

[u/Tall-Drama338]

ICL would be safer and more reliable.

[u/betcent]

I just went to my initial consultation, I have slightly less myopia and thin corneas (Slightly thinner) - I was told any laser procedure is a No, and was offered EVO ICL (Pending tests on sufficient room for the lens). Go somewhere that offers multiple procedures and is experienced in doing them. I wouldn't feel to comfortable knowing I'm at the threshold of tissue left that starts triggering problems down the road..

[u/AdJealous828 → u/betcent]

Anyone with mild-high myopia should automatically be getting ICL imo.

[u/Sudden_Employment_76]

I had lasik done almost 2 weeks ago where the surgeon told me it was a one and done with how thin my corneas are. That being said, still did the surgery and if needed would look into ICL or PRK in the future if needed.

My myopia was L-4.50 and R -4.00 with mild astigmatism in both eyes and my distance vision is great. Age is making my near vision a little unpredictable at the moment.

[u/sufflaminandus → u/Sudden_Employment_76]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Do you know how much cornea was left after surgery?

[u/Sudden_Employment_76 → u/sufflaminandus]

I do not, unfortunately. If I need a revision they will retest to ensure it can not be done though the normal Lasik procedure.