I have read the central island definition. It eems to me that hyperopic surgery would cause central island more often since you are shaping around the edges and not the middle - ...anyway, an optometrist told me I had one. I know I can't see as well out of the eye, but he did NOT do a topography. Also this is my eye that first had PRK to flatten it, then hyperopic LASIK to treat PRK overcorrection. So wouldn't this be likely to cause central island? Also, what kind of vision problems do they cause, and how is it they can resolve on their own? What about steroids to treat?

The only way to diagnose a central island is with a topography. A topography is the only precise way to look at the shape of the cornea.

I would not say that having myopic PRK followed by a touch up with up hyperopic LASIK would increase the risk of a central island. Of course, if you have a central island, there are ways to treat this.

I wish I could provide more information. Please feel free to post a followup question

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL