Today I read responses to "Tricia" from Dr.'s Trattler and Tennen.

Dr. Trattler mentioned that birth control pills may contribute to regression. I am thinking about scheduling my appt. soon, but would like to know if I need to discontinue taking the pill. If I were to discontinue use, and then start again after the healing period, would it make a difference?

Also, if I were to become pregnant, say a year after surgery, are there possibilities that the eyes would regress and then not return to corrected state after pregnancy was over?

One more question: Who is recommended in the Phoenix area. I saw Stuart Sondheimer 2/99, but he has since returned to Ohio, and left his practice to Dr. Kian. A co-worker just went to Gary Hall last Thursday and she says everything went fine. Dr. Hall has had quite a few complaints registered with the Board of Med. Examiners (123, which I take to mean that he's done quite a few surgeries). He even travels to Guadalajara, Mexico to assist with Hyperopia correction. Should this number of complaints be a major concern to me, or has anyone found that alot of the time people just don't feel they were treated properly?

Your responses are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the job you do for this Forum. All of you are to be commended.

the key to the use of the pill around lasik is not that is causes regression, but that changes in hormone levels can effect the result. therefore, if you are thinking of changing the type of pill you use, or of stopping the pill altogether, i would do that 2-3 months prior to surgery.

as for pregnancy, it also represents an altered hormonal state, and therefore, you should avoid it until 2-3 months after lasik. during pregnancy, in all women, there can be visual changes just due to the fluid shifts. it's impossible to tell if you will be affected by this. some women require glasses just during pregnancy and go back to normal after delivery, regardless of lasik or not.

as for md recommendations, i would call ed shaw, a corneal specialist. dr hall is a business man first, although i'm sure he is wonderful surgeon. you really have to go by what you feel comfortable with.

good luck,

debra tennen, md