Is LASIK Safe for Children?

Some experts believe that pediatric vision correction surgery is appropriate in certain situations.

Ophthalmologists are now asking the question, "What is the ideal treatment for children who can't or won't wear glasses?" Some doctors believe that LASIK is appropriate for children in certain situations. According to Dr. Rowsey, the most important issues at hand are the individual needs of the child. "No two children are alike.

While LASIK is associated with a number of intraoperative and postoperative complications (see tables below), it's important to note that, according to many sources, the incidence of severe, vision-threatening complications is less than 1%. Other less serious complications can occur in up to 5% of people who receive LASIK.

Accodring to, Andrew Caster, MD, Caster Eye Center, Beverly Hills, Calif. , LASIK is safe for teens, but it is not recommended for most teenagers. It is best to have LASIK only when you have stopped growing and your eyes have stopped changing, which is frequently in the very late teenage years or during your twenties. If you have LASIK before your eyes stop changing, you will need to come back and have further LASIK after your eyes stop changing. http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/asksurgeon.htm

ABSTRACT Aims: To report success in the treatment of high myopia in children with LASIK. To report the visual results, complications and postoperative management of children with high myopia. Methods: Six children (seven eyes) with high myopia were included in this series. Preoperative and postoperative refraction, visual acuity, and pachymetry were compared. Results: Six children with high myopia ranging from -5.00DS to -16DS were treated. There were three males and three females. Five children had improved refraction and visual acuity post-LASIK. Age ranged from 2 to 12 years. Five of the children had unilateral amblyopia preoperatively. One had bilateral high myopia. Conclusion: High myopia in children may be treated safely and effectively with LASIK.