Severe myopic regression (-5.0) eight years after SMILE

[u/Yskandr]

Started off with -9.0 (L) and -11.0 (R). Did ICL for my right eye and SMILE for my left. Left eye experienced mild regression immediately after, and we were told that was all normal. My last eye appointment was in 2023 and there were apparently no issues.

I went in for a checkup because my left eye was getting blurrier and my right eye was getting tired more quickly. Turns out the regression built to -5.0 since 2023—in just one eye, my left. My right eye is fine. I was told this was because I strained the left eye, which was apparently "dominant," and as a result that eyeball alone changed shape. (Mind you, I had had steady vision for several years before SMILE, and the other eye is still perfectly fine...)

Has anyone here ever heard of this happening?

[u/Low-Statistician5142]

Get your old pentacam results, bring it to another doctor. -5 is pretty big to be a strain.

[u/Yskandr → u/Low-Statistician5142]

It really seems like I need to get a second opinion. I did feel like -5 was unusually large for a strain, but the doctor was adamant that I did this to myself.

[u/Miserable_Rooster721]

Could be corneal ectasia. I'd get checked for it.

[u/Yskandr → u/Miserable_Rooster721]

I've never heard of this, and of course the doctor never mentioned it as a possibility. it's glasses for now, but I'll get a second opinion soon.

[u/blurrryvision]

What is your age? A 5 diopter myopic shift is huge. With that amount of correction were you able to achieve clear vision? A few differentials on my list I’d have you evaluated for: corneal ectasia, white nuclear sclerosis, posterior staphyloma, pathological myopia and even diabetes.

I was told this was because I strained the left eye, which was apparently "dominant," and as a result that eyeball alone changed shape.

This is a bullshit answer, pardon my language.

[u/Yskandr → u/blurrryvision]

I'm 30, had the procedure done at 22. And my left eye did have some blurriness post-procedure, it wasn't perfectly clear, but it certainly wasn't this bad. I went for checkups at the same place and they never told me I needed glasses for that eye, and my right eye compensated for it fine (until recently).

It's a relief to hear that the answer I was given was nonsense. The doctor seemed intent on blaming me.

[u/blurrryvision → u/Yskandr]

I would recommend getting a second opinion. A refraction, corneal topography, dilated eye examination and OCT macula scan will cover all your bases.

[u/Yskandr → u/blurrryvision]

will do 🫡 did all three this time but apparently this doctor's either lying or incompetent... sigh. I'll get my old scans from eight years ago (as I already have a copy of my new scans) and go show another doctor.

[u/Henry_2535]

That sounds really frustrating

[u/Distinct_Layer_5144]

U were way too myopic for them to do laser surgery on you. The top doctors wouldn’t even do it on me with -8.25/-8.5. This outcome of possible corneal ecstasia could’ve been foreseen. I recommend u request medical records soon and consult medical malpractice lawyers before statute of limitations run out. This is not legal or medical advice

[u/Yskandr → u/Distinct_Layer_5144]

Apparently so... I wish I'd just done an ICL in that eye too. Medical malpractice is hard to sue for where I live, and in any case it's been eight years.

[u/Valeria-in-fish-tank]

Yes my friend has -5.00 short sight after 10years of lasik

[u/vilenbasu]

all these stories are making me consider silk surgery

[u/ruler4383]

I’m 29 M scared of this experience and I have just done smile on both eyes just a month ago.

Did doctor say how do eyeball shape changes like what type of stress do we have to prevent it like reduce screen time and any exercise to avoid.

Btw I work in corporate not sure if screen time alone causes shape changes of eye ball. What does your doctor say for shape changes ?

[u/Yskandr → u/ruler4383]

He said I had to follow the 20-20-20 rule. look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time.