About ten years ago I investigated RK and was told my prescription was beyond what could be safely corrected. I am currently considering Lasik and have already completed a considerable amount of research. However I am soliciting your input to confirm my current assumption. During a recent visit to my optometrist we discussed the procedure. I am planning to have it done in March. Based on his preliminary exam he indicated I am a good candidate. I will be scheduling my official pre-procedure visit sometime in February 2000.

My questions are:

1. Am I truly a good candidate and what can I expect my vision to be after the procedure, based on the following:
Right -8.25 -0.00 -
Left -6.75 -0.75 77
Dilated Pupil 5.5 cm, is anyone 6 and above in a high-risk category?
Corneal mapping (complete but don't know the numbers)
Tear break up time?
Corneal thickness?
I currently wear gas perm lenses and also require reading glasses. I assume I will still require reading glasses after the procedure.

2. I understand it may vary depending on pupil size and the amount of correction required, however, does having the procedure result in reduced contrast sensitivity in low-light conditions and possible require glasses for night driving?

3. Should I locate a doctor who will perform the procedure using the Visx Star S2 Scanning upgrade with software release 2.5 or higher? Or is there better hardware/software available that you would recommend to someone with my prescription?

4. How long does the average person need to go without gas perm contact lenses before having the procedure?

5. Can you recommend someone in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex to perform the procedure who:
- Has experience with my type of correction
- Uses a new blade with every patient
- Have a small percentage of patients with flap complications
- Small percentage of patients with infections
- Small number of patients requiring enhancement
Are these legitimate concerns?

Thank you in advance for your response. I am truly excited about the possibility of not requiring corrective lenses in the future.

There are many excellent LASIK surgeons in Dallas. I spent a year training under Dr. Jim McCulley at Southwestern Medical Center (). He has an excellent reputation, and does use the VISX laser (although as we have discussed on this many times in the past, there are many excellent laser systems, and it is the doctor not the type of laser that is the most important variable).
Other excellent surgeons include Wayne Bowman, who is also at the University. Brad Bowman (they are not related) is at the Cornea Associates of Texas on Greenville Avenue .
He also has an excellent reputation.

I hope this information is helpful

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL