Will myopia recur after laser eye surgery?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Laser eye surgery for myopia typically does not result in recurrence, but a phenomenon known as vision regression may occur. In most cases, the degree of regression is small and does not affect normal vision. Only a minority of individuals experience significant regression due to individual differences or improper visual habits. If there is a sudden decline in vision or eye discomfort after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended. Laser surgery corrects myopia by reshaping the cornea.

Laser eye surgery for myopia typically does not result in recurrence, but some patients may experience a degree of vision regression. In most cases, the regression is minor and does not affect normal vision. Only a small number of individuals show significant regression due to individual differences or poor visual habits. If there is sudden vision decline or eye discomfort after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Laser surgery corrects myopia by reshaping the cornea. During the procedure, the corneal stromal layer is precisely ablated. After surgery, the corneal structure remains stable and does not revert to its preoperative state, so true recurrence in the conventional sense does not occur.

Visual regression usually occurs within 1–2 years after surgery and is commonly caused by unstable myopia levels before surgery, excessive eye use post-surgery, or an overly strong corneal healing response. Patients with high myopia have a relatively slightly higher risk of regression, but this risk can be effectively reduced through proper postoperative care and healthy visual habits.

After surgery, patients should follow their doctor's instructions for regular check-ups, avoid prolonged near-work activities (take a 10-minute break every 40 minutes of eye use), maintain good eye hygiene to prevent infection, avoid strenuous exercise that could impact the eyes, and consume a diet rich in vitamins and protein to support corneal health.

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What should I do if my nearsightedness suddenly worsens?

If nearsightedness suddenly worsens, it is important to promptly undergo an eye examination to reassess vision, rule out eye diseases, adjust visual habits, improve the visual environment, and supplement nutrients beneficial for eye health, so as to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment of potential problems. If accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain, distorted vision, light sensitivity, or excessive tearing, immediate medical evaluation is recommended. A professional eye exam can accurately determine changes in myopia degree and distinguish between true myopia and pseudo-myopia.

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How to Get Rid of Myopia Glasses

To get rid of myopic glasses, common methods include laser surgery, implantable intraocular lenses, orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses), vision training, and controlling the progression of myopia. Eligible individuals may choose laser surgeries such as SMILE or LASIK, which adjust the corneal shape to correct refractive errors, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina. After surgery, clear vision can be achieved without the need for glasses.

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What is 500-degree myopia in terms of decimal visual acuity?

If an individual has strong accommodative ability of the eyes, even with 500 degrees of myopia, they may achieve around 0.2 visual acuity during a standard eye chart test by relying on the eye's natural accommodation, barely recognizing the larger optotypes on the chart. However, distant details still appear blurry, and prolonged visual tasks can easily cause eye strain. Therefore, they still need corrective devices to improve their vision.

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What is the highest degree of myopia?

From the perspective of common clinical classifications, myopia exceeding 600 degrees is considered high myopia, and over 1200 degrees is classified as very high myopia. Although these conditions are relatively rare in the general population, the number of individuals with high myopia has been gradually increasing due to changes in eye usage habits. Most patients with high myopia can maintain normal daily lives through appropriate correction, provided that no severe structural abnormalities have developed in the eye.