It may be relevant to someone asking how sensitive flap position is over a certain period of time to see my experience posted earlier. I posted my scenario previously with no replies. It wasn't much of a bump that tweaked my results, and if I had known previously that this was possible I'd have sported goggles 24/7 for 3 weeks rather than compromise otherwise outstanding results! I'd really appreciate your feedback, because I am still trying to figure out if what I am experiencing is short term and nothing to lose sleep over.

In general, the flap heals quickly, and a small bump in general should not cause the flap to shift. If there was a shift, there should be signs, such as flap striae/ folds and potentially a change in topography.
We caution al patients to be extremely careful after LASIK so that any potential problems can be avoided.
For a person with a potential problem shortly after LASIK, one should see their surgeon immediately and try to determine what the cause is. Can the vision be refracted back to a sharp 20/20? is the slit lamp exam and tpography normal.
I will be happy to answer any further questions. Bestt of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Hello Dr/s, everyone,

I appreciate the availability of this site and others like it, where our questions, facts, concerns and problems can all be shared to everyone's hoped for benefit.

My particular concern is the overall health and healing of the eye after surgery, and not potential problems; the later being a marginally separate issue in my mind and one that I have been and will continue to investigate - and one which I would prefer not to discuss at this time.

There have been many meaningful answers to similar questions on this site (I remember someone from Pittsburgh and another from the UK having such questions) and corneal flap attachment, "glueing", "sutchering" are all terms I've observed being used.

In my case I've just been "approved" by a highly respected and competent doctor for this surgery. When I asked him how long it would be after Lasiks until my eyes would "completely healed" he said five years. However, after further research, I'm not sure that my question was interpreted exactly the same way it was intended. Put simply, I wish to know how long it takes before my eyes are healed to their original condition - before surgery - sans my current myopia, of course? Do they ever "really" heal back as they were, in the same manner that a cut on ones finger heals? Is the answer to this even known? (I should think it would be known at least from doctors experience with other corneal intrusive procedures, as well as from accident victims)

Please do answer if you can, since in any event - after requerying my doctor - I wish another opinion. And thank you very much in advance for all your help.

PS: I will take great issue with anyone replying to this message and using it an excuse to air their personal "issues" and "grievances", however well intentioned they may be.

~Bill

I am not sure how best to answer your question. With LASIK, a flap is made. The flap is replaced after surgery and adheres to the underlying cornea quickly. However, mild trauma during the first day can easily displace the flap.
Over time, the flap adheres further. Each person heals differently. After a few weeks, most flaps will not be injured with moderate trauma, but can be displaced with severe trauma.
Air bag injuries are a good example of discussing what can happen. Many patients have been struck with airbags without incident months to years after Lasik. However, there are a few case reports where the trauma from the airbag displaced the flap, requiring surgical repair. In the cases I am aware of, the flap has been placed back and no permanent vision loss occurred.
I should add that people without previous LASIK have lost vision from airbag traumas, as the airbag often hits the eye with severe force.
I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL