LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

Iam a 54 year old male. Currently I wear acuvue 2 soft lens BC8.3, DIA14.0, -7.00. Iam considering lasik surgery and have recieved a few recomendations. One says the surgery could be done with the Visx star 2 laser, while another recommends the new Bosch & Lomb laser. Iam confused and question which laser will give me the best results taking into consideration my current eye sight. Please advise.

Answer:

We have researched this. Our findings are based on clinical outcomes. We chose the VISX S3.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I have booked a lasik surgery date of 1-25-01, but am concerned about a question posed to me by the Dr. - do I have a problem with keloiding after surgery? I have had some problem in the abdominal area, but not in other surgical areas. I've given him that information and he doesn't seem concerned, but if it's an issue, why did he ask in the first place. I don't want to be blind because I don't like wearing glasses. Any further info?

Answer:

Keloiding is a problem for patients who are having PRK, but does not seem to be a problem for people having LASIK. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I had Lasik surgery one month ago. I now have 20/50 in one eye and 20/80 in the other. It will be 3 months before I can have an enhancement. Can I wear contact lens until then? Thank you for your advice.

Answer:

I would not recommend it.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I am 34 years old and have never worn prescription glasses. (Although I think I needed them.) I had a complete eye exam 10 years ago and had like 20/40 vision at the time. I was still able to pass my drivers test without corrective lenses. My vision (nearsightedness)seems even worse lately with all the computer work I do. I am considering the Lasik procedure, but am wondering if there will be any issues since I don't have any history with prescriptions and vison stability. I would say both of my eyes see about about equally well and there has been no dramatic vision changes in the past 10 years. Anyone you can recommend in the Saint Paul, MN or Western Wisconsin area?

Answer:

You should have a LASIK consult. Then, repeat it again next year to see if you have a stable prescription. I recommend Dr. Ralph Chu.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

Hi! I am 22 years old ,have a -4 vision on both eyes and wish to perform a lasik eye surgery.What are the chances that problems may occur after the surgery? will i have a permanent 6/6 vision?

Answer:

Major problems are rare. Minor ones occur but are usually managed without longterm problems. Some problems can be permanent.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I had lasik eye surgery 3 yrs ago and for some time now my far vision does not seem as good as it was when I first got it done. Am I imagining things or is it possible that my eyes may need more surgery. I had an eye exam and it said I was 20/20 but I am having trouble with my far vision. Please let me know what you think. I hope I have explained myself well enough so you understand. Thank you

Answer:

The eyes can certainly change over time, and it is possible that more surgery would help. However, with 20/20 vision it may not be worth the risk to have any further work done, because your vision is really quite good. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

will lasik help a person with astigmatism and farsitedness in one eye and refractive amblyopia and nearsitedness in the other?

Answer:

The effect of LASIK would be similar to wearing contact lenses. That means you could have distance vision to the best of your eyes capability. The amblyopic eye will always be limited.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I had the LASIK surgery 8 months ago on both eyes and I am still having dryness problems in my right eye. I have been telling my doctor about this but he just told me to keep using artificial tears. I finally went to see a different doctor and he told me that there is a gap at the edge of my flap and gave me AlLrex to take for this. Now he is talking to me about wearing a contact lens. Will this ever heal up by itself? I have also been using Theratears and Bion Tears like crazy and they haven't been helping. I was told that my other option was to have my flap relifted but then I was told I will loose my 20/20 vision. Is this true?

Answer:

I'd return to your original doctor or go to see Dr. Barry Slloway in NYC.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I had RK surgery 10 years ago. My nearsightedness seems to be returning now. Is lasik surgery an option for me?

Answer:

Yes in most cases.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I have had PRK on my left eye and Lasik on my right. My right eye is about +1.00/+1.25 diopters overcorrected. Would a further treatment be of benefit and is it possibile to perform a second Lasik proceedure with minimal complication risk? How well does the eye react to a second corneal flap being cut.

Answer:

Usually, enhancements are performed by lifting the original flap, not cuting a new one. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, enhancements are easy to perform and have very few complications. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

Could you give me info(how is it different from other lasik procedures) on this new lasik software for people who have farsightedness with astigmatism and when is it expected to pass through the FDA.

Answer:

This new software isexpected to be available this month for the Autonomous LADARVision laser and within a few months for the VISX laser. The software directs the laser on how to move the laser light. Farsightedness with astigmatism requires a different pattern than farsightedness or astigmatism alone, both of which have already been approved by the FDA. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, California

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

Many of the questions I read regarding Lasik Surgery elude that the patient may need follow-up surgery after the initial surgery. How often and under what cicumstances does a patient need follow-up surgery?

Answer:

It depends on who does the surgery. In our practice the average enhancement rate is under 5%. However their are some patient types that have different rates.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

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