LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

Thanks so much for your reply, Dr. Caster. God bless you. My question continues... I was over-corrected with the lasik initially leaving me with no reading ability and about 20/50 on good days with shadowing and the spokes and halos at night and dryness. If I now see without the double vision and need more power to see distance, my doctor wants to do the clear lens extraction and fit me with a rolled up plastic lens that is inserted into the eye like cataract patients get. This along with a gas permeable contact lens if needed after the lens is inserted would attempt to correct the dips and valleys in the scarred cornea when used with drops to fill in between the gas permeable contact lens and the cornea to help attain the distance vision I need. A cornea transplant is suggested in the future if I can't attain the desired vision with the lens insertion and the gas permeable contact lens. How can the custom-cornea technology help when the lasik procedure over-corrected and my cornea is too thin now for any further cornea work?

Answer:

Your situation is more complicated than I was aware of. Of your cornea is too thin for any further laser work, then you cannot have any more laser work. The clear lens extraction may be useful, but has certain drawbacks. Make sure that you discuss this with your doctor. Andrew Caster, MD

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

Question:

I am a police officer and am interested in Lasik Surgery. Is it true that if I should suffer from a blow to the head/face that it would cause permanant damage to the eye because of the Lasik procedure?

Answer:

LASIK does not weaken the eye, though the older RK surgery certain does. It is possible to move the flap if it is hit directly even several months later. This would cause a sudden blurriness of vision and your doctor would have to smooth the flap. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I am seriously considering LASIK surgery. What do I need to know before my consultation and what smart questions should I ask the doctor. Thank you.

Answer:

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you should not price shop when considering LASIK. Granted that some places are cheaper than others, but this should not be your primary concern. You should research your doctor. This is the most important thing you can do. How many eyes has he/she done? What kind of outcomes does the doctor have? These are two very important questions to ask. Go to the website listed below, and you can view many more questions that you can ask your doctor. http://209.157.186.247/faq/tough_questions.htm

Calvin Sprik, M.D.
Antigo, WI

Question:

My prescription is -3.75 and -4.75 myopia and -3.75 astigmatism. My pupils were 4 mm at my last eye exam and dilation. I am scheduled for Lasik on a Chiron Technolas 217. Am I a good candidate for Lasik? Is it likely that I will experience all of the night time vision problems (haloes and starburts). Also what is the likelihood I would experience wrinkles, islands and dry eyes? All of this is assuming that my cornea is not thin and my eyes are otherwise healthy. Thanks for your help. Cynthia

Answer:

The information you provided appears to indicate you are a good candidate. The risk of significant nightime visual problems is low. However, the important pupil size is that measured in dim illumination. It should not exceed 6-7 mm. The risk of significant dry eyes goes up with: a) past history of dry eyes with or without contacts, b) age > 40, and c) with certain medications.

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

Question:

Hi my wife wants to get corrective eye surgury performed and we are thinking about going to winnepeg, manitoba to get this done at lasik-vision canada is this organization very reputable? (lasik-vision.com) is there site address. thanks mark

Answer:

i haven't heard anything about this company, so i cannot speak about its reputation. What i can tell you is this. Make sure you research your choices very carefully. Canadian medicine is not regulated like medicine is regulated in the U.S. Don,t price shop! You're talking about your vision. Cost should NOT be a factor, but quality and experience should. Remember, if you have any problems or complications with your surgery, you must return to the place where you had it done to get the proper treatment that you need!

Calvin Sprik, M.D.
Antigo, WI

Question:

What is a reasonable amount of time for vision to come in extremely clearly after a LASIK procedure? When does a patient need to consider having an enhancement procedure done on an already-operated on eye? Thanks

Answer:

It takes about 3 months to reach your final vision after LASIK. If the vision is not clear at that time, then you should consider an enhancement. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

What is the price for the treatment of 2 eyes, LASIK. -4.25 and -5.25 plus a minor astigmas ?? eyes in good condition all ready checkt in hospital. Coming from Netherlands, and I hate waitinglist ! Thanks, ton veen, holland

Answer:

The total fee, including all medications, etc. is $4800. I know that you will be very happy with your result. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

What is the worst case scenario that can happen in lasik surgery? and are there cases where you need a corneal transplant, and if so what are the statistics of that happening?

Answer:

Dear Marcela, The worse case wuld be a corneal infection, resulting in scarring with blurred vision. A corneal transplant would probably be necessary- chances are probably less than .01%. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D. The Lasik Center (800) 841-3717

Question:

I had RK surgery done on both eyes three years ago to correct nearsightedness. My left eye was slightly over corrected at that time. Since then my left eye vision has become more farsighted. It is currently +1.50 Sphere. I am considering having Lasik surgery performed on my left eye in Winnipeg Canada. Would this be a good place to have it done?

Answer:

There are big differences in the quality of various doctors and laser centers, just as there are differences in every other service available. Check things out carefully. Sincerely, Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

How soon can I fly(from DC to California)after I have the LASIK surgery? Within 24 hours??

Answer:

Most patients can fly the day after LASIK. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

Since my LASIK procedure 2 months ago, I have experienced "floaters"in my field of vision. It is like looking thru a spotted window. These floaters move through out my eye when I look from right to left. There are a few big ones that really cloud my sight. Did dust get under my lens during the procedure?What is wrong? Can this be corrected?

Answer:

Dear Troy, The Lasik procedure does not cause "floaters" to appear in the eyes. These are caused when the inside of your eye (the vitreous) becomes progressively more fluid (a common change when you get older, or if you are near-sighted). Unfortunately there is no treatment for the floaters, which usually get better over time. Even though the above is usually true,I recommend you mention this to your ophthalmologist, in order that you have a full eye exam. (a retinal problem may also cause floaters). Sincerely Dr.A. Chebil M.D. (The Lasik Center)

Question:

Any problems with using Clariton for allegeries prior to Lasik surgery?

Answer:

It may cause dryness, which should be avoided pre-operatively. For a complimentary consultation, please call Pam at 1-800-824-1073.

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

Next Step

• Learn about LASIK Eye Surgery in the Articles Section
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