Options for correction

Spectacles are most commonly prescribed to correct vision. Patients with a small degree of refractive error can be corrected effectively with spectacles. For patients with large errors, thick glasses are needed which may reduce the size of the visual image by up to 25%.

Contact lenses, both hard and soft, are designed to fit directly over the cornea. Most patients provided there are no corneal diseases present may wear them. Patients must also be adept at inserting and caring for the lenses in order to wear them successfully. The contact lenses may be irritating to the eyes, and patients may develop allergies to the cleaning solutions. Contact lenses are unsuitable for many people involved in contact or water sports, or in environments with fumes or particulate debris.

Radial keratotomy "the Russian Operation" involves placing deep radial incisions into the peripheral cornea to correct myopia. Although this has been successful in certain cases, it can cause a weakness in the structure of the eye and is usually no longer recommended.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) uses the excimer laser to treat the surface of the eye. The surgeon prepares the eye by gently removing the epithelium (surface 'skin' layer of the cornea) to reveal the next layer of tissue. The computer-controlled laser then reshapes the curvature of the eye. The epithelium regenerates within 24-48 hours and follows the new curvature sculptured by the laser.

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an alternative procedure to PRK. While still using the excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the LASIK procedure requires a hinged corneal flap to be created first using a precision automated cutting device (micro-keratome). The flap is lifted, and then the cornea underneath is treated with the excimer laser similar to the PRK/PARK. Once the computer controlled laser is completed, the flap is returned to its original position without the need of sutures.

Implantable Contact Lenses are currently undergoing clinical trials, and may become more suitable for people with extreme degrees of shortsightedness. This technique involves placing a lens inside the front part of the eye, between the iris (coloured part of the eye) and lens.