Myopia Surgery Regression: What Happens Years Later and How Much Vision Can You Lose?

Post-operative myopia regression is a real concern for anyone considering or who has undergone refractive surgery. This comprehensive guide covers regression rates for SMILE, FS-LASIK, Trans-PRK, and ICL, risk factors, prevention strategies, and what to do if regression occurs.

Imagine this scenario: after finally mustering the courage and spending a fortune on myopia surgery, you bid farewell to your glasses. But just a few years later, you notice your vision getting blurry again. The anxiety sets in — was the surgery all for nothing?

This concern is very common. Post-operative myopia regression does occur with a certain probability. Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about myopia regression after refractive surgery.

Whether you’re considering surgery or have already had it done, this is essential reading.

What Are the Regression Rates After Myopia Surgery?

Since different surgical techniques have different regression rates, let’s first understand the common types of myopia correction surgery available today.

Myopia correction surgeries are classified by surgical site into corneal refractive surgery and intraocular refractive surgery.

Corneal Refractive Surgery

These procedures correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea.