LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

Had LASIK performed 4 months ago. Initially 20/20 in both eyes, have now settled to 20/40 in both eyes. What is the optimum time to wait prior to an enhancement? And should I have one done are accept the 20/40 result? Thanks for your help! Bob

Answer 1:

Depending on your original correction and your corneal thickness, you need to be sure that it is safe to have anything else do

Answer 2:

The decision to have an enhancement is an individual one. Your surgeon should take the time to discuss why you have shifted and what your options are. Hopefully you had your surgery by a physician who is available to discuus your next step.

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

Question:

Iam a 54 year old male considering lasik correction. Currently Iam taking unaretic for hypertension(under control) and lipitor for high LDL count, as well as Enbrel 25mg twice weekly for control of limited Reiters syndrome(psoriatic arthritis). Need I have any concerns taking into account my medical history regarding the lasik surgery? Pleas advise.

Answer:

Dear Mr. Smith, LASIK may not be a problem for your medical conditions in general. Some conditions, such as Reiter's syndrome can have ocular manifestations. These include conjunctivitis, iritis and keratitis. If your ocular symptoms are chronic or recurring then I would avoid LASIK to be safe. David B. Cano, M.D. W. Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Laud. www.canovis

Question:

With me having to take Coumadin am I safe to have the Laser Vision Correction. This is something I'm interested in but don't know when I'll be able to. JL Stroud

Answer:

Because Coumadin is a blood thinner it may increase the potential for a reported serious LASIK complication, a subretinal/submacular hemorhage. People on bloodthinners should consider other means of refractive surgery if they are suitable candidates.(PRK/LASEK) Another option would be to come off the bloodthinners if you get the blessing of the doctor that prescribed them. Do not stop your blood thinners without consulting your primary medical doctor.

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

Question:

I am nearsighted and over forty. I am going to have LASIK surgery on one eye only to preserve my ability to read without glasses. I have worn a contact occasionally, but always put it in the right eye. Today I was told that my left eye is dominant. Should it be the one operated on for nearsightedness, or should I stick with the right eye?

Answer 1:

Although monovision is most commonly performed with the dominant eye for distance, many people actually prefer it the other way. You should test it both ways with your contact lenses before making a choice, and then choose whichever feels more visually comfortable to you. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly Hills, CA www.castervision.com

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Answer 2:

Donna, Recent studies have determined that eye dominance is not as big of a factor for choosing an eye for monovision. My gut instinct would lead me to suggest that you should choose your right eye as this is the eye you have used for distance in the past, but you may want to try a contact on the otherr eye to see if you prefer it the other way. David Cano, M.D. Jupiter, W. Palm Beach, Boca Raton, FL

Question:

I've decided on having my eyes corrected, I am also pregnant. Do I have to wait until I have the baby or can I have the surgery when I'm pregnant?

Answer:

You should wait until after you have had the baby and have stopped nursing for several months before you have LASIK. the hormones involved with pregnancy and nursing can change your vision slightly. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

Hi, I have a GPC (Giant Papillary Conjunctivtis) due to my contact lenses in december, now it begins to be better. Can i perform a lasik surgery with this eye problem ? Thanks for your answer, Geraldine

Answer:

GPC is not a problem for Lasik. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I am scheduled for a Lasik consultation next week. I suffer from seasonal allergies and am needing to take something for headaches, stuffiness, etc. Will certain medications affect the potential procedure? (I've taken Claritin in the past but had to stop because it dried my contact lenses out severely.)

Answer:

Claritin can definitely dry out your eyes. As far as other medications, discuss it with the doctor. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I had RK surgery done in February of 1993. Now my vision is starting to change. I know it will not correct my vision for reading, but my distance vision is getting worse. Is there anything that can be done or do i have to start wearing glasses again?

Answer:

LASIK can be performed on patients who had RK in the past. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I had LASIK eye surgery in May 2000 and my vision was perfect for about 2.5 months. Toady 2/8/01 my vision is 20/25 with my left eye being 20/70 with a slight stigmatism. Would you advise an enhancement at this time or not?

Answer:

I would recommend that you discuss it with your doctor. If he or she says that it is fine, then I would proceed. Andrew Caster, MD

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Question:

I had Lasik 3 weeks ago and my eyes are still pretty strained and tired by the end of the day. Is that part of the healing process? Also, I've been seeing black cobwebs in my line of sight somewhat frequently. I'm a little nervous.

Answer:

You should probably call your doctor about the cobwebs, but it is perfectly normal to have eyestrain during the healing process. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Andrew Caster, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills, CA

Next Step

• Learn about LASIK Eye Surgery in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Ophthalmology doctors in your area

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