I had LASIK preformed yesterday. The right eye went fine. The doctor began the left eye, but then had to stop because the flap was not cut completely - a partial flap is what he told me. He said I could come back in about 3 months and try again. My questions are: 1) is it something I did to cause the partial flap (I was extremely nervous and not sure if this had anything to do wtih it) or 2)is this something the doctor had control over? He had over 80 patients scheduled this day and I was at the end of the day. Could he have been rushing and caused the problem? Any insignt would be helpful.

An incomplete flap occurs when the microkeratome machine gets stuck as it travels across the eye. The microkeratome can stop part way across occasionally, and this is not related to you or your level of nervousness.
As well - I can't imagine how being very busy earlier in the day would in any way lead to an incomplete flap.
The good news is that when this occurs, the vision remains unchanged - so no visual damage occurs. It requires the patient to remain patient for 3 months, at which point it is felt that creating a new flap is safe.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope this is helpful.

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

A related question on incomplete flap.
I had my Lasik procedure done last Friday. The right eye went okay. However, the left eye flap was cut incompletely. I was told that the cutting machine malfunctioned and cut a half-moon shape flap. Now, there is a cut on my flap right across the mid-line of my left eye pupil. The doctor placed a contact len to protect my left eye which also allowed me to see better. However, I am seeing double image - one on top of the other, caused by the slit across horizontally on my left eye flap. What caused the machine malfunction? Is it a common problem? The doctor told me that the scar may heal over 4-6 months, but he is not sure if the double image or blurring would completely go away. What is my chance for complete recovery (without any side effects)? What kind of protection the patients have from these machine malfunctions? Is anyone liable for cases like this?
I am very concerned if the damage is permanent. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi- If you read my message above 8-13-2000 (Joanie) you will see that we have had a very similar experience. What is really upsetting to me is that the surgeon said I moved which I didn't and the doctors answering my e-mail agree. If you have any additional insight into what you are going to do (have the surgery redone?, get your money back?, have someone else do it?) I would greatly appreciate it.

My husband was going to have lasik on july 18th. His right eye was cut but for some reason the machine did not cut enough which caused the doctor to abort and reschedule for november.

On september 10 (which will be almost 2 months after his eye was cut) my husband and I will be attending an important event for which he would like to wear his contact lenses instead of his thick glasses. My question is: can he wear his contacts safely for a day or two? I understand that the flap needs to heal and I am scared that wearing contacts could affect the healing or could cause the flap to open up again. Is this possible? could the contacts affect his vision or alter the measurements that the doctor has taken? what is your opinion about a "partial flap" patient wearing contacts?

Thank you !