(Posted January 2005)

Depending on the severity of the case and the complexity of the causes, there are a range of possible ways to correct it.

If it is very mild and caused by slight overcorrection in one eye, without a large gap in correction between the two eyes, it is possible simple eyeglasses will help; if they do not, soft contacts would be required.

If there is a large gap in correction, but the cause is still exclusively refractive error, then the two options would be (a) soft contact lenses to correct the refractive error, or (b) further laser surgery or another form of refractive surgery such as CK. The preferred method in many cases would be contact lenses because of the risks imposed by another invasive surgery; additionally, some patients might not be eligible for further surgery, particularly if they have been overcorrected. For patients who do choose to pursue further surgery, they should carefully review all the potential options and the risks associated with those options.

If the cause has to do with irregular removal of tissue, there are again two options: (a) gas permeable contact lenses, which can both smooth the irregularities and correct the refractive error; or (b) experimental "custom" laser procedures, which depending on the case may be a wavefront-guided procedure or a topography-guided procedure. These should be approached with particular caution as their effectiveness for complex cases has not been fully established.