I had lasik done last week (one eye on alternate days)and whilst the left eye went fine, there was a suction problem during the right eye which resulted in a partial flap and the surgeon abandoning the procedure. I am really concerned and have a few questions :
- what happened for this to occur as it seems to be a very rare occurence.My corneal flatness is around 41.0 (as this seems to be an area that the surgeon should have watched ?) Is this the fault of the surgeon or what ?
- what is the minimum absolutely safest period before I can go in for lasik again as my right eye has -6.50, -2.75, 60degrees which is a real problem in terms of the imbalance.
- my surgeon has recommended a contact lens for the right eye but the contact lens specialist has suggested a minimum wait of 2 weeks before she can fit me a lens.
- has this caused any possible damage to my corneal flap which may restrict or complicate the next procedure.

An incomplete flap is most certainly not a desired event, but normally is not the cause of permament vision problems. If you can see well now, you will probably see at least that well in the future and with healing you will probably see better.

The doctor was right to stop the procedure, reposition the flap, and give you time to heal. At about three months the flap should be affixed enough that another attempt would be appropriate, but the doctor will be able to examine you to be sure that three months is enough. It can be less, it can be more.

Sometimes the suction just fails on the microkeratome. It may have nothing to do with the flatness/steepness of your cornea.

The contact lens would probably be used as a "bandage" and is possibly not required. Check ith your surgeon if the two week delay is a concern. If your vision is affected by the incompete flap, contact lenses may be helpful.

While this is probably scary to you, what needs to be done to resolve an incomplete flap is reasonably well understood. It sounds like your doctor is following normal protocol for such an event.

Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

many thanks for your response. The reason I need contact lenses is because given my hoigh myopia and astigmatism, my vision in my right eye is weak and I therefore need to correct the vision using a contact lens. Is it safe to wear one and is it ok to redo the procedure in 3-6 months time.

You want to verify with your eye doctors, but wearing soft contact lenses after a partial flap normally does not present any unusual problems.

I expect that your doctor will be examining the healing progress of your incomplete flap. Those exams will determine when it is appropriate to do a second surgery. I suspect it will be after three months.

Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.