I'm sorry this is long, but I want to be thorough. I saw your response regarding the ekc, but what about bacterial conjunctivitis? My appointment for LASIK is August 10 in Quebec, and I have nonrefundable airline tickets. I contracted conjunctivitis two weeks ago, treated it with Tobramycin drops and it came back again today (7/15/00) and I was prescribed Trimethoprim and Polymyxin B Sulfate drops.

Assuming this course works, is there any reason I would not be able to make the trip and have the procedure? Of course, if I still have the infection I presume that's a "no," but I was also wondering about the use of antibiotics prior to the procedure since they will be prescribing them for after.

On top of that I have genital herpes, never inadvertantly transferred to my eyes as far as I know. Should there be any concern there? I'll be asking these questions of my doctor but would certainly appreciate someone else's opinion as well. Thanks.

Can I ask why you would fly to Canada for LASIK? What will you do if you develop an infection after LASIK, or you develop flap inflammation (called sands of the sahara or DLK)? Or if you have inadvertant trauma with a flap slip a few days after LASIK?
What about the chance that you will need a retreatment?

If you are having recurrent conjunctivitis, there is a good chance that this could be viral. Many eye doctors treat with antibiotics even though the infection is caused by a virus (I do not know why many still do this).
With a viral conjunctivitis - there is a significant risk that you can develop post-viral corneal inflammation - in which case you would need to delay surgery by atleast weeks to months depending on the severity.
Again - this all goes in to my question as to why you would fly to Canada for surgery?

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

I'm going to Canada predominantly because the only person I know and trust who has had the procedure had his done there (Quebec), and many wealthy people he knows, who could travel anywhere in the world, travel to see this doctor. Also, the state of LASIK commercialization in Los Angeles has diminished my faith that any doctor here has my best interests in mind unless I opt for one who still charges $4,000 in spite of the LASIK invasion. From what I've learned about the doctor I chose, he's certainly the equivalent to the expensive LA doctors, but will ultimately cost less. My optometrist is certainly a bit peeved over my decision because he has been pushing the clinic he's in cahoo... affiliated with for a couple of years. He even tried to get me to change doctors to a clinic he recommended in Vancouver if I was set on Canada. He just doesn't get it.

I will be in the area for a week, enough time to cover the 24 hour and one week follow up visits. Beyond that, I at least have faith that someone in LA could handle any complication that may arise. Might even suffer an "I told you so" lecture from my regular optometrist. If not, then my hesitancy will then be validated. ;)

I haven't had conjunctivitis for many years and jinxed myself by actually thinking that I could tell that to my doctor. The next morning there is was. Considering the level of filthy green stuff, it's bacterial. I had a conversation with my MD about that, both of us being nearly anti-antibiotic. He wouldn't prescribe antibiotics if it wasn't any use. That's why I like him.

I hope I don't come off defense. Again, I'm just being thorough. I'm a secretary. I can't help myself. -- Carlene