Is topography the only way to determine if a patient has DLK or Central Islands after LASIK surgery?
I went to my regular optometrist 6 mo. after having enhancement surgery and he stated that he saw what appeared to be "sands" but did not elaborate on any type of treatment.
He did no post-op or pre-op visits regarding the surgery, although he now does this in conjunction with a LASIK facility other than the one that performed my procedures.
I went to him for an eye exam since the doctor who did the post-op visits where my surgeries were done told me I had what appeared to be "islands" and tried to fit me with RGP's but they would not stay on my corneas and told me that the only alternative would be to wait for newer wavescan technology to be approved by the FDA. He said to check back with their office in 6 or 7 mo.
Now I was thoroughly confused and contacted the surgeon. (who by the way, has excellent credentials and was not one of those cut-rate docs performing LASIK for $500.00 an eye. His fee was pretty much competitive with surgeon's of his caliber). A topography was done at that visit with him. When I asked him why a doctor who works for him and is supposed to be trained to recognize complications would tell me I have a condition I do not have, he stated that a topography was not even done for him to make this determination and that he could not possibly know what he was talking about unless a topography was done. I requested my medical file from this facility. In looking over the records, I noticed that the visit with the doctor who told me I had DLK in March is not in the file. But the visit the week before is and it is notated on that day that on my return visit a topography was scheduled
for the next visit. There is no copy of a topography either. Unfortunatley, I don't remember if one was done on that last visit in March. Also in looking over the records, there are no topographies at all after my enhancement in Dec. 01. Shouldn't they have been done somewhat routinely as a follow-up?
What I am asking is the surgeon showed me a topography done the visit with him in which he stated that no red coloration was evident in the center which would indicate Central Islands. When I asked him about DLK he said that this would occur right after surgery not months later,
so my regular optometrist basically does not know what he is talking about.
I feel as if I am not getting an honest opinion of EXACTLY what my diagnosis is. My vision is 20/70 right eye and 20/50 left eye (uncorrected).
My best corrected vision before LASIK was 20/25 in both eyes.
I was also informed by the surgeon that he would now proceed with punctule plugs. No mention was ever made about dry eyes before this and the optometrist who works for him and sent me out the door in March never mentioned anything about my eyes being dry or any further treatment at their facility other than wfor newer technology.
I need to see another opthalmologist to determine exactly where to proceed from here. But I also need answers now regarding the topography issues.
Sorry for the length of this letter.
Lou
