I am used to my crisp wonderful vision from gas permeable contact lenses. I have worn contacts for 30 years. Should I wait until some sort of lens implant is available (I'm aware that Intacs went out of business). I know I would be VERY unhappy with dry eyes, inability to see well in low light such as movie theatres, halos from car headlights, dry eyes. Should I just stick with my gas permeable contacts for now - my vision without contacts is not too terribly bad.
Answer 1:
Yes. Dry eyes and LASIK are a bad combination anyway and you will not see as well as you do with the RGP lenses.
I was evaluated today for LASIK by Dr. Dan Durrie, (Kansas City) who has been rated as one of the top 10 refractive surgeons in the country. I was disappointed to find out that I have thin corneas (480mk), large pupils (8mm dialated), and am extremely myopic (-8.5)( this part I already knew). Dr. Durrie said that it would not be safe to try to correct me fully with LASIK since my corneas are so thin. However, he mentioned the possibility of correcting me to approximately -2.0 with LASIK, and then after three months, insert the INTACS rings. He said that he has had a number of patients who have had both procedures done with good results. I am wondering if the combination of these two procedures is safe, what the risks are, what kind of vision can I expect to have for the three months in between surgeries, and any other useful information you may have. Would you advise having this done? I have heard nothing but excellent things about Dr. Durrie, but would welcome the additional information. Thanks.
Answer:
Dear Brad, I have to admit that I have not had any exerience with this type of "combined" procedure, and can not advise you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D.
The Lasik Center