LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

During a Lasik surgery procedure on my left eye my doctor found that my "flap" was too thin and aborted the procedure with out using the laser. How long do I have to wait before I can go back and have the procedure reperformed? And how long would I have to wait if I opted for PRK instead? Thank you in advance, Danielle

Answer:

I would recommend waiting four months before repeating the procedure. I would not recommend PRK at this time. If you would like us to evaluate your eyes more carefully to assess your particular situation, then please schedule a complimentary consultation by calling Pam at 1-800-824-1073.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Dear sir, I am considering having lasik surgery done to clear up my astigmatism. I read that if I have a certain type of vision problem, that often when a person gets older and starts to lose his vision do to age, the two problems being the oposite of each other balance themselves out. If I have this certain type of vision problem and have lasik surgery done, then when I get older and start to lose my vision due to age, the two problems will not balance each other out because I would have already eliminated one of the problems. Therefore I will be left with a vision problem due to old age and once again continue to have to use glasses. The story I read did not explain exactly which vision problem it was that balances itself with age so I can check if it is the problem I have. Is all this true? Can you explain a little more in detail how this balancing process works and if i'm better off waiting ? I'm 31 years old now. Thank you very much. Tobias Maes

Answer:

If astigmatism is your main problem, and if you need glasses for most or all tasks at distance and near, then you are not losing much. Presbyopia affects everyone ~40 y/o and gets worse with age. You will have to deal with it wether you have LASIK or not. People with low amounts of myopia (with little or no astigmatism) can take their glasses off to read. Those people need to understand that having their distance vision corrected means they will need glasses for reading. The best way to decide is to think about when you would prefer to wear glasses.

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

Question:

what exactly is astimatism, myo-astigmatism I think what my doctor told me I not quite sure what it is and he has told me that I will begin laser treatment at age 26, why is this so, and are there any other way to treat my condition? thanks.

Answer:

Dear Avery, Thank you for your letter. "Myopic astigmatism" is a combination of near-sightedness with an oval shape to the corneas. Once your prescription is stable you can be treated. Age is not usually the only criteria. Thank you Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

I am very nearsighted, with healthy corneas. How nearsighted can one be and still be a candidate for corrective surgery ? How safe is it, and can I wear contact lenses afterward in the event my vision cannot be corrected to 20/20

Answer:

Thank you for your email. We can treat up to -12 glasses with lasik. The procedure is very safe and most people can still wear contacts after, although I usually recommend a re-treatment if you are not satisfied with your vision. Sincerely, Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center

Question:

Will this be a permanent change to my vision? Will my vision change back or get worse? Typically what will the surgery cost for both eyes with myself being nearsighted and having an astigmatism?

Answer:

Yes, but other factors (cataracts,etc.)can influence your sight in the future. LASIK typically costs around $4500. total for both eyes.

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

Question:

I am farsighted. What have been the complications with LASIK? I have heard there are some problems with night vision expecially with people with large pupils. My pupils have been measured to be 7 mm. What is the max before complications with night vision? Also, is some typ e of sedation given to the patient?

Answer:

Dear Nancy, Than you for your email. Problems with night vision are more frequent with near-sightedness than far-sightedness. You may have problems with light sensitivity in the beginning. We usually give a low dose of Valium prior to the procedure. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Lasik Center

Question:

I am farsighted with the following vision perscription: OD +2.75 -075 177 OS +350 -100 162 Can my vision be corrected using lasik?

Answer:

Lasik will correct for the farsightedness but not theastigmatism. The software to correct for both will be available in just a few months. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Lasik Center

Question:

Doctor: I would like to ask you what the percentage of 20/20 or better is if my eyes are -1.00 and -1.25.How is the rehab. for the eyes? After the surgery, will my eyes ever even slightly go worse?Are there any risks? Thanks Sincerely, Steve Shelton

Answer:

Dear Steve, Thanks for your e-mail. 98% of patients I have treated have obtained 20/20 distance vision. The treatment will correct your vision as it stands today, but cannot predict further changes (most eyes are stable even 10 years later..as long as your prescription was stable for one year prior to treatment). Healing is very fast- most people return to work the next day. Like any surgery there are always risks.. you may wish to visit my web site at "www.lalasik.com" or "lzr.com". Thanks Dr. Alexandra Chebil

Question:

I had RK done over 10 years ago and now it is starting to deteriorate. My current (1 year) prescription is R.E: +350 -200 x 180, LE: +350 -250 x 5, add R+l +250. Is PRK/LASIK an answer ?

Answer:

Yes. Our results on patients who have had RK have been very encouraging. All of them are very happy with the improvement LASIK has given. Your type of refractive error appears to be best corrected by the "crossed cylinder technique". The software to do this is not FDA approved so it is not currently available in the USA.

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

Question:

I want to get Laser surgery and I want to know how good my eyes will be after the surgery.I'm 16 and my vision is -1.00 and -1.25.Can you please tell me the risks and the possible outcomes of the surgery.Also, how do you tell which surgery to get and what are the requirements?I want it very badly because I play sports.Glasses and contacts are both pains.I live in Colorado. Thanks Sincerely, Steve Shelton

Answer:

Dear Steve, thanks for your letter. I recommend waiting until 18 until your eyes have stabilized. Results of surgery are usually excellent with 20/20 vision most of the time. There rae very few complications and I think you would be quite happy wiht the vision. Thanks Dr. Alexandra Chebil (The Lasik Center)

Question:

How soon can I fly after lasik surgery?

Answer:

Hi! There are no restrictions regarding flight after Lasik . You can fly the same day (Just don't skydive!). Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil The Lasik Center

Question:

I am considering having the lasik procedure. Can you tell me how much of your cornea is used in the procedure. Is there a minimum cornea depth that is required for the procedure. I had all the tests done and I think my cornea is only 47 and I understand usually the cornea depth is 53. Am I taking additional risk because of my cornea depth.

Answer:

Hi Lisa, In answer to your question, the usual corneal flasp in Lasik is 160microns. The remaining cornea should be at least 200 microns. So a total of 360 should remain after the laser treatment. If you cornea is only 470 microns you could have lasik done for around -1.25 of myopia. This might be different if you are far-sighted and not near-sighted. You might need to have PRK done. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil

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