LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

Dear Doctor: I had lasik done almost two years ago. I have lost alittle vision. -1. I was a big "eye rubber" and about 6 months after surgery started rubbing my eyes again. Could that have contributed to the loss of vision? I'm considering having a "touch up", mostly because I have such poor night vision. Contributing to that is the fact I have one eye for close up. That is now -2. How safe is a touch-up and is there any newer technology since I had my surgery?? Also, since the surgery I have had a large amount of floaters. If I do it again will I possibly get more floaters?? Thanks for your help JoAnn Richardson

Answer:

Dear Ms. Richardson, Eye rubbing has been associated with a corneal disorder called keratoconus in some patients and may lead to keraectasia in some patients after LASIK surgery as the cornea is made thinner by the procedure and the eye rubbing may lead to this condition. I would recommend that you have your eyes examined with an Orbscan corneal topographer to make sure that it is really safe to have anything else done at this time. Treating your eyes make make your situation worse if there is any ectasia already. The floaters are a separate issue as they are a sign of something going on in the retina and will need a complete dialated exam of the eye to be evaluated especially if you see any flashing lights. Sincerely, David Cano, M.D. West Palm Beach

Question:

Hi, I am considering going for a Lasik consultation to see if I would be a candidate for the surgery. I was evaluated for RK 5 years ago and was told that I could have the surgery, but that I would still need glasses to see perfectly. I wear gas permeable lenses and did not think this was a good trade off. My question is would Lasik, in general (since I am not sure of my vision data)be able to produce better results than the RK procedure? I don't want to waste my time or the doctor's for an evaluation if this was not possible. Thankyou for any info you could share.

Answer:

LASIK is a ble to treat most refractive errors. Be sure to keep your gas permeable contacts out a minimum of one week prior to your consult.

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

Question:

I've recently had LASIK done on both eyes. Immediately after the surgery the doctor lifted the flap again to rinse residual debris. 1 week has passed and the vision in that eye is still blurry. The doctor says I have microstria and wants to wait another week, lift the flap again and try to smooth it. Is this a reasonable approach? Can the flap be lifted 2 weeks after surgery? Successfully?

Answer:

The flap can certainly be lifted 2 weeks after surgery. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I have worn contacted lenses for approximately 26 year and am considering LASIK. Is it true that once you have had the LASIK surgery that you would never be able to wear contact lenses again, if needed? Hopefully, this wouldn't be necessary, but if so, I would hate to have to start wearing glasses.

Answer:

People who have LASIK certainly can wear contact lenses afterward, if needed. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

Can Lasik prevent a patient from being able to get cataract surgery later down the road if they need it?

Answer:

No, a person can have Lasik and later, if needed, have cataract surgery. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I have -5 Myopia with dry eyes and limited night vision. I'm comparing Lasik professionals in the Bay area to make a decision about going ahead with the proceedure. Can you tell me who has the best results? I've consulted Ellis Eye Institute,Dr. Bonnani at California Lasercenters in SF, Friedman & Holms in Monterey, and Dominican Eye Lasik Specialists in Santa Cruz. Do you have any statistics comparing results? Also some doctors are finding .25 astigmatism and some are not. Is it possible to have a variable astigmatism? This makes me more hesitant to do the Lasik, knowing that it is irreversible, not wanting to correct astigmatism since I'm not sure if I have an astigmatism or not.

Answer:

Dear Elyzabeth, We are not able to compare doctors for you -- that is your job. I would not worry about .25 of astigmatism. that can vary from measurement to measurement, and is such a small amount that it is really inconsequential. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, California

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I was about -9 in both eyes before having Lasik by the Nidek machine--I've found that I've regressed somewhat in about three months--is this typical and can it be corrected? I've really lost some crispness in my far vision as I've healed.

Answer:

In most cases, an enhancement can be performed. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I recently had lasik surgery. I had the Mono-type in my left eye and regular in my right. For around six days I have been having spasms under my left eye which causes slight twitches. It is not noticed by anyone but it kind of gets bothersome and I am worried it may have something to do with the sugery. Do you have any ideads as to why this is happening?

Answer:

Sometimes, slight irritation of the eye can cause these spasms. I would recommend using extra moisturinzing drops. If it doesn't go away,discuss it with your doctor. Andrew Caster,MD Beverly Hills, California

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I had Lasik for monovision done 18 months ago and an enhancement done on my right eye for slightly better distance vision, but was over corrected so that I have lost clarity of vision from 10 inches to about ten feet. They said that there is not enough tissue to correct this. Do I have any other options as now I must wear glasses much of the time otherwise, I get headaches from eye strain. Contacts are no longer comfortable.

Answer:

The holmium laser treatment, known as LTK, may be appropriate for you. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I am considering having bi-lateral Lasik surgery (for myopia)done in Canada versus here in New York. Is there any considerations besides cost that I should know about? Thanks.

Answer:

Personally, for something as important as your eyesight, I think cost should not be a consideration at all, at least within broad limits. There are very large differences in the quality of the results obtained by different centers, and this relates to the quality of the laser, the doctor, and the staff that maintains and calibrates the equipment. It is difficult for a consumer to assess these things. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I have a friend that has recently had lasik surgery. One of her eyes had a scuff. What exactly is a scuff and was it the Surgeon's fault?

Answer:

I'd need to know more. Itmay be an epithelial defect. That should heal in time.

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

Question:

I was evaluated for Lasik recently (at Castleman Eye Clinic) and told that my vision would be correctible but my cornea was not thick enough for Lasik. Would RK be an option for me or does it have the same restriction?

Answer:

What is your prescription?

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

Next Step

• Learn about LASIK Eye Surgery in the Articles Section
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