Can someone please outline the additional risks
associated with a repeat surgery in the
case of an incomplete flap? The question relates
to my son (age 20, excellent health,
near sighted -6.5, corneal thickness 525 microns)
whose first attempt at LASIK resulted in an
incomplete flap, but appears to have 20/20
vision with glasses now after a few days of
the aborted surgery. Thanks.
Ram

You need to determine the reason for the incomplete flap. There are a number of factors involved, which can include mechanical malfunctions, doctor error, or undetected physical abnormality of the subject's eyes. A second and third opinion is proably in order. At any rate any of these factors is a huge RED FLAG.

Why take any more chances. Nature is trying to tell your son something. If something like that goes wrong during a so-called "safe and effective" procedure, don't you think something may "be up" with this case.

Getting LASIK at 20 is patently unwise in my opinion. The chance that his scrip may change over time is high, so the results of LASIK may indeed be fleeting. If the results are poor, how will your son live the next 60 or so years with bad vision?

LASIK seems to be a methode d'jour for looking better. It is fraught with problems and most long-term effects remain unknown. I wish I could still see my world clearly through my coke-bottle glasses. My world is now a hellish Hieronymous Bosch painting, for which neither contacts nor glasses can compensate.