Is -14.5d too high for PRK?

[Cicina001]

Hi everyone.

I just found your community and am looking for a second opinion. I have had severe myopia my whole life, -14.5 in one eye, -11.25 in the other, with limited astigmatism -0.5, -1, respectively.

I have worn RGP lenses since I was a child and do really well with them.

I currently live in southern Italy and the doctor I saw today said I was a good candidate for PRK, but I'd like to verify that as I haven't seen anyone with -14+ report success with the surgery. I'm not one of those people who think doctors in other countries aren't as educated as US doctors, but I obviously would like to confirm this, since the last doctor I saw in the US (2005) said I wasn't a candidate.

Any information would help.

Thank you!

[Cicina001]

Thank you for the information, Dr. Oyakawa. I will look into phakic IOL. I have one more question, if you don't mind.

If I move forward with PRK, what kind of results could I expect? For example, I know people who have had laser surgery who still need to wear glasses to drive, read, etc ... I'm not sure if it is worth the risks if I'll still need corrective lenses.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I have done PRKs in this range.  However, I believe  phakic IOL may be a better option.

Dr. O.