Hi, I am going to be having lasik on Feb 6th and wanted to get an online opinion on what all of you think. I had Rk back in 1993. At that time I was nearsighted about at levels of -3 in both eyes with slight astigmatism. Here I am in 2001, my prescription hasnt changed in years but it is OD SPH +3.50 CYL -1.50 AXIS 090 OS SH +2.25 CYL -1.75 AXIS 095 Anyhow that is my prescription for glasses which are corrected so I see 20/15. My eye docter had set my prescription at that level but my eye surgeon said I dont need it that high.(this is not my question just background) Anyhow then in 1997 they tried lasso sutchers but after on month I had them taken out as I didnt really have enough benifit. Now I am going to have Lasik with the Ladarvision Laser and am curious as if any of the docters think I might have a chance of having normal vision after Lasik. I know your only guessing, you havent seen me just curious how this sounds. My corneas are thick enough, the lasso is completly healed and my rk incisons look great. What do you all think? Dave

LASIK can be very effective after RK, although getting one to the target final prescription is not quite as accurate compared to a patient who never had previous RK surgery. Of course, patients can have enhancements of their LASIK, so this would be an option of you ended up close but not perfect.
There are of coure risks with LASIK, and there is slightly more risk in a patient with previous RK - which could include a higher risk of epithelial ingrowth and as well occasionally the flap can "come apart" - like a wedge of pizza - but generally the piece can just be repositioned at the end of surgery.

We wish you the best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL