My dr suggested a possible enhancement to correct my residual myopia and Astigmatism. To be honest, I am so afraid of an enhancement at this stage. My question is: how long will make an enhancement impossible to perform after the first LASIK? And if I want to wear contacts, will it be more dangerous for my eyes cpompared to those who haven't done the LASIK.

Thanks!!!

>My dr suggested a possible enhancement to
>correct my residual myopia and Astigmatism.
>To be honest, I am so
>afraid of an enhancement at this
>stage. My question is: how long
>will make an enhancement impossible to
>perform after the first LASIK? And
>if I want to wear contacts,
>will it be more dangerous for
>my eyes cpompared to those who
>haven't done the LASIK.

I prefer to call this a reoperation rather than an enhancement which makes it sound more trivial. The risk is less than your original surgery and anywhere from 4 to 15% of patients require a touch up surgery. you have to consider the minimal risk with what you have to gain. You can wear contact again if you choose with no additional risk
Dr. Salz
Los Angeles
>Thanks!!!

Enhancements are best performed within the first year after the original surgery. During this time in skilled hands flaps generally come up fairly easily. As time passes, however, flaps adheres more securely, and at some point for many people lifting the flap would induce too much trauma to be safe. In that case, another flap has to be cut, which has its own risks and is best avoided if possible. Even during the first year, lifting a flap comes with an increased risk of epi ingrowth, due to the rough edges often produced during the lifting process. This risk is in the 3% range for enhancements (much less for original surgeries). Epi ingrowth can usually be dealt with fairly easily, but on occasion it can become a serious complication (comedian Kathy Griffin is an example). As to contact lenses, if you can wear contact lenses now, you should be able to wear them after an enhancement. LASIK, in general, tends to make fitting contacts more difficult than usual, but it is almost always possible.

Bryce Carlson