Lasik Eye Surgery

Reported by: Boston News 7

It's one of the most common medical procedures in the country. But is Lasik eye surgery safe for kids?

Lasik eye surgery has been around for almost a decade now. But doctors have been reluctant to perform the procedure on children. That mindset may be changing.

Nine-year-old Zeena Sagoo already has poor vision. It makes everyday takes a challenge.

May Sagoo, Mother
"Reading a book, or watching TV, or going outside to play, you know, tripping over things."

When glasses became a problem, she tried contact lenses. But still, her vision isn't perfect and the contacts bother her.

Zeena's mom wants her daughter to have Lasik eye surgery. The surgery, that uses a laser to re-shape the front of the eyeball, has become quite popular for adults. But most doctors won't perform the surgery on kids, saying a child's eyes are still developing.

But some doctors like Jonathan Davidorf believes the surgery can be safely done on some children.

Dr. Jonathan Davidorf, Ophthalmologist
 "The eyes will continue to develop, but they should continue to develop more or less similarly from that point on, so that they will be equal, more or less equal, as the child ages."

It is risky. The brief procedure requires the patient to lie absolutely still and stare at a specific point. But doctor Davidorf says the risks are outweighed by the benefits.

Only a handful of doctors are performing Lasik surgery on children. You do need to discuss each case with your doctor.