Q: My eight years old son has high myopia. His right eye number is -8.5 and left is -4.5. But he does not have clear and complete vision even after wearing the lenses. His vision is 12/6. What is the meaning of 12/6 vision? Can high myopia be treated with lasik surgery? Will my son be able to get complete vision with this surgery? What is the right age to go for this surgery?

A:6/12 vision (decimal 0.5) means that this child has central visual efficiency of approximately 85% (not 100%). It also suggests that the maximum retinal potential is 85% and that the vision does not improve beyond this. Performing any form of laser procedure for power will not improve the vision beyond this level of 6/12. Also, the myopic power is likely to progress as the child grows, and lasik treatment is contraindicated at this age. It should be considered only after the powers have stabilized for more than 1 year duration and the patient is 18 years or older.