hello. I had custom lasik on 5/05/05. I was overcorrected and almost 3 weeks out stand at +1 in the left eye and +.75 in the right with a .50 astigmatism( I didn't have that in that eye before the surgery) I know that regression is accounted for, but I am curious to know what is the target that the surgeons overshoot initially? Also, how did I know get an astigmatism? Lastly, the new glasses that I had to get help with the computer but strangely enough make my vision crisper to see things far away? I can see 20/20 but the vision is not quality without the glasses. I had terrible eye strain prior to getting the glasses but I can't seem to tolerate them all the time for distance even though it makes thinks crisper? What is happening and realistically what can I expect in the near future. My doctor told me that if it corrects itself some I won't qualify for an enhancement? Why not? I would rather have been undercorrected or in this case switched back to nearsighted. I can't change what happened, but I would appreciate help moving forward. I am frustrated. Yes, I know there are always risks, but I tried to minimize those by going with a doctor that was highly recommended by many people including my own eye doctor and going with the custom lasik", paying 5600 for the eyes. It wasn't like I went to the 299 guys. I am wondering if that really matters at this point. thank you for any insight. Karen

I haven't had one reply to the message I posted. I was really hoping to get some help/peace of mind here. PLease help if you have some suggestions.

Deliberate overcorrection is a technique used by some doctors to allow for expected regression after refractive surgery. Most people with high myopia (nearsighted) vision correction will regress. To some degree, regression can be controlled by the use of medication, but mostly this is a part of the normal healing process.

A technique used to assist patients who are hyperopic after surgery and awaiting regression or enhancement surgery is CLAPIKS. Visit http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/clapiks.htm for details. This may be something to discuss with your doctor.

If you find you need enhancement surgery (http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/enhancement.htm), remember that hyperopic (farsighted) vision correction is significantly different than myopic correction with a very different set of expected outcomes. Visit http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/hyperopia.htm for details.

The astigmatism may have been induced by surgery, may be caused or exacerbated by minor dry eyes, and may regress along with the hyperopia.

If you are within 0.50 diopters of desired correction, the risk for enhancement may not be worth the small benefit. This may be why your doctor said enhancement may not be appropriate after you have regressed, but you need to discuss this with your doctor directly.

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.