Millions of Filipinos struggle with blurred vision every day — some cannot see distant road signs clearly, while others find it hard to read up close. These common vision issues are called nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), both known as refractive errors.
In myopia, the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or the cornea is too steep. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry. People with myopia often squint to see far objects like classroom boards or traffic signs.
Meanwhile, hyperopia happens when the eye is shorter than usual or the cornea is too flat. Here, light focuses behind the retina, making nearby objects look unclear. This often leads to eye strain and headaches after reading or using digital screens.
Both conditions can occur at any age, and studies show that nearly 40% of Filipinos may have myopia, a number expected to rise due to increased screen time and limited outdoor activity.
How LASIK Works for Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser vision correction surgery that reshapes the cornea — the clear front part of the eye — so light focuses correctly on the retina.
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser or microkeratome creates a thin corneal flap. Then, an excimer laser gently reshapes the corneal tissue underneath.
- For nearsightedness (myopia): LASIK flattens the cornea, reducing its focusing power so distant objects become clear.
- For farsightedness (hyperopia): LASIK steepens the cornea, improving the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.
These controlled laser adjustments are measured in diopters (D), the unit used to describe your prescription. The goal is to achieve 20/20 vision or better — called uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA).
Recent studies show that over 95% of LASIK patients reach 20/20 vision or better, and most report long-term satisfaction with the results.
Can LASIK Correct Both Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?
Yes — LASIK can correct each condition individually, or even both if they occur in different eyes. This situation, called anisometropia, happens when one eye is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.
Your refractive surgeon can tailor the laser settings for each eye, correcting both conditions during one procedure. In some cases, doctors may recommend monovision LASIK, where one eye is optimized for distance and the other for near vision — particularly useful for patients over 40 who are developing presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects).
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Before undergoing LASIK, your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive eye screening to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. This involves tests such as:
- Corneal pachymetry (measuring corneal thickness)
- Corneal topography (mapping the shape of your cornea)
- Refraction tests for prescription stability
- Tear film evaluation to check for dryness
You must be at least 18 years old, have a stable prescription for at least one year, and have healthy corneas.
LASIK may not be ideal for those with very thin corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, or uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disease.
Results and Benefits of LASIK
The results of LASIK are typically noticeable within 24 hours, with vision improving progressively in the first week. Most patients report clear vision and spectacle independence after the procedure.
Benefits include:
- Clear vision without glasses or contacts
- Better field of vision
- Convenience for sports, work, and travel
- Increased confidence and visual comfort
According to global studies, LASIK has a 95–98% satisfaction rate, making it one of the most successful elective surgeries in the world.
Possible Side Effects and Safety
LASIK is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified ophthalmic surgeon. Still, patients may experience temporary dryness, glare, or halos during the healing period.
Rare complications such as overcorrection, undercorrection, or residual refractive error can occur, but they can usually be addressed with an enhancement procedure after the eyes stabilize.
Reputable eye centers like Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics conduct advanced diagnostic tests to minimize risks and ensure accurate, personalized treatment for every patient.
What If You’re Not a Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is suitable for LASIK — but there are alternative refractive surgery options:
- TransPRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Ideal for thinner corneas.
- CLEAR: Minimally invasive laser option.
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Recommended for high myopia or hyperopia.
- RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Often used for patients over 40 with early lens changes.
These procedures offer similar results and may be discussed with your doctor depending on your eye structure and lifestyle needs.
Post-LASIK Care and Vision Health Tips
After LASIK, maintaining healthy vision habits is essential:
- Follow your postoperative care instructions carefully.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or swimming for the first few weeks.
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and infection.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce digital eye strain.
- Schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your healing.
FAQs about LASIK for Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
Yes. LASIK can correct both conditions by reshaping the cornea to adjust how light focuses on the retina. If one eye is nearsighted and the other is farsighted (a condition called anisometropia), your surgeon can customize the laser settings for each eye.
Yes. LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. However, natural aging changes such as presbyopia may still affect near vision later in life — this is normal and not caused by the surgery itself.
No. You’ll receive numbing eye drops before the procedure, so it’s completely painless. Some patients feel mild pressure during surgery and slight dryness afterward, but these symptoms disappear within a few days.
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours and can return to work or daily activities within a day or two. Your doctor will confirm when it’s safe to drive and resume all normal tasks.
Shinagawa is one of the world’s leading LASIK centers, trusted by thousands of patients in the Philippines. With advanced laser technology and experienced refractive surgeons, you can expect precise, safe, and long-lasting results.
Seeing the Future Clearly with Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics
LASIK remains one of the safest and most effective ways to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, giving patients a clearer, more independent life. Whether you struggle with blurred distance vision, difficulty reading up close, or both, a personalized laser vision correction plan can help restore clarity.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, one of the world’s leading LASIK centers, advanced technology meets trusted expertise. Our board-certified eye surgeons use state-of-the-art excimer and femtosecond laser systems to deliver safe, precise, and long-lasting results.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Mayo Clinic. “LASIK surgery: Is it right for you?, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751″
- Cleveland Clinic. “LASIK Eye Surgery, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery”
- Cleveland Clinic. “LASIK Recovery Time: What You Need To Know, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lasik-recovery-time”
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Facts About LASIK Complications, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications”
- PubMed. “Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26875007/”
- PubMed. “Stability of refractive outcomes after hyperopic LASIK with and without Mitomycin C application: a randomized controlled trial, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39762309/”