Hi, I also had a problem w/loss of suction on my left eye back in March. Right eye went fine. I was told to wait 3 months for another try. Went back in mid June and this time the flap was completely cut off and stuck in their machine. The flap was really damaged trying to get it out and put back in the correct spot. 6 days later I had surgery by another dr. to remove cells growing under it. The cell growth returned and another surgery was done in August and this time the flap was glued down.
During this entire time, my vision has been so distorted, sensitivity to light, etc, etc. It obviously wasn't goint to heal on its own.
2 weeks ago I had another surgery done by yet another dr. to remove the corneal flap completely because of the severe scar tissue and wrinkling. This was done in lieu of a corneal transplant which wasn't warranted at this time. The object is to get the cells to grow over where the cornea once was and hope for the best. A smoother surface at least. My vision in that eye a few months ago was 20/80 and is now about 20/50 with a non prescription lens. The removed the lens yesterday and my vision seems awful again. Even though it is 20/20 in the right eye, the left eye distorts everything. I am now to wait about 9 months for best results and am hoping for the best.
To say the least, this has taken its tole on me and my family.
Also, I'm seeking the advise of an attorney at this point only because the future for my sight is uncertain and medications and co payments are really adding up.
I have heard of a partial flap cut and a loose cap, but not both on one person. Any stories out there from physicians or patients?
Thanks

Your situation sounds awful...I can't imagine going through this and have my surgery scheduled in a few weeks. Needless to say, your situation makes me re-think my plans. Do you mind telling me what city you live in so I can avoid this particular piece of equipment? I hope all turns out well for you.

I am very sorry to hear about your challenging situation. Can you please clarify. You mentioned first that with your initial procedure - you lost suction. Was that before the flap was created - or did you have an actual partial (incomplete) flap.
As far as a free cap - those are typically uncommon - but obviously these can occur. Your risk of a free cap was independent of the partial flap.
Obviously your situation now is that you potentially have an irregular corneal surface. The next steps would be to determine your refractive error, corneal shape, and corneal thickness - and determine whether any type of reshaping procedure can be done. Of course - you need to wait for everything to be stable.
You may want to ask for a referral to a specialist that fits specialty contact lenses - as you may be able to get some improvement in your vision by being fit with an RGP lens, a scleral lens, or some other advanced lens design.
Best of luck - and keep us posted

Bill Trattler MD
Miami, FL

Suction was lost after the flap was created (incomplete cap)and then they stopped the procedure.
Three months later after I had the free cap was when all the problems started. I saw two specialists after this happened and trusted the advise and expertise of the second one. He was also completely removed from the original doctor. He did a wave front scan and couldn't get a reading because of all the scar tissue. After consulting with several colleagues we decided not to try to smooth the surface and went with the removal of the damaged lens. This was 3 weeks ago. I know I have to be patient because it could be several months before the cells completely cover and smooth out.
Yes, in the meantime I'm going to have to have a contact. Day to day activities are just too difficult and draining. I also need to find out if this will in any way hinder my recovery.
My list of questions next time I go back is getting longer and longer.
Thanks for your support

Thanks for your support. Don't do anything you're uncomfortable with. I hesitated for a few years and then went ahead with it.
I live in Northern California.
Hope all goes well with you.

when the machine lost suction and my flap tore off.I had to have epithlial cells removed which have been successful and only now i have an option to either wait for new technology (and see if there is any evidence why it happened) or to go ahead with surgery, the risk being that my vision will get worse. I have chosen the later, as my vision is stable, can't get a 100% reading like with glasses. But I know exactly what you are going through, this year has been extremely though, but it is better now my vision is stable. I find glasses and contact lenses help reduce the glare and merging into my good eye (the surgery was aborted so I didn't get my left eye done). I am going to wait a few years, and also there are hard lenses with soft lenses over the outside coming out soon which may be helpful. I am reluctant to do further surgery until the statistics are lower for anything further going wrong. Hope yours turns out ok.