I am a 39yo woman who had PRK in one eye in 8/96. I was left with irregular astigmatism and mild hyperopia. (+0.75D,-1.25 cylinder), with much glaring, ghosting
at night and what I describe as "smearing" in general. The astigmatism is only partially corrected with glasses. Three attempts to relieve the astigamatism using AK
were made with minimal success. Recently, my opthomologist has suggested I consider Lasik. What is the experience for using Lasik to resolve my problem (both
the hyperopia and irregular astigmatism in a one step procedure)? What is the risk of doing lasik after AK? Is the risk of Dry Eye or other complications increased
for someone who has had this much surgery? Are certain lasers better at correctig my problem than others (my opthomologist uses a Summit Laser--I have been
reading about new broad spot (?) lasers for the future.) I would truly like to have better vision in this eye so I would feel confident operating on my other eye (-6.0D,
-1.25cylinder) as living with two disparate eyes is uncomfortable....but I am also very skeptical and scared, at this point...

I don't know how LASIK would help irregular astigmatism and ghosting.
For patients with irregular astigmatism, most experts feel that they should wait for "customized" ablation, where the irrregularities can be programmed into the laser treatment. This technology appears to be 1-2 years away.

I wish I could offer more suggestions. Just try to figure out how LASIK would improve your problems - and if it really can't at this time, it is probably best to wait.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL