Hyperopic shift
Most people who have radial keratotomy (RK) surgery gradually become more farsighted for at least 8 to 10 years after surgery. This is called the hyperopic shift. It is not clear what causes the shift, how long it may continue, or how significant it may become.
The effect of the hyperopic shift depends on the person's age and whether the person is nearsighted or farsighted after the surgery:
An Overview of Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery
Vision correction surgery, also called refractive and laser eye surgery, is any surgical procedure used to correct vision problems. In recent years, tremendous advancements have been made in this field. After refractive and laser eye surgery, many patients report seeing better than they had at any other time in their lives. Most types of vision correction surgery work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina...
Read the An Overview of Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery article > >
- People who are still slightly nearsighted after surgery (undercorrected) may find that their distance vision improves gradually as the hyperopic shift occurs.
- People younger than 40 may not notice the hyperopic shift, because their eye can adjust to the change.
- People around age 40 may develop presbyopia sooner as a result of the hyperopic shift and may need reading glasses.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
On Eye Health
Today in Eye Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.