Research Confirms Safety and Effectiveness of Laser Vision Correction in Teenagers

Recent findings presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons highlight that laser eye surgery, specifically photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), is a safe and efficient method for correcting short-sightedness (myopia) in older teenagers. The study analyzed data from over 65,000 eyes treated between 2010 and 2024 at Care-Vision Laser Centers in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Myopia affects approximately one-third of children and teenagers worldwide, with increasing prevalence in recent years. While laser treatments such as PRK are commonly used to address myopia in adults, their application in teenagers has been debated due to concerns that ongoing eye growth could lead to unpredictable results or complications.

Dr. Avinoam Shye from Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa led the research, which aimed to evaluate whether PRK is a viable option for older teens who seek a permanent solution to their myopia when glasses or contact lenses are not ideal. The study grouped participants by age, comparing outcomes for 17-18-year-olds versus 19-40-year-olds.

Results demonstrated that teenagers exhibited excellent outcomes, with about 64% reaching 20/20 vision, surpassing the 59% achievement rate in adults. The need for repeat treatment was minimal at 0.41%, and adverse effects like haze or corneal ectasia were exceedingly rare in both groups. Importantly, the data suggests that when properly selected and screened, teenagers' eyes respond to laser correction as safely and effectively as adult eyes.

This research, being the largest of its kind, supports expanding the guidelines for laser correction to include well-motivated teenagers with stable myopia. Ongoing follow-up will monitor long-term safety and vision stability. Expert opinions from Professor Thomas Kohnen emphasize that with proper screening, PRK can be a suitable alternative to glasses or contact lenses for some teenagers.

Overall, the study provides strong evidence that laser vision correction, particularly PRK, can be a reliable and safe option for older adolescents, potentially transforming how myopia is treated in the younger population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-laser-short-sightedness-safe-effective.html