I have a para central island in one eye and, at the 6 month check-up, my doctor said I should wait for the VISX CAP program. He felt if he enhanced now he could only resolve 50% of the island. My question is, has anyone (patient or physician) ever been successful in eliminating a central island with an enhancement? It seems amazing that absolutely nothing can be done if one has a central island. Give me back my myopic eyes! Thanks. Jay

islands are currently treated by setting the laser to a small beam the size of the island and firing enough pulses to flatten the area to the same height as the rest of the cornea. it definitely does work. the new technology is to set the cornea to the machine that does the topography picture and thereby tell the computer of the laser what to do. if he has access to the cap program, i would opt for that treatment.

debra tennen,md

Dr. Tennen,

If I decide to wait for the VISX CAP program, can a contact lens improve my ghosting and visual acuity on the eye with the central island? Thanks.

Jay

jay,

a hard contact lens could improve the vision by creating a new smooth spherical surface for the eye. this will only last while the contact is in the eye. also, you will have to remove it for at least three weeks prior to enhancement to ensure the cornea is in it's natural shape.

debra tennen, md