Hi I am having lasik on Feb 6, 2001. I am now hyperoptic due to my rk back in 93. Anyhow in my above posts are my exact refraction but I am plus 3s with astigmatism. My doctor said that with the lasik using the ladarvision, they will make me to some degree nearsighted. They said that as we dygress it should bring me back to 20/20 What do you all think?

LASIK can be done after RK, but you have to understand that there are risks with LASIK, and the risks are slightly higher with LASIK after RK. The biggest additional risk would be something called epithelial ingrowth through one of the old RK incision - so please talk with your doctor about this.
I can only say that lasik with the autonomous laser is effective, and that typically people who are hyperopic are left over-corrected (myopic) on the first day and there is some regression with time.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Lets say, there is ingrowth happening, tell me what happens then? Should I be on some sort of meds for that? Do I just need to be watched more carefully? Also I have always worn saftey glasses for work (I work outside as a garbage man) do I need to be even more careful to avoid contamination to my eyes to help prevent this ingrowth problem? Ps Thank you Dr. Bill for answering this for me, you have helped me out tons! Dave

Epithelial ingrowth is where surface cells called epithelium grow into and under the flap. This condition is uncommon, but occurs more commonly in enhancements and in patients with previous RK. If the epithelial cells grow under the flap, they may or may not need to be removed depending on their location and the amount. Sometimes people can get small amounts that will just stay the same size and not interfere with vision - and these cases can be observed.
However, other situations can be more severe. I am familiar with one doctor who had LASIK and ended up with epithelial ingrowth - and this has significantly impacted his vision. This was a person I know from another city, and at my LASIK center we have not had a case of epithelial ingrowth that has significantly impacted vision. So I can only say that this is something your doctor will look for closely, and if there was significant epithelial ingrowth, it generally can be treated. There are always risks, and so you need to go over this with your doctor.

I hope this helps. It is important that people considering LASIK understand the risks, but of course this makes things difficult for the patient, who hears about all of these risks and then has to decide if the benefits of LASIK outweigh the risks. This is where discussions with your surgeon are helpful.

Best of luck, and keep us informed of your progress

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

It all went really well. My flaps didnt come apart at all. My doctor said they looked perfect. I have an appointment this morning to see how I am doing. I can tell I am somewhat nearsighted, but will find out. The only hell of yesterday was the burning feeling that when on for 2-4 hours. Boy was I glad when that was over! Will keep you informed, and thanks for everything! Dave

I had RK in 1996 (right eye only), then in 2001 I
had Lasik over it, and have had nothing but problems since. Right after the surgery I had Sands of Saharra (?) had to keep going back getting checked, putting drops into my eye plus I have dry eye and they put a permanent plug in my eye, which is still there. They eventually said this was cleared up. Everyday it seemed my vision would be different, blurred, focus would change and I knew I could see no better. Went back and now they tell me it has regressed back to former state but they can do an enhancement. But not only that now I have epithelial ingrowth. I am so confussed and extremely upset. The last thing I want is to have my eye cut again. What should I do??? I need lots of professional opinions.