Has any research been done on scuba diving and eye pressure? I had lasik surgery in June 1999. Is there a minimum time period I should wait? Is there a maximum depth I can go? Also, I'm seriously considering an enhancement as I have a residual astigmatism and was overcorrected. Will scuba diving affect an enhancement? Any research in this regards?

Thank you,
Christie

I am copying Mark Hames answer from your other question on the same subject

Dear Christie,

My name is Mark Hames and I am the Refractive Surgery Coordinator for Dr. Debra G. Tennen. I am a scuba instructor as well as a member of the U.S. Navy.
You bring up a couple of good questions that the many people have certainly been interested in- including myself as I have had Laser Vision Correction performed. First of all, the Navy has done extensive research in the relation of pressure and PRK and they have found no drawbacks as of yet. I regularly dive to depths of 150 feet or more and I have not had any adverse effects either, since the surgery 3 years ago. My roomate had LASIK surgery and she dives with me quite often and there has not been any noticable change in her vision. And we have MANY patients here at Dr. Tennen's office who have had LASIK and are avid divers that have nothing but pleasant dives where they do not have to worry about their vision. The bottom line is that as we descend and equalize our air spaces (either in our body cavities or in the mask) there is no significant pressure pushing that would cause the eye to change shape or become damaged after the surgery. Even if your mask were to get dislodged at depth and the pressure of the water to be placed on your eyes you would still be alright.
As far as diving affecting possible future enhancements - once again there is no data to indicate that it would have any effect on it.
It looks as if you have nothing but "unlimited vis" ahead! Enjoy your diving.
Mark Hames

I went diving last week and everything went fine. I was a little panicky about the diving experience (not used to breathing only out of my mouth) at first, but I had no problems with my eyes. Thank you for such a complete response, Mark (an Dr. Trattler for forwarding the message).

Dive on,
Christie :)