I had this interesting question from Sophie:

Dear Mr. Allamby, My father has keratoconus, I believe he has had it a long time but was diagnosed officially at an eye test when he was 30 (he is now 50) will this affect my chances of laser eye surgery and would it be safe to proceed if I show no current symptoms (I am 21).

Many thanks, Sophie

Dear Sophie, Thanks for your question. Keratoconus (KC) is most often sporadic (not apparently inherited) but has been observed to run in some families. Typically it is first seen in adolescence. Around 80% of cases do not progress. As you are now 21, if you have KC there may well be changes in the corneas already so the best next step would be to see you for corneal scans. These are now very sophisticated at picking up even early changes of KC before they would affect your vision.

We perform thin-flap femtosecond LASIK with our new Crystal Line Ziemer down to 500 microns central corneal thickness (CCT). Below that we would normally do PRK, and also PRK if there is any slight irregularity in corneal shape. However, it is the appearance on the scans that is more important in your case, and CCT is only one of the risk factors we look at when considering suitability.

I am rather obsessed with safety, and any doubt whatsoever means I would advise against any treatment, even if you were very keen!

Zoe asked:

I am interested in laser eye surgery, but am very short sighted(-10) would it still be possible?

Zoe, yes it certainly may be possible. It will depend mainly on your corneal thickness and pupil size in the dark. The best way to know is to have a consultation and have the measurements taken. Not all patients are suitable at this level of prescription though. If LASIK is not possible, PRK with mitomycin may still be.
The WaveLight laser that I use takes relatively little tissue per dioptre, so I find we often have a good chance to treat higher myopia. If there is not quite enough tissue in the cornea, and you are 40+, a good option can be to leave you between -1D and -2D, so at least you will be able to read without any glasses.

Faisal asked:
I am short sighted, wearing glasses for almost 15 years. Just wanted to know whether I am a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery or not. Thanks

Faisal,
Being short sighted and wearing glasses for many years is typical. You will need a full consultation to determine if you are suitable for laser eye surgery. Some of the main factors will be the scans of your corneas, prescription, corneal thickness, and eye examination.