I attempted to have LASIK about 4 weeks ago. After a final examination we started the procedure. But they stopped after they cut the flap. The doctor said that for some unknown reason the Hansoatome microkeratome had not made a complete pass. He felt I should come back in about 3 months and try again. When I pushed to find out why it only cut a short flap he could not give me a reason but only speculations. He sad my corneas were a little flat (41) and that could have caused it. But assured me that this rarely happens and if attempted again would most likely be successful. The first cut was at 180 the next will be at 200. He did not feel that the machine had malfunctioned and could only say "It just happens sometimes". My vision is now a little fuzzy but he assures me that it looks great and is just healing. I am now a little concerned about trying it again and would like to know "If it just happens sometimes". My other concern is that this is being done in a mobile unit. Could this have been the cause are their any other issues with doing this in a mobile unit? I would like to hear if others have had the same experience and what the out come was.

Doug

Short flaps do occur. They can also be called incomplete flaps. The reason these occur is that the flap is made by a machine that occasionally does not operate perfectly even when set up perfectly by the surgeon. Fortunately - the short flap can be replaced and typically the vision will return to pre-surgery.
Recutting a flap can be done - although as with everything in life, there are risks. You should discuss the risks of a recut with your surgeon.
The bottom line is that incomplete flaps do occur and your surgeon did the right thing by aborting the surgery and recommending to wait until everything heals and stabalizes (which is typically 3 months).

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL