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)?

The optometrist found my left eye has inflammation on Monday and gave me Flarex (fluorometholone acetate) to help control the inflammation. He told me it would take a couple weeks to heal. I wonder whether it would leave any marks on my cornea permanently? The eye is getting pretty dry too.

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.

For many people, an incolplete flap will heal over time. But you are asking about a scar associated with a malfunctioned keratome pass -so I do not know exactly what happenned. When the problem is only an incomplete pass, the procedure is aborted, and the flap is given 3-6 months to heal. Then LASIK can be performed after the flap has healed (so one has to wait a number of months)
My main question for you is - is with this type of complication, why are you not seeing your surgeon???? Your problem sounds serious.

I will be happy to answer specific questions for you.

Bill Trattler, MD
Maimi, FL

Hello. My husband also had an incident with a "malfunction of the machine" during his lasik surgery. The doctor claims that the blade was faulty, however, has not been seriously investigating the blade manufacturer. We just want to know what happened. In his situation, the flap was cut too thin. My husband was told to wait 3-6 months and have the surgery again. It has been 4 weeks and not one person has claimed responsibility. WE too are looking into the liability issue? If the surgeon is at fault we obviously do not want him to do the next surgery. Did you get any answers?

Hello. My husband also had an incident with a "malfunction of the machine" during his lasik surgery. The doctor claims that the blade was faulty, however, has not been seriously investigating the blade manufacturer. We just want to know what happened. In his situation, the flap was cut too thin. My husband was told to wait 3-6 months and have the surgery again. It has been 4 weeks and not one person has claimed responsibility. WE too are looking into the liability issue? If the surgeon is at fault we obviously do not want him to do the next surgery. Did you get any answers?

The machines do malfunction, as do humans. The problem with some patients is that they go to sleep when complications are being discussed, and want to raise hell if there has been a complication. THERE IS NO SURGERY WITHOUT THE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS-PERIOD., and most doctors I know, will do every thing within their power to ensure that their patients do well after their treatment-so try to differentiate a technical flaw from a deliberate intentional harm, and learn to have some faith.
Best Wishes'