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Seeing Clearly: Kids and LASIK
By Kendeyl Johansen
Most of us know an adult that sees better because of LASIK eye surgery. But can children with bad vision benefit from the LASIK procedure?
Suzy Maloney's son has very poor vision and has worn glasses since 2nd grade. The Raleigh, N.C. mother, worries about her 11-year-old son wearing safety glasses while playing sports. His lenses could somehow break or the glasses could slip, causing an accident.
"My son has expressed interest in LASIK because of sports, and I think he also worries about the social aspects of glasses," she says.
Maloney isn't alone. Other parents share concerns about their kids wearing safety glasses or contacts while playing basketball, swimming or pursuing other physical activities. LASIK may help active kids see well without lenses someday.
A recent article in The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery reported LASIK and other eye surgeries, which are usually only for adults, may provide the best treatment for certain children. The article details the case of a contact lens and glasses intolerant 16-year-old girl who underwent LASIK surgery to correct significant farsightedness in both eyes. Almost two years after surgery, the girl is still seeing well without glasses.
"Because pediatric LASIK is considered quite new, it may be difficult for parents to get great advice on the subject," says Dr. Jonathan Davidorf, medical director of Davidorf Eye Group, in West Hills, Calif., and instructor of ophthalmology at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute.
He explains that children with significant amblyopia (lazy eye), has a large variance in glasses prescription between the two eyes, that has not responded well to traditional therapy like glasses, contacts and patching, would likely be excellent candidates. These children may face permanent vision loss if nothing is done.
